Earl R. Merrill: Director of Theatre Programming and Partnerships

COCA is a dynamic, growing arts and education center with a mission to enrich lives and build community through the arts. Known nationwide for innovative programming, COCA is dedicated to welcoming students of all ages and abilities from across the region. The fourth largest multidisciplinary community arts center in the country, COCA ranks second in giving back, devoting over $1M annually to individual scholarships and free community programming.

A critical member of the senior team, The Director of Theatre Programming and Partnerships (DTPP) is a newly created position designed to leverage, promote, and supervise all operational aspects of COCA’s new state-of-the-art Berges Theatre (opening January 2020), and the Staenberg Performance Lab. In addition, this position will collaborate with the team to curate COCA Presents, manage the relationships and productions related to external partnerships. The DTPP reports to the Executive Director and is a highly collaborative leadership role, with functional responsibilities that span across programs/disciplines. This is a full time position with a generous benefit package.
To apply: Please submit cover letter and resume to jobs@cocastl.org using “Director of Theatre Programming” in the subject line. For a detailed job description, visit www.cocastl.org.

The Director of Theatre Programming and Partnerships (DTPP) is a newly created position designed to provide artistic and educational direction of theatre programming and supervise all operational aspects of COCA’s new Berges Family Theatre (to be completed January 2020). This position will collaborate with the senior team to curate the organization’s annual performance series – COCA Presents; manage the relationships and productions related to external partnerships; and provide artistic direction for COCA’s Theatre (CTC) and Voice companies (Allegro/Adagio). The DTPP position reports to the Executive Director and is a highly collaborative leadership role, with functional responsibilities that span across programs/disciplines.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Serve as lead Producer of the COCA Presents Performance Series, including:

Lead a collaborative curatorial team (including Executive Director and Co-Artistic Directors of Dance) to determine produced, presented and co-presented performances to create an annual series.
Provide leadership for the production elements of both internally produced shows as well as touring performances.
Manage and oversee artistic contracts, technical specifications and budgets/fees associated with series.
Achieve exemplary hospitality standards and serve as key relationship liaison with visiting artists, providing a warm, friendly, welcoming and attentive atmosphere for guest artists.
Collaborate with Marketing and Box Office teams to help guide promotions and drive ticket sales.
Collaborate with Development and Education teams to help develop special events and community programming.
Develop and maintain a local and national network of artists, companies, directors and agents as resources for developing COCA’s theatre programming.

Artistic & Producing Director – COCA Theatre Company (CTC), Allegro, Adagio

Oversee artistic direction of COCA’s Theatre Company and COCA’s Voice Program, including supervision of company artistic/guest directors and program coordinators.
Provide artistic oversight and overall direction to ensure the quality of the season for theatre and voice student companies, including but not limited to selection of material, production preparedness of artists, balance of appropriate casting, artistic communication to all stakeholders, etc.
Collaborate with Education team to continue to develop sequential curriculum serving the needs of COCA’s students in Theatre and Voice.
Research and select guest directors, theatre and voice faculty, technical support, and artists for Master Classes, residencies, etc. Direct CTC productions as appropriate.
Coordinate company auditions, including scheduling rooms, providing information for publicity of auditions, arranging for judges to be present, and participation in the adjudication processes.
Attend, rehearse and supervise students and volunteers at rehearsals, tech rehearsals, residencies and company performances.
Communicate timely information with the company students and families via website, production and mailing of typed schedules, and by phone calls.

Administration and Management

Develop and manage annual program budgets for COCA Presents, CTC, Allegro and Adagio.
Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for the Berges Theatre and Staenberg Performance Lab, including but not limited to updating fee schedule and policies, fielding all requests, meeting with prospects, negotiating contracts and acting as or hiring and supervising the technical liaison when the facility is rented to outside organizations.
Working with operations/facility team, supervise the operations of the Berges Theatre and Staenberg Performance Lab.
Supervise the Production Manager, Costume Manager and all other production/technical staff.
Supervise the Theatre & Voice faculty.
Supervise Rentals Manager (to be hired in 2019).
Oversee facility, scene shop, and equipment rentals.

Relationship Building and Community Engagement

Partner with Executive Director and Senior Leadership team to develop, strengthen and maintain program partnerships and key relationships with community organizations and external stakeholders.
Serve as a spokesperson for the department’s artistic vision via speaking engagements, public and social appearances, and, as requested at fundraising events and solicitations.
Explore, field and respond to program inquiries and opportunities to develop new partnerships. Work with program staff to plan and implement programming as needed.

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