ede2 Artistic Director at The Evanston Dance Ensemble

Job Title
Artistic Director – ede2

Employer
Evanston Dance Ensemble (EDE)

Position Type
Part-time employee

Location
Evanston, IL

Start Date
On or about July 15

Time Commitment
Approximately 12–18 hours/week (Mid July–March), averaging ~15 hours/week across the season (~550–575 total hours). Hours vary based on rehearsal schedule, community performances, and production periods, with increased time required during touring and spring production weeks.

Compensation
$12,000 W-2

About EDE & ede2
Evanston Dance Ensemble (EDE) creates inventive, high-quality performances while nurturing the artistry of young dancers and reflecting the diversity of our community through inclusivity and collaboration. Founded in 2012, ede2 is EDE’s second company, featuring 7th and 8th grade dancers. Each season, the company creates an original dance theatre work inspired by themes such as creativity, friendship, and beloved childhood stories. ede2 is community-focused, performing in libraries, schools, cultural arts centers, and other local venues, culminating in a mainstage production at Evanston’s Studio5 Performing Arts Center. The size of the company falls between 10 and 20 each season.

Position Overview
This role offers the opportunity to lead the creation of a full-length original work within a collaborative and well-supported program structure. The ede2 Artistic Director sets the artistic vision for ede2, and leads the creation, planning, and execution of the season—from concept through performance. Working in close collaboration with the Assistant Artistic Director (execution), Company Manager (logistics), and EDE Artistic Director (organizational alignment), the Artistic Director ensures cohesive, high‑quality artistic and production outcomes across rehearsals, community performances, and the mainstage production. Administrative and planning work is partially integrated into rehearsal time when appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

Create an original dance theatre piece to be produced in the spring.

Choreograph and lead rehearsals (including warm‑ups and technique).

Mentor and develop dancers, fostering a positive and disciplined environment.

Supervise and collaborate with the Assistant Artistic Director.

Recruit and coordinate choreographers and designers.

Produce preview performances in libraries, senior homes, and other community spaces (4–6 Sunday engagements in January–February).

Direct tech, dress, and performance run for the spring mainstage show.

Work within established budget and production parameters.

Plan and run auditions.

Collaborate with the Company Manager on scheduling, logistics, and production planning.

Partner with the EDE Artistic Director to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Communicate regularly with staff and families.

Support marketing, outreach, and community engagement efforts.

Participate in select company events, including the Fancy Dance fundraiser.

Schedule

Weekend rehearsals (4–8 hrs/week).

Administrative work (typically 3–5 hrs/week, with seasonal variation).

Community performances (4–6 Sunday engagements in January–February).

Full availability during spring production weeks.

Key Dates & Availability Expectations

August rehearsal intensive (late August).

Weekly Saturday rehearsals (Sept–March).

Sunday commitments (January–February), including 4–6 community performances and 2–4 additional rehearsals.

Tech, dress, and mainstage performances (March).

Auditions (April).

Qualifications

Choreographer and collaborative artistic leader.

Degree in dance or equivalent professional experience.

Experience teaching and mentoring middle or high‑school dancers.

Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills.

Legal Statement
EDE is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusivity and accessibility for all.

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