Clear Space Theatre Company
Rehoboth Beach, DE
US

DESCRIPTION

Clear Space Theatre Company (CSTC) www.clearspacetheatre.org in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is seeking a full-time Artistic Director. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors and works in partnership with the Managing Director, employees, artists and volunteers to achieve and advance the theatre’s mission and vision.

About Us

Clear Space Theatre Company, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a regional theatre, producing a year-round season of dynamic productions and arts-based education opportunities. CSTC has a current calendar of over 150 performances through its main stage and Arts Institute. CSTC is a high achieving organization with a strong track record and a solid financial position, and has an annual budget in 2026 of over $2.3 million. CSTC’s productions are of an exceptionally high standard resulting in regularly sold-out runs. Audiences are centered in the core community of Southern Delaware, which constitutes close to two-thirds of audiences, and augmented by seasonal residents and tourists from across the U.S. and internationally.

Due to expanding audiences and increased offerings, CSTC is currently engaged in planning for a local relocation to a new, purpose-built, theatre which will involve a future capital campaign and a construction project. CSTC is also working toward securing partnerships for satellite locations to increase community involvement in educational programs and expand the reach of our theatrical productions.

About the Job

The Artistic Director is responsible for the overall creative vision and direction of CSTC, specifically focused on CSTC’s’s theatrical and educational programming. The Artistic Director provides leadership and expertise in the areas of artistic development, programming, production, arts education, community engagement, strategic planning, and annual budgeting.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a versatile professional who stays calm under pressure, adapts quickly to change, collaborates seamlessly as a team player, and leads with confidence and an open mind.

Candidates should offer strong previous experience as an Artistic Director, Creative Director, or other artistic leader. An MFA in theatre, directing, dramaturgy, acting, or playwriting would be an advantage along with demonstrated experience in fundraising and capital campaign experience. Experience with youth programs and arts education is also a plus.

The salary range for this position is $75,000-90,000. Final compensation will be determined during the interview process and is based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the applicant’s skills, experience, qualifications and education. Benefits include 10 days of annual PTO, plus 5 days of paid vacation at the end of each calendar year and 10 paid holidays, as well as health benefits through a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHSA) and a retirement savings plan (Simple IRA).

Full Job Description

The Artistic Director is responsible for the overall creative vision and direction of Clear Space Theatre Company (CSTC), specifically focused on CSTC’s’s theatrical and educational programming. The Artistic Director provides leadership and expertise in the areas of artistic development, programming, production, arts education, strategic planning, and annual budgeting.

In addition to living and promoting CSTC’s values – Artistic Excellence, Professionalism, Inclusivity, Civic Engagement, Continuous Learning, Fiscal Responsibility, Kindness & Generosity, Creativity & Fun – the Artistic Director is committed to the advancement of CSTC’s mission to create memorable experiences that unite and enrich our community through live theatre and arts-based learning.

Reporting:

The Artistic Director reports to the Board of Directors. The Chair of the Board of Directors provides regular oversight of the Artistic Director, including setting annual goals and conducting the Artistic Director’s annual performance evaluation. The Artistic Director directly supervises the Company Manager, Production Manager, Education Manager, performance/production subcontractors, and volunteers, and may supervise other current or future employees as necessary.

The Artistic Director also works in conjunction with the Managing Director and the Director of Development to promote and support CSTC’s initiatives and efforts in its marketing and community engagement activities, particularly relating to theatrical and educational programming.

Partnership with the Managing Director:

The Managing Director and Artistic Director will collaborate on an ongoing basis to provide and exhibit strong leadership and to work with the Board of Directors, staff, artists, and the greater community to realize CSTC’s mission and vision, as defined by the Board of Directors. The Managing Director and Artistic Director share responsibility for ensuring that CSTC endeavors are financially viable and supported.

The Managing Director and Artistic Director jointly guide the implementation of CSTC’s strategy to ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability and growth, and are jointly responsible with enabling CSTC to realize its goals and initiatives for artistic excellence, arts education and service, financial stability, fundraising, community engagement, and audience retention and satisfaction.

The Managing Director and Artistic Director jointly consider and review best practices in the arts industry and nonprofit sector on a regular basis to ensure that CSTC continues its forward momentum, and institute shifts to meet and follow those best practices to the extent possible.

Job Duties:

Artistic Development, Programming, and Production
● Direct the vision for the overall artistic and/or creative development of the Company.
● Curate an annual season of live theatre. Encourage development of new works while assessing the current demand for programming and potential audience reception to ensure financial and artistic success of CSTC on an annual basis.
● Encourage artistic rigor and performance excellence for all productions.
● Select directors, choreographers, and music directors for each production as needed. Coordinate with the Production Manager and individual creative teams as needed to secure designers, technicians, and stage managers.
● Direct, choreograph, or music direct in each season for between 1 and 3 productions annually.
● Support and collaborate with individual productions’ creative teams (e.g., directors, production designers, other artistic-related subcontractors).
● Support the vision of each production’s creative team by attending rehearsals and providing feedback to directors when necessary.
● Foster and maintain an ongoing positive and productive ensemble culture to provide an overall positive environment for all actors and supporting casts. Model appropriate behavior for artists at all times.
● Develop and maintain a roster of local performers who are trained in acting, movement, voice, and instrumental music.
● Support and supervise the Company Manager in developing and providing all artist contracts.
● In partnership with the Production Manager, Company Manager, and Education Manager, develop a facility utilization schedule which includes performances, rehearsals, classes, scenic construction, and other events.
● Support the Production Manager in setting and reinforcing deadline dates for all individuals connected with each production.
● Undertake appropriate program evaluation and ongoing assessment to ensure ongoing high-quality programming to sustain CSTC’s overall success and patron satisfaction.
● Support efforts to tour Clear Space programs and productions when opportunities arise.
● Consider ongoing recruitment strategies for new artistic subcontractors to ensure and advance program and production quality.
● Support the Production Manager in overseeing organization and storage of production materials and equipment being retained in CSTC’s permanent inventory. Work with the Managing Director on necessary office management and maintenance, particularly the areas relating to the Company Theatre.

Arts Education
● Guide and supervise the Education Manager in developing classes, defining curricula, and training teaching artists for the Arts Institute.
● Hire and supervise faculty of the Arts Institute and ensure ongoing professional training and development and provide appropriate feedback and assessment. Model and teach appropriate behavior for teaching artists at all times.
● Serve as a professional mentor to participants in the Arts Institute, especially to young performers and young audiences.
● Coordinate the schedule and use of the facility for all Arts Institute programming and supervise the Education Manager in this effort.

Fundraising, Development, Marketing, and Community Engagement
● Work in partnership with the Managing Director, Director of Development, Marketing Manager, and the Capital Campaign Committee to promote and support CSTC’s initiatives and efforts in its fundraising and marketing strategies to support alignment between public communications and creative vision, especially as pertains to theatrical programming and the education programs in the Arts Institute.
● Serve as a key representative of the Company in the community, and provide additional support for and attend meetings, fundraising events, and community and patron events to increase CSTC’s external image.
● Represent CSTC in its external communications as appropriate.
● In conjunction with the Managing Director, serve as the public face of the Company, and when called upon, speak to private and public organizations and entities and with the press.

Finance
● Work with the Managing Director to develop and monitor operating budget items specific to theatrical and educational programming as well as other aspects of the overall budget as needed.
● Use best efforts to ensure that all performances and productions remain within the approved operating budget on a regular basis, with any variances above budget so noted in regular financial reports to the Board Finance Committee and to the Board of Directors.
● Ensure timely recording of expenses, submission of invoices, and reconciliation of receipts for all theatrical and educational programming.

Human Resources
● Directly supervise team employees, artistic subcontractors and volunteers.
● Foster an office environment of teamwork, open collaboration, clear communication, appropriate delegation, and mutual support and respect.

Strategic Planning and Reporting
● Together with the Board of Directors and the Managing Director, oversee and ensure implementation of CSTC’s strategic plan and related annual organizational goals and individual staff goals.
● Ensure a continuing high level of program quality, including regular tracking, evaluation, and reporting on measures of success.

General Business Operations
● Maintain the necessary administrative policies and procedures for theatrical and educational programming and bring relevant current or proposed policies to the Board for review and approval.
● Ensure smooth day-to-day management of CSTC, including daily management and oversight of all theatrical and educational programming.

Board Relations
● Working together with the Managing Director, cultivate a strong, transparent working relationship with the Board of Directors and provide accurate, complete, and timely information on the organization’s programs, services, and finances.
● Inform and advise the Board of Directors regarding trends, issues and opportunities that may impact the Company’s mission and operations.
● Work with the Board Chair and Managing Director in the orientation of incoming Board members.
● Serve as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors and all standing Committees.
● Provide monthly written reports to the Board of Directors.

Interested candidates should submit their resume by March 9, 2026, to [email protected] for consideration.

SALARY

$75,000.00 – $90,000.00 per year

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