Artistic Director
SaskExpress, the province’s premiere musical theatre company is currently looking for our next Artistic Director. If you believe you possess the right mix of artistic passion and organizational leadership, please submit your resume along with a cover letter explaining what you see as your artistic vision for the organization to board@saskexpress.com.
Employment type: Full Time
Location: Based in Regina, Saskatchewan
Salary: $60,000 - $65,000
Closing date: September 11, 2026
1. Position Summary
The Artistic Director (AD) is the senior artistic leader of Saskatchewan Express Society Inc. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working collaboratively with the Executive Director, Studio Directors, staff, contractors and volunteers, the AD is responsible for the artistic vision, programming, and creative leadership of SaskExpress across its two studio locations, and touring production group. The AD ensures that SaskExpress delivers high‑quality, innovative, and community‑focused musical theatre experiences that reflect the organization’s mission and provincial reach.
The AD oversees artistic staff, instructors, choreographers, directors, and production personnel, and works closely with administrative leadership to ensure artistic excellence is balanced with operational and financial sustainability.
2. Governance & Reporting Relationship
- Reports to the Board of Directors.
- Provides artistic planning updates and strategic recommendations to the Governing Board as required.
- Collaborates with the Executive Director to align artistic programming with organizational goals, financial realities, and community needs.
- Serves as the key advisor on artistic policy, programming direction, and long‑term artistic strategy.
3. Key Responsibilities
A. Artistic Vision & Leadership
- Develop and articulate a clear artistic vision for SaskExpress that reflects its mandate as a provincial musical theatre company.
- Lead the artistic planning for all productions, performances, and creative initiatives across both studios.
- Ensure programming reflects the organization’s mission, values, artistic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement.
- Stay informed of emerging trends in musical theatre, dance, and arts education to keep SaskExpress current and innovative.
- Represent SaskExpress’ artistic values to the public, partners, and stakeholders.
B. Seasonal Productions (Youth & Adult)
- Oversee the artistic development, planning, and execution of all seasonal productions
- Select or approve show titles, creative teams, choreographers, directors, and designers.
- Cast productions in collaboration with creative staff; oversee auditions and callbacks.
- Ensure rehearsal processes are well‑structured, supportive, and aligned with SaskExpress’ artistic standards.
- Supervise all artistic elements including choreography, staging, music direction, design, and performance quality.
- Attend rehearsals, production meetings, technical rehearsals, and performances as required.
- Ensure scope of productions are in keeping with approved budgets
C. Studio Programming & Education Oversight
- Provide artistic leadership for both SaskExpress studio locations.
- Work with studio managers and instructors to ensure high‑quality training in all aspects of musical theatre. (dance, voice, acting, stagecraft)
- Support curriculum development, class planning, and artistic standards across all levels.
- Teach classes, workshops, or rehearsals as appropriate.
- Mentor instructors and emerging artists.
- Ensure programming supports students of all ages and experience levels.
D. Artistic Staff Leadership & Collaboration
- Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate artistic staff including choreographers, directors, instructors, designers, and guest artists.
- As the direct report to the Studio Directors, provide leadership and evaluation
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive artistic environment.
- Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for artistic personnel.
- Ensure clear communication of artistic expectations, rehearsal schedules, and production policies.
E. Community Engagement & Representation
- Serve as a public ambassador for SaskExpress’ artistic work.
- Build and maintain relationships with artists, arts organizations, schools, community partners, and funders.
- Support marketing and development initiatives by participating in interviews, promotional events, and donor engagement activities.
- Promote and advocate SaskExpress’ role as a leader in musical theatre training and performance in Saskatchewan.
F. Administrative & Operational Collaboration
- Work closely with the Executive Director to ensure artistic decisions align with budgetary and operational realities.
- Participate in season planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
- Provide artistic input for grant applications, fundraising initiatives, and strategic planning.
- Ensure compliance with safety, equity, and professional standards in all artistic activities.
- Recommend capital purchases related to artistic programming
- Ensure administrative responsibilities and reports are completed and submitted in a timely fashion
4. Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Minimum 7–10 years of experience in artistic leadership, directing, choreography, or arts education within a theatre or performing arts organization.
- Experience working with youth and adult performers in both training and production settings.
- Demonstrated experience producing or directing musical theatre.
- Experience with touring productions or multi‑site programming is an asset.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong artistic vision and understanding of musical theatre, dance, and performance training.
- Script development, writing and adaption
- Excellent leadership, mentorship, and team‑building skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to balance artistic ambition with organizational capacity and financial considerations.
- Knowledge of production processes, design disciplines, and technical theatre.
- Ability to work collaboratively with administrative leadership and creative teams.
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
- Ability to express artistic vision for purposes of grant and fundraising applications.
5. Working Conditions
- Full‑time position based in Regina, Saskatchewan.
- Evening and weekend work required during rehearsals, performances, and touring periods.
- Travel required for touring, community engagement, and studio oversight.
