Artistic Director - East Lynne Theater Company

About East Lynne Theater Company

East Lynne Theater Company is a proven destination for theater lovers who crave the adventure of discovery. By bringing the American Spirit to the stage with its blend of provocative, socially relevant premieres and timeless classics, this award-winning Equity professional theater provides a portal to the past for a better understanding of the present. Founded in 1980, ELTC was the first theater in the country with the unique mission of presenting and preserving America's theatrical heritage. Since inception, ELTC has been recognized for its excellence. The New York Times listed ELTC as one of the 75 top summer theaters in North America.

Now more than ever, ELTC is primed to thrive. In 2023, the historic theater company will move into a new theater in downtown Cape May. A once-flourishing African American Church and bastion of racial and political equity, the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) will be the new home of ELTC, and with this privilege, ELTC believes in the importance of keeping the flame of the church’s legacy burning. Diversity, inclusion, and representation will be vital in ELTC’s exciting next chapter. 

With a fully renovated venue, ELTC will have created a platform for our future. Our priorities are: 1) to promote the highest quality theater, 2) to develop the next generation of creative talent, and 3) to lead on innovative community engagement work. As we collectively enter into this new phase in the life of the theater, ELTC is thrilled by the opportunity to usher in a new era of artistic vision and leadership to our charming seaside community.

Job Description

ELTC is looking for an ambitious, inspirational, and visionary Artistic Director (AD) to be both artistic leader and accountable for the overall success of the company. The AD will work in partnership with the Board to strategically and operationally lead the organization. Specifically, the AD is responsible for conceiving, developing, and implementing the artistic vision and focus of the theater company. The AD reports to the Board of Trustees.

Skills and Experience: 

Experience needed in managing a small staff, working with a Board of Trustees, planning a theatrical season, and directing stage plays. While primarily artistic in nature, this position requires a well-rounded, flexible theater artist with knowledge of all technical, production and administrative elements. Evidence of artistic excellence can be demonstrated through awards received, critics reviews, references and/or video excerpts. 

Responsibilities include:

• Creates and proposes to the Board a production season and budget

• Develops, implements, and evaluates productions for the year

• Negotiates contracts with Actors’ Equity Association and with script licensing

• Conducts auditions

• Hires, supervises, and evaluates key artistic personnel, including actors, directors, performers, designers, and stage managers

• Hires, supervises, and evaluates key technical personnel, including technical director (with board approval), interns, and production assistants

• Works collaboratively with administrative staff, including marketing, office, bookkeeping, etc.

• Works collaboratively on grant applications and fulfilling funding requirements and reports

• Acts as a spokesperson for ELTC’s artistic purpose via speaking engagements, public and social appearances, and, as requested, at fundraising events and solicitations

• Fosters development of good relations with other cultural organizations by participating in meetings and joint activities where appropriate

• Serves ex officio on the Board of Trustees, providing regular reports on artistic activity

• Directs at least the majority of mainstage productions per season. This is a year-round position, with flex-time in the off-season and full-time during the production Season (June-September)

Compensation: $40,000 - $45,000, commensurate with experience and in alignment with ELTC’s annual operating budget. Benefits to be negotiated.

Housing and Transportation: AD is required to live within commuting distance of Cape May during the production season and may work elsewhere off-season, with occasional travel to Cape May. AD is required to have a car with a valid driver’s license.

ELTC strives to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and to ensure that no person is unfairly discriminated against in its recruitment and selection policies and procedures. We encourage applications from those currently underrepresented in our team.