REHEARSAL DIRECTOR, BALLET BC

Ballet BC is seeking an experienced, progressive, collaborative dance professional to assume the role of full-time Rehearsal Director. Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Rehearsal Director is responsible for the coordination, development and delivery of all company programming in line with the Artistic Director’s vision, and the company mandate and objectives.

The successful candidate must have a solid background in ballet and contemporary dance, extensive experience in the creation of new and progressive dance works and a desire to work in an intimate, collaborative and positive work environment. He/she will possess a passion for contemporary dance, sensitivity to the demands and challenges of the creative process, the flexibility to work with a variety of choreographers in a wide range of choreographic styles, and the ability to lead and inspire company dancers. He/she will also have broad knowledge of the Canadian and international dance scene, a strong work ethic and excellent communication skills.
Combining classical integrity with a contemporary sensibility, Ballet BC is a creation-based company of 17 talented dancers from Canada and around the world that is committed to exploration and collaboration in contemporary dance. Solidly grounded in the rigour and artistry of classical ballet, with an emphasis on innovation and the immediacy of the 21st century, the company presents a distinct and diverse repertoire of the most sought-after Canadian and international contemporary ballet choreography Ballet BC continues its commitment to perform highly acclaimed productions on regional, national and international tours in addition to its regular performance season at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Rehearsal Director is responsible for the coordination, development and delivery of all company programming in line with the Artistic Director’s vision and the company mandate and objectives.

ROLE AND RELATIONSHIPS
- Is an ambassador, representative and spokesperson for the company and its artistic objectives, and, at all times, acts in the best interest of the company
- Maintains a strong collaborative artistic partnership with the Artistic Director, with guest choreographers, dancers and all members of the artistic team
- Works collaboratively with the Company Manager, the Director of Production, Stage Manager, and all administrative staff
- Fosters communication and positive relationships with the local, national and international artistic communities and with the community at large

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Demonstrates strong artistic leadership
- Creates and fosters a creative, collaborative and open ambience in the studio
- Leads, inspires, motivates and engages Ballet BC dancers
- Coordinates the hiring and scheduling of guest teachers and pianists for company class
- Teaches company class on a regular basis
- Acts as Rehearsal Director during the rehearsal of repertoire in studio and assists guest choreographers as necessary
- Advises the Artistic Director on the development, promotion and implementation of policies and procedures that promote the health and welfare of the dancers and the efficient use of company resources
- Effectively documents rehearsals and performances, with video and written documentation as required, and reviews them with the AD, artists and the Stage Manager
- Gains and maintains a solid working knowledge and understanding of the Addendum that governs the relationship between the company and the dancers to facilitate scheduling and procedures and to ensure the wellbeing of the dancers
- Produces, circulates and posts the daily rehearsal schedule and casting for works in keeping with the Addendum
- Communicates all casting changes to the appropriate personnel including the Stage Manager, Wardrobe Manager, Communications and Marketing Managers as necessary
- Works with company Operations Director on the scheduling of dancers for rehearsals and performances in Vancouver and on tour, to ensure compliance with the Addendum
- Works with company Wardrobe Manager on the scheduling of fittings and costume runs
- Coordinates the rehearsal activities of guest choreographers and other artists working with the dancers
- Assists in recruiting dancers as required
- Evaluates résumés and DVD’s of audition applicants and creates a short list of candidates for auditions
- Provides administrative support as required by the Artistic Director
- Ensures that the Artistic Director is informed about dancer progress and issues affecting individual performance during class, rehearsals and productions
- Maintains artistic records and documentation of all works that enter the repertoire

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Extensive experience and success working in a progressive, collaborative contemporary dance environment
- High level training and experience in classical ballet and contemporary dance
- Extensive experience teaching professional classically-trained dancers in a contemporary dance environment
- Extensive experience teaching and rehearsing contemporary dance repertoire
- Experience assisting choreographers in studio during the creation process
- Experience leading Master Classes for dancers of all ages
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic and inspiring presence
- Strong interpersonal, communication and team building skills
- Extensive knowledge of the Canadian, North American and international dance scenes
- Basic computer skills
- Knowledge of and or a willingness to learn basic audio editing techniques
- Ability to communicate in English with additional languages an asset.

HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- cover letter
- résumé
- recent head shot
- a video or video link showing a recent work for which they have had preparation responsibility
Electronic applications preferred. Please submit applications and support material to:dmack@balletbc.com

Applications may be submitted by mail to:
Derek Mack
Director of Operations and Production
Ballet BC
6th Floor – 677 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2G6
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 23 2016