Artistic Director Omaha, Nebraska - Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com - DRI Consulting
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Artistic Director
Omaha, Nebraska
Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com
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Create, Engage, and Inspire
Nebraska Shakespeare creates entertaining, challenging productions, as well as immersive educational
experiences that connect Nebraska’s diverse community to Shakespeare’s exploration of what it means to be
human. On stage, in the classroom, and through collaborative partnerships, Nebraska Shakespeare creates
spaces of learning, engages with the local community, and inspires everyone through the world of William
Shakespeare.
The idea for outdoor Shakespeare in Omaha was first conceived in the early 1980's at Creighton University.
Father Don Doll, then Chairman of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, organized summer
performances at the Creighton Jesuit Institute for the Arts. In the spring of 1986, Fr. Doll approached Alan Klem,
Assistant Professor of Theatre at Creighton, about pursuing the idea of a festival in Omaha. Klem had past
experience as one of the founders and Artistic Directors of Shakespeare in the Park in Ft. Worth, TX, one of the
larger summer festivals in the country.
Alan knew this idea needed broad support, so he
approached Dr. Cindy Melby Phaneuf, then Assistant
Professor of Dramatic Arts at the University of
Nebraska at Omaha. The two developed the idea and
gained the mutual support of their respective
universities.
Through the years, Nebraska Shakespeare has
continued to expand its programming to meet the
growing needs of the community and to further
celebrate the life and works of William Shakespeare.
An early addition to programming was the two-week
Camp Shakespeare for students interested in
performing Shakespeare.
In keeping with its mission to engage, educate, and
entertain its audiences, Nebraska Shakespeare also
offers a variety of activities including workshops; film,
literary, and production seminars; classes; backstage
tours; and the introduction of the state-wide event:
Talk Like Shakespeare Day.
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Education
Shakespeare’s plays were created to be experienced through performance. From the stage of the Globe Theatre
in London to a school classroom on the plains of Nebraska, Shakespeare’s work was meant to be actively
engaged on a personal and relatable level. Only by experiencing Shakespeare’s insightful genius through the
delivery of performance, no matter how polished or rehearsed, can we truly uncover the humanity, honesty, and
humor of his text.
Shakespeare On Tour: Every fall for the past 15 years, thousands of students are introduced to the Bard when
Nebraska Shakespeare tours his work throughout the state’s local communities. In 2019, Nebraska Shakespeare
performed 39 shows and facilitated over 90 educational activities in 17 counties. Although unable to offer a live
performance experience in 2020, the company offered a Nebraska Shakespeare professional, unabridged video
production of Macbeth specifically staged for students and educators. The 80-minute production was followed
by a live Zoom post-performance discussion with skilled actors/educators creating a customized experience for
students and their teachers.
Camp Shakespeare: Each summer, Nebraska Shakespeare brings together students from 3 rd to 12th grade to
participate in a 2-week, half-day immersive program on the Bard, discovering the power of his words and how
they translate to live performances. This past summer, while the camp was virtual, Nebraska Shakespeare
provided campers with an opportunity to work with the professional artists of Nebraska Shakespeare.
Anne Dittrick Sonnet Contest: In 1997, Nebraska Shakespeare started its sonnet-writing contest, christened in
2005 as the Anne Dittrick Sonnet Contest in memoriam of Anne Triba Dittrick. The contest keeps the
Shakespearean sonnet form alive, inspiring hundreds of new sonnets annually. Prizes include scholarships to
Camp Shakespeare as well as reserved seating at Shakespeare on the Green.
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The Opportunity
Nebraska Shakespeare seeks an Artistic Director (AD) and all grant applications for Educational
to be responsible for providing the artistic direction as Programming.
well as sharing in the administrative responsibilities
necessary for successful operation of Nebraska Hiring and Supervision of Staff
Shakespeare. Partnering with the Executive Director ❖ Hire and supervise the production staff while
and reporting to the Board, the AD is charged with directing artistic operations; hire and train tour
crafting the artistic vision, shaping seasons, hiring actor/educators and tour personnel.
artistic personnel, in full support of the mission and ❖ Exercise responsible stewardship of all resources
strategic priorities of Nebraska Shakespeare. In within the organization and ensure the distribution
addition, the AD will be responsible for the direction and allocation of those resources for educational
and administration of education-related activities and development and artistic integrity.
grants. Specific responsibilities include: ❖ Supervise all productions, including those directed
by guest directors while keeping informed of
Board Relations and Strategic Planning theatre trends and activities.
❖ Serve as the primary artistic liaison to the Board,
assisting the ED with Board Member Productions
development as required. ❖ In collaboration with the Director of Production,
❖ Participate in long-term strategic planning, schedule rehearsals and auditions and work with
including the creation of long-term artistic and the photographer to schedule and oversee photo
education goals and objectives in alignment with calls.
Nebraska Shakespeare’s mission. ❖ With the Director of Production, develop the annual
❖ Responsible for presenting an evaluation report production budget for presentation to the Executive
of each artistic season to the Board that Director.
measures success in achieving artistic objectives, ❖ Supervise all production-related expenditures to
organizational mission, and strategic priorities. ensure adherence to budgets; work with the ED to
proactively address unforeseen financial concerns.
Artistic and Educational Direction
❖ Identify and draft a philosophical and practical Marketing, Public Relations, and Fundraising
artistic vision and lead or facilitate the ❖ Promote the artistic image of the organization
productions according to a shared vision with within the general public and theatre community.
the Board. ❖ Contribute to the development of Nebraska
❖ Develop and create a season of varied plays in Shakespeare’s identity and visual appearance for
line with the vision and strategic plan while the organization.
supporting and furthering the educational ❖ Attend press conferences and interviews with the
programs of Nebraska Shakespeare. media and other interest groups; assist the
❖ Oversee educational and touring operations and Communications Director with education-related
serve as point of contact with schools, press releases, brochures, and social media content.
performing arts groups, donors, grantors, and ❖ Assist in providing artistic and production material
civic community organizations throughout the to the ED for the sake of fundraising; participate
state. with the staff and Board to support the fundraising
❖ Design curriculum and study guides to align with and marketing efforts of the organization.
Nebraska school standards. ❖ Serve as liaison to the community on arts education
❖ Manage all educational programming and initiatives; develop relations with peers in
events, including the annual sonnet contest, community and state arts organizations.
Scholar’s Forum, Shakespeare On The Green,
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The Candidate
The ideal Artistic Director for Nebraska Shakespeare organization, budgeting, and fiscal
will demonstrate strong leadership acumen, exhibit management.
effective organizational and interpersonal skills, and ❖ Understanding of the methods and techniques
will be passionate about the art of theatre. The AD of program planning, development,
will have a track record of leading, managing, and coordination, and evaluation.
developing a team, with a strong desire to mentor ❖ Experience developing a cohesive, engaging
students and emerging artists. The preferred season of varied plays in line with an
candidate will be enthusiastic about the works of organization’s mission.
William Shakespeare and will be excited to share ❖ Familiarity with the complexities surrounding
their passion with the local and state community. educational and touring operations, to include
Specific qualifications include: serving as the production point of contact to
outside groups.
Preferred Background ❖ Experience in promoting the artistic vision of an
❖ Solid knowledge of and experience with organization to the public and a willingness to
producing Shakespeare’s works. explore and create new initiatives that provide
❖ Prior experience as an Artistic Director at a appropriate support and visibility to the
reputable theatre. organization and mission.
❖ Relevant degree with experience in directing ❖ Experience advising the development and
and instructing students is desired. communication staff in the creation of
compelling collateral designed to entice
Knowledge and Skills potential funders and grant partners.
❖ Track record of providing leadership and ❖ Ability to foster an inclusive culture while
direction toward the achievement of an working collaboratively with a diverse group of
organization’s strategic mission and annual staff and artists.
goals. ❖ Record of hiring and developing high-caliber
❖ Experience working with a Board of Trustees staff and empowering them to deliver high-
and senior leadership to develop and execute a quality services.
strategic plan. ❖ A sincere interest in and appreciation for
❖ Ability to motivate continual progress toward collaboration with other arts, cultural, and
shared values and a shared mission. community organizations, with the willingness
and interest to fully engage in the life and
❖ Relevant knowledge of the principles and best
activities of the organization and the greater
practices of effective administration,
metropolitan area.
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Questions, résumés, and CVs should be sent
to search@driconsulting.com
Nebraska Shakespeare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition
that our mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all genders with diverse
backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that
reflects our character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes,
national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran
status, or other status protected by law.
All first-round interviews will take place via telephone/video conference.
DRi is an executive search and development consulting firm that recruits senior leaders and works with them to
build talented teams, create bold strategic plans, and design powerful fundraising programs.
Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com
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