Fairytale Players Program Manager

Reports to: Executive Artistic Director

Supervises: Touring Stage Managers and Actors

Summary of Position: Golden Thread Productions seeks a Program Manager to expand the representation of Middle Eastern narratives through our theatre for young audiences program. Golden Thread Fairytale Players uses epic storytelling, puppetry, song, dance, circus arts techniques, and Middle Eastern languages to create engaging performances based on traditions and folklore from the Middle East that draw from enriching folk tales and timeless historical texts. The goal of this position is to successfully manage a robust and impactful program through production and touring activities and implement strategies for long term sustainability. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced teaching artist or arts educator with a desire to champion a unique and dynamic repertoire of performances that broaden and develop deeper appreciation for diverse cultural traditions. https://goldenthread.org/programs/fairytale-players/

PURPOSE – Under the direction of the Executive Artistic Director and in close collaboration with the Managing Director, the Program Manager will be responsible for managing the main elements of the program including the production of new and/or remounted plays, the annual spring and fall touring of plays to schools, libraries, and community centers, and the strategizing of the program through partnerships, funding opportunities, and impact assessment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Production:

• Create and manage production schedule, including production meetings, rehearsals, and auditions.
• Develop and monitor the production budget.
• Renew annual AEA season agreement and submit ongoing reports.
• Process artist contracts and payments.
• Develop activity guides and/or lesson plans.

Tour management and logistics:

• Secure bookings and manage tour logistics including presenter/host requirements, outreach/marketing materials, and educational materials.
• Maintain touring roster and identify new performance opportunities.
• Solicit and collect feedback from educators and audiences.
• Process invoices and payments.

Program evaluation and strategy:

• Assess and evaluate the ongoing program.
• Develop objectives and strategies to maintain relevance and increase impact.
• Research and develop revenue options for the program.
• Explore partnership opportunities and meet with community groups and government agencies to explore programming needs.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience working as a performance artist, teacher and/or program facilitator within a social services organization.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to analyze priorities and manage workflow.
• Ability to work both independently and on projects with others.
• Strong troubleshooting capabilities, with a flexible and innovative approach to problem solving.
• A dedication to working within the guiding vision of the company including a passion for transformative stories, perspectives, and voices, respect for an artist-centered and MENA focused approach and an appreciation for health and balance in our art practice and our lives.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and the ability to work with diverse groups of artists and audiences. A political awareness of and sensitivity to the plurality of thought and culture both within the Middle East and its world-wide diaspora would be a plus.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications, including Word, Excel, Email and Google.
• Must be able to push or pull objects weighing up to 30 pounds, and lift or carry objects weighing up to 15 pounds.

The ideal candidate will be a theatre professional fluent in State and National education standards with a degree in Theatre Education or equivalent knowledge. Experience in Theatre for Young Audiences, including a working understanding of Actors’ Equity TYA guidelines is preferred.

We believe that people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We encourage candidates to review the responsibilities and qualifications above. If you believe you have the transferable skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this role, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information:

This is a part-time, non-exempt, 20 to 25 hour per week position, reporting to the Executive Artistic Director. Pay will be commensurate with experience and ranges between $22-$25/hour. Our offices are located in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood. Benefits include paid time off. Some work may be done remotely.

Golden Thread Productions provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or gender. Golden Thread is a current member of Theater Communications Group’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Institute.

Application Instructions:

Please email a resume and a detailed cover letter explaining your interest in the position and our organization, along with three or more references from current and/or former supervisors, to michelle@goldenthread.org, subject line: Fairytale Players Program Manager.

No phone calls or packets by regular mail, please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will the position will remain upon until filled. Early submissions are encouraged. Ideal start date: November 30, 2021.