Position Title:
Musical Theatre Associate Producer
Organization:
Touchstone Theatre develops and presents professional theatrical productions. We explore
the contemporary Canadian play through content and form. We stimulate public interest in
Canadian cultural perspectives. Company History: For over 38 years Touchstone Theatre has
been a mainstay of theatrical innovation and excellence on the West Coast. The
company's all-Canadian mandate has helped launch and develop some of the country's
most important playwrights and actors, and its substantial body of work has garnered over
70 local and national awards. Most of Touchstone's activities have fallen into one of the
following three categories: premiere productions of plays by local playwrights, second
productions of important plays premiered in other regions of Canada, and innovative
collective creations developed within the company. Within each category Touchstone has
explored a wide variety of styles and always stayed true to the exploratory and celebratory
spirit of the company. Former Artistic Directors have included Gordon McCall, John Cooper
and Roy Surette. At the start of the 1997/1998 season, Katrina Dunn succeeded Roy Surette
as Artistic Director, infusing Touchstone's mandate with her unique vision. Since then, the
level of activity at the company has increased and several new programs have been
implemented. A Playwright in Residence program has stepped up the company's
commitment to developing new work and given rise to plays such as Kevin Kerr's Governor
General's Award-Winning Unity (1918). With Norman Armour and Rumble Productions, she
made Touchstone a co-founder of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, which has
gone on to become one of the city's most important cultural events. With Martin Kinch at
the Playwrights Theatre Centre, she birthed the Flying Start program, which gives both a
development and production opportunity to a new professional playwright every two years.
With Rachel Ditor at the Arts Club, she launched In Tune, which supports new Canadian
musicals on a biennial schedule. Now in its fourth decade of production Touchstone
remains a lightning rod of theatrical activity. Its purely Canadian focus makes it unique in its
region, and its reputation for excellence has earned the respect of audience, critics and
colleagues.
Description:
The Music Theatre Associate Producer will support a very busy time at Touchstone Theatre
on two large scale Music Theatre Initiatives. The first is In Tune 2015, a 10 day development
and showcase event focused on Granville Island that aims to support and raise the profile
of new Canadian musicals. From June 12th to 21st over 100 artists will take part in
development workshops, master classes, panel discussions and showcases exploring the
current renaissance in the genre in Canada. The second initiative is Touchstone and Patrick
Street Productions world premiere production of the new musical The Best Laid Plans, based
on Terry Fallis' award-winning novel. Through the month of August the large ensemble will be
in rehearsal for the September unveiling. The Associate Producer position will fill keys roles in
both initiatives, to be determined by the candidate’s strengths and interests.
Qualifications:
Assets to this position would be an interest in the interface of Music and Theatre in any of its
forms. Ability to read music, and or proficiency as a musician or singer would also help,
though no performing opportunities will be offered. An ideal candidate would have
excellent organizational skills, and an ability to interface with a wide variety of artists and
general public. Basic computer skills and social media know how are also required. Skills in
any of the following would also be considered an asset: box office, front of house,
fundraising, event management, and teaching.
Dates:
May-Aug
Organization contact:
Touchstone Theatre
Laurie-Ann Goodwin, General Manager
Deadline to apply:
Send applications to Chelsea Hunter, Internship coordinator, by no later than April 1, 2015,
4:00pm.