Artistic Director

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre seeks a bold, collaborative, and community-driven Artistic Director to lead its next chapter of artistic excellence. This is a part-time artistic leadership position responsible for shaping the creative vision, programming, casting, and production standards of a four-show annual season. The Artistic Director serves as the artistic leader of the organization and works in partnership with the Managing Director and Board of Directors to ensure artistic integrity, financial responsibility, and mission alignment.

Position Overview

Establishing and advancing the artistic direction of the theatre

Curating and proposing a four-production annual season

Directing one (1) mainstage production per season

Operate within board approved budget and participate in budget planning discussions

Leading all casting processes

Hiring directors and creative teams

Maintaining strong artistic and rehearsal standards

Serving as an ambassador to donors and funders requiring comfort with grant budgeting, institutional relationships, and community engagements

Key Responsibilities Artistic Leadership & Programming

Develop and articulate a compelling artistic vision

Direct one (1) production per season

Select and propose a balanced and mission‑aligned season

Ensure high production standards across all programming

Maintain awareness of trends and opportunities in the storefront theatre landscape

Casting & Creative Hiring

Lead and oversee all auditions and casting decisions

Cultivate and maintain a diverse and dynamic Chicago talent network

Select directors, designers, and key artistic collaborators

Ensure professional rehearsal environments and artist accountability

Grant & Development Collaboration

Provide artistic narratives for grant applications

Partner in identifying grant opportunities

Participate in donor cultivation events

Present artistic vision to major donors and sponsors

Support community‑based funding initiatives

Community & Industry Engagement

Maintain active presence within Chicago’s storefront and regional theatre community

Build partnerships with educational and cultural institutions

Engage audiences through programming and public representation

Ideal Candidate Profile

Deep knowledge of Chicago’s storefront theatre landscape

Experience working at both storefront and regional theatre levels

A strong directing and/or technical theatre resume with a record of successful productions

Experience with education and community engagement programming

Familiarity with community grants and institutional funding processes

Demonstrated success participating in donor relations and fundraising efforts

Strong leadership, communication, and collaborative skills

Compensation & Structure

Part‑time position, 20–30 hours per week, varying during the producing cycle

Salary: $27,000 annually, with participation in the Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Savings

Directing one mainstage production required

Works in close partnership with the Managing Director

Reports to the Board of Directors

How To Apply

Please submit a résumé and cover letter in PDF format to theo@artsprogress.com.

The application deadline is Friday, April 10th.

Theo Ubique is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on individual qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, status with respect to public assistance, veteran status, or other status protected by law.

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