Department
Provost Office of the Provost
About the Department
Now in its 70th season, Court Theatre was founded in 1955 as an amateur outdoor summer theatre at the University of Chicago. In 1971, classics professor Nicholas Rudall assumed the role of director and conceived Court’s tradition of translating and adapting classic texts for contemporary audiences; the theatre was then established as a professional company with Actors’ Equity Association in 1975. In 1981, Court built its current home, the intimate, 251-seat Abelson Auditorium, and in 1983 the theatre incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization. Charles Newell led the theatre as the Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director from 1994 through June 2024.
In 2013, Court established the Center for Classic Theatre at the University of Chicago to explore what it means for a professional theatre to be in residence at a major university. The goal of the Center is to generate large-scale, interdisciplinary theatrical experiences that fully access the extraordinary intellectual resources that surround the theatre at the University of Chicago. The ongoing creative collaboration with the Faculty Advisory Council is a hallmark of Court’s artistic mission. Court collaborates and consults with faculty on productions and audience programs. Plays at Court Theatre are enriched by the contributions of scholars from History, Philosophy, English, Physics, Psychology, Classics, Music, and many other fields. University of Chicago scholars regularly lead post-play discussions for audiences. These partnerships enable Court to re-examine classic texts that pose enduring and provocative questions defining the human experience.
Court also creates programming to connect with and serve its local community. Hyde Park, home to Court Theatre and the University of Chicago, is a diverse, historic neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. It is located approximately seven miles from downtown Chicago, with Lake Michigan’s waterfront to the east, Washington Park to the west, Kenwood to the north, and Woodlawn to the south.
Job Summary
Responsibilities
Foster an exciting, intellectually rigorous, and innovative artistic and strategic vision, one that serves the Court Theatre mission, vision, and values while contributing to a robust discourse about the past, present, and future of the artistic canon.
Oversee season planning, hiring of all artists, and producing of all artistic productions, ensuring that the level of artistry remains stellar.
Alongside the Executive Director, continue to build a collaborative, generative relationship with the University of Chicago, including the Faculty Advisory Council and UChicago’s departments, initiatives, faculty, students, and leadership.
Co-lead the Court Theatre staff, helping to create and model a working culture centered on collaboration, sustainability, and transparency.
Work with the Executive Director and Court team to ensure that the theatre is vigorously embedded in the fabric of the community.
Serve as a primary public face and ambassador of Court with civic organizations and public officials, institutional and corporate funders, patrons, partners, volunteers, audience members, and the wider community.
Develop a productive partnership with the Executive Director; lead jointly and by example.
Ideally serve as a director or in another core artistic role on one or multiple productions per season, delivering extraordinary artistry. Please note: being a stage director is not a prerequisite for the position.
Manages managers and professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
Develops strategic goals and plans for long-term growth and expansion of performing arts centers and ensures their financial strength.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
Experienced and recognized theatre director and arts leader.
Demonstrated history of creating work that attracts the positive attention of other artists and diverse audiences.
Minimum of seven years of experience in a progressively responsible role in a theatre or related educational/research organization, including 5 years of senior management and leadership experience.
Experience working in higher education.
Preferred Competencies
Demonstrated experience as a highly creative theatre artist, someone with vision and rigor who can lead and oversee the organization’s artistic programming. A practicing artist is preferred but not required.
The ability to serve as a deft collaborator and thought leader at the University of Chicago. Someone who can navigate the breadth of opportunities, partners, and systems within a major research institution and deliver inspiring vision and partnership. Previous university experience is desirable but not required. Note: this is not a faculty or tenure-track position.
Strong producing skills and a strength in nurturing the work of other artists.
A track record of leading teams with integrity and a commitment to collaboration, sustainability, listening, innovation, and excellence.
A commitment to fostering a positive role for the theatre within Court’s various communities.
Prior leadership experience within nonprofit theatres is not required but preferred.
A dynamic public presence that will inspire the Board, staff, and public to support the theatre’s artistic work and organizational vision.
Strategic thinking and the ability to build alignment around major organizational initiatives and priorities, in collaboration with the Executive Director.
A wide knowledge of the theatre canon, as well as curiosity and insight about where the theatre field is headed.
Demonstrated personal characteristics of integrity, honesty, accountability, and ethics.
Demonstrated management experience in a theatre or performing arts organization known for innovative programming, artistic excellence, and strong ties with the community; an extensive background or passion for theatre and educational & public programming would be an advantage; knowledge of current trends and developments in the performing arts.
Working Conditions
Ability to work evenings and weekends.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required) - The cover letter should describe your background and your approach to leadership and also address: What is it about this role and Court Theatre that excites you?; What in your background makes you a compelling candidate for Court Theatre?; When you think about success in leading the Court, what comes to mind?
Reference Contact Information (3)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Pay Range
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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