About the Program: The Theatre Centre has partnered with Leslie McCue and Central Fire to provide an opportunity for an Indigenous artist who is interested in being a Creative Producer. This paid program will provide hands-on mentorship and support for an artist to develop their skills as a Creative Producer.

Through our own observations, as well as in discussion with Indigenous artists and community, it has been made clear to The Theatre Centre that there is a need for Indigenous producers, as well as opportunities and access to training. This opportunity was created to assist in addressing this gap and to provide the sector with Indigenous Creative Producers who can support both Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists with dynamic and intuitive administrative support.

This is a paid training opportunity, offering an honorarium of $15,000 for the approximate 12 months, as well as financial support for national and international travel related to the program. There may also be additional financial support available for daily travel needs if required. The program will run from May 2020 to May 2021.

About the Role: A Creative Producer is present from the early stages of a project and blurs the lines between management and creation throughout the process. They use their intimate knowledge of the creation process to build creative capacity, rigorously supporting the artist throughout each phase of development, and finding new ways for the work to have a life beyond first production. As a leading incubator and producer of new performance, The Theatre Centre is uniquely positioned to offer a Creative Producer the opportunity for on-the-job training and mentorship, working closely with a number of artists whose works are all at different stages of development, production, and touring.

The Creative producer will use the projects in The Theatre Centre Residency program to live-test their learning – from idea to production to moving the work. The Theatre Centre is committed to having at least one Indigenous-led project in Residency, additionally this year we have opened up a spot for a Comedian in Residence; there is a wide variety of artists and opportunities available through Residency.

The time commitment will vary month to month depending on the projects you’re working with, and your own schedule. Additionally, there will be opportunities made available to work with Central Fire, or other sister organizations (like Kaha:wi Dance) on a monthly basis depending on your interests.

About the Applicants:

• You are an Indigenous artist with some interest, or experience in producing live performance, but you’ve identified gaps in your knowledge.
• You are interested in touring performance, nationally and internationally.
• You enjoy working with, or want to begin working with artists throughout the entire creation process – from idea through to production and touring.
• You have a specific interest in new work – creation & development.
• You like to travel, and see new work by a wide range of artists across disciplines.
• You have demonstrated a desire to build a career producing live performance.

About the Mentors: In addition to working closely with The Theatre Centre’s Artistic Director Aislinn Rose, and Producer, Alexis Eastman, the Creative Producer will also have regular access to several experienced external mentors.

Judy Harquail is the Director of Programs at Ontario Presents, and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA). The Theatre Centre has already directly benefited from not only Judy’s knowledge, but her eagerness to share that knowledge and network with the community. Judy will be able to help our Creative Producer begin to create networks & relationships of their own.

Karilyn Brown is the former Director at Performing Lines in Australia, an organization committed to producing & touring new Australian works. When Aislinn met Karilyn in Australia in 2017, they realized there were opportunities ahead for reciprocal learning and resource exchanges, and this training program is just the first opportunity to bring Karilyn’s extensive knowledge and networks to Canada.

Leslie McCue is a proud member of the Mississaugas of Curve Lake First Nation. Leslie is an arts administrator, artist, performer and educator who is dedicated to raising cultural awareness, while supporting community any way she can. Her work is driven by her past, passion to educate and the motivation to empower others. Leslie is the Administrator for Chocolate Woman Collective, the Coordinator for the Royal Ontario Museum Youth Cabinet, an Indigenous Knowledge Resource Teacher and a Resident Artist Educator for Young People’s Theatre. Leslie has a three-year Fellowship with the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA).

About The Theatre Centre: In 2014, The Theatre Centre completed a $6.2 million transformation of an iconic heritage building into a live arts hub and incubator, and a permanent home for the company. Since that time, we’ve established ourselves as a cultural & community hub in the heart of West Queen West. Always questioning the notion of “what can a theatre be?”, we are open and accessible every day of the week, providing a public space to the neighbourhood with free wifi, delicious coffee, and unbelievable baked goods, made in-house by our Baker-in-Residence. It’s the most dangerous thing about working here. We continue to be known for having research & development at the heart of our artistic activities, through our long-term Residency Program. Recently among our 6 Residency companies have been a choreographer, a performance artist, and a neurologist. No two projects are alike.

About Your Application: We’d like to get a sense of who you are, what you’re interested in, and why you think this program could help you in your career. In addition to your resume, please send us either a short letter, or a link to a video or sound file (3-5 minutes max) telling us about yourself and your interest in training as a Creative Producer at The Theatre Centre. Applications are due April 14th at 11:59 pm, and can be sent to [email protected]. Letters and resumes should be in PDF.

Click here to download the application.

The Theatre Centre is committed to employment equity. We warmly encourage applications from queer, transgender and two-spirited people, First Nations, Inuit & Métis, people of colour, and people with disabilities. The Theatre Centre is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in all parts of the hiring process. If you require accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.