Artistic Director Job Description

Artistic directors are arts and entertainment professionals. They are typically the most senior creative employees of an artistic institution and are responsible for motivating staff to produce the highest quality of work while maintaining the organization's mission.

Job Responsibilities

Artistic directors motivate staff, casts and organization boards to follow the institution's mission. They develop new artistic outreach programs and oversee all artistic output of the facility. They select material and/or artists to be produced or presented and make all final production decisions. They hire all creative and production staff and assume any responsibility necessary in the absence of others. They serve as the faces of their facilities, work with executive directors to form and maintain a production budget and manage all promotional and marketing material.

Job Opportunities

Artistic directors are employed by large and small theater companies, festivals and entertainment production companies. Additionally, they may find employment with schools and universities, performing arts centers and arts education providers. Professional organizations such as the Broadway League provide networking events and other resources for job seekers and those looking to enter the field. Additionally niche industry specific websites and newspapers such as backstage.com and Show Business Weekly are also useful.

Qualitative Requirements

A successful artistic director must be incredibly creative. He must also be well versed within theatrical repertoire, particularly the genre that his employer specialized in (e.g. the artistic director of the Irish Repertory Theatre must have an in depth knowledge of the works of Irish playwrights). He must have exceptional interpersonal skills. He also must be effective communicators both orally and in writing. He must be able to work under deadlines. He must also possess excellent people management skills. He must be able to work within a defined budget.

Educational Requirements

To become an artistic director, a candidate must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. While a four year degree is not required, a bachelor's degree within theater, dramaturgy, arts administration or a related field of study is often preferred by hiring institutions. Additionally, many candidates choose to go to graduate school to receive their master's of fine arts degrees in theater or a related field of study. Candidates must also possess extensive experience as an artist and in managing a theater or performing arts venue.

Average Compensation

According to Salary.com, in 2009 the average artistic director working in the United States of America earns an annual base salary of $49,000. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates the employment of artists and related workers to increase by 16 percent within the decade of 2006 through 2016.

References

• SimplyHired.com
• US Department of Labor
• The Broadway League