ARTISTIC DIRECTOR. 59E59 Theaters The Elysabeth Kleinhans Theatrical Foundation, Inc. New York, NY

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1 The Elysabeth Kleinhans Theatrical Foundation, Inc. New York, NY INSTITUTION Mission / History Founded in 2002, The Elysabeth Kleinhans Theatrical Foundation, a not-for-profit operating foundation, was set up to create a new, state-of-the-art theater complex to support the work of not-for-profit theater companies. The building at 59 East 59th Street was donated to the Foundation by its owners. The building was essentially gutted, and the theaters were designed and constructed. The architect, Leo Modrcin, worked with the Foundation to create a facility with an inviting ambiance to foster neighborhood attendance as well as provide excellent support for companies performing in the three spaces. The resulting complex, known as, presents Off Broadway productions by not-for-profit companies from across the United States and around the world. 59E59 Theaters aims to provide a space for emerging and established not-for-profit theater companies to reach new audiences and expand the range of theater by bringing new, innovative and invigorating work to the underserved location on 59th Street between Park and Madison Avenues in Manhattan. takes seriously the role of curating all projects presented in its theaters. presenting model is designed to allow each company licensing any of its spaces full artistic control of its production while providing subsidizing support through extensive press representation, marketing and advertising, which undertakes for each individual production. does not produce the presentations on its stages; they are productions of the many not-for-profit theater companies who perform in the theaters. The programming in the theaters is eclectic, and includes the following programs: Subscription Season At the heart of our programming is the Subscription Season, a fiveplay season of the best American and international writing that has been carefully curated to fulfill our decade-long mission of bringing new plays to a new audience. Brits Off Broadway From its opening, has presented an annual festival of new British theater called Brits Off Broadway showcasing smaller British not-for-profit 1

2 companies producing new British playwrights. In addition, host a preview of American companies shows going to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe called East to Edinburgh. Theaters & Facilities Three Theater Spaces Presenting, on average, 36 productions a year, in environments from 40 seats to 196 seats, there are always a variety of productions to choose from. All 59E59 shows are new to New York, many being world premieres; the classics are not in our repertoire. Our largest space, Theater A, opened in February 2004 with the first performance of The Stendhal Syndrome produced by then resident company, Primary Stages. In April 2004, the other spaces, Theater B and Theater C opened with productions for our first annual Brits Off Broadway Festival. Since that time, the theaters have been continuously busy with shows generally running for three to six weeks. Bar - Our lobby bar, the E:Bar, has developed into an integral part of the theater experience for both audiences and theater artists. Before, during intermissions, and after any given performance, artists and audiences mingle, and the seeds of future theatrical endeavors are sown as artists from the different theater companies meet. Location - We are an easy to reach destination in East Midtown, in a neighborhood underserved by Off Broadway theater. Our audiences can enjoy a variety of interesting and challenging work, otherwise only found in the busy theater district, or far downtown. Reputation is the recipient of a Drama Desk Award for Excellence in Theater. Throughout the U.S. and the U.K., we have established our reputation as welcoming to theatrical artists and as a vibrant showcase for new work. Through the years, we have been pleased to be associated with a number of important and influential theater companies, as well as theater artists, including: Local - The Play Company, Prospect Theater Company, The Directors Company, Godlight Theater Company, The Acting Company National - Steppenwolf Theatre, Geffen Playhouse, Seattle Repertory Theatre, San Francisco Playhouse, Delaware Theater Company International - Companies from the UK and Ireland including the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Frantic Assembly, Paines Plough, Dundee Rep, the Traverse Theatre, and Fishamble. Production Highlights - All That Fall, The Pianist of Willesden Lane Artists - Trevor Nunn, Isabella Rossellini, Eileen Atkins, Michael Gambon, John Tiffany, Alex Timbers, Neil Labute, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Walter Mosley, Richard Thomas, Alan Ayckbourn, Simon Callow, Alain Boublil, Steven Hoggett. 2

3 DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES The Candidate will be responsible for the following: Artistic Programming / Curating Program the three theater spaces with plays that satisfy the mission of, ensuring that there are performances in all three theaters 50 weeks per year. Make programmatic decisions that are artistically diverse and build relationships with both U.S. and foreign theater companies. Negotiate, monitor and enforce agreements with all theater companies about licensing the space for presentation of their work, with clear communication of the services 59E59 Theaters provides, and the expectations and timelines of both and the theater company within the relationship. Manage the relationship with each theater company from the time the License Agreement is signed to ensure that company staff is introduced to theater staff counterparts and that the relationships are developing smoothly, by creating a welcoming environment for the visiting companies and their artists. Artistic Relationships Develop relationships with theater companies toward the possible future production of their work Follow the development process of scripts of interest to see if there is an opportunity for the work to be presented on our stages. Follow playwrights and the development of their works to see if there is an opportunity for them to be presented on our stages. Read scripts, attend readings, workshops, showcases, and performances of plays in which we may be interested, or which use artists or companies with whom we may wish to develop a relationship towards a possible future production of their work. Travel as necessary in pursuit of the above. Travel will probably involve at least once a year to the UK, once a year to a region in the US to survey the theater community, and once a year to a theater festival or conference. Internal Communications Work closely with the Managing Director to facilitate a working environment in which the staff can do their best work, in which the Board is both fulfilled and effective in its work, and in which theater companies and audiences enjoy rich and rewarding theater experiences. Inform staff on a regular basis of the programming schedule, and all we know about a production to help staff in their planning, including the content of the work, and the company s expectations for their engagement, both financial and otherwise. 3

4 Communicate the details of the relationship to staff as appropriate. Provide complete and timely reporting to each Board of Trustees meeting, providing requested reports. External Communications Represent to our audiences, communicating about the work that has been selected, and listening to feedback from audiences. Act as a host to our audiences, sharing with them the positive aspects of programming and encouraging them to support upcoming works. Act as the spokesperson for ' artistic purpose. Regularly survey the artistic mission of and consider any changes to keep it vibrant and contemporary. Work with the Managing Director and Board to achieve goals of. QUALIFICATIONS We are looking for a Candidate with the following qualifications: An innovative thinker and a brave visionary who is financially knowledgeable. A demonstrable success record as an accomplished theater artist, with experience in a diverse repertoire. Minimum education Bachelor Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Graduate Degree is a plus. Minimum of eight years of significant professional artistic experience and responsibility as an artistic director, programmer, freelance director, producer, literary manager, or another artistic leadership role. Experience in theater management in environments of comparable scope and scale. Strong track record of supporting and developing new work for the stage. Broad knowledge and experience of the new play field nationally and in New York, of playwrights and new works, and of theater industry artistic trends. A network of relationships in the theater community. Knowledge of the British and Irish theater scenes. Exhibit strong management, financial, interpersonal, and communications skills. Experience supervising and mentoring staff through feedback, coaching and professional development. Eligible to work in the United States. Willingness and commitment to work long hours, a flexible schedule and evenings and weekends as required. 4

5 COMPENSATION The salary for this position is $98, offers a comprehensive range of benefits, including medical, dental, paid vacation, sick leave, Transitchecks, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) retirement plan. To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, four professional references and any supporting material to Elysabeth Kleinhans, President at jobs@59e59.org by October 28, Referrals of qualified candidates are also welcome. is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age, or veteran status. 5