Artistic Director

Overview

Artistic Director
Ballet Western Reserve
Youngstown, Ohio
Job Description:
Ballet Western Reserve seeks a new Artistic Director to advance the organization’s mission of
providing excellence in dance education through teaching, choreography, and community
involvement.
About Ballet Western Reserve:
Founded in 1962, Ballet Western Reserve has grown to become the region’s premier dance
academy training children and teenagers in the art of dance. Many of these young people have gone
on to advanced study in some of the nation’s most prestigious schools and universities and have
launched successful professional careers with major companies and as respected instructors.
Desired Qualifications:
• MFA in Dance or equivalent professional experience
• National or international profile, with the ability to network with exemplary guest artists
and teachers in classical dance
• Demonstrated excellence in the pedagogy of ballet technique, as well as other specialty
disciplines, including the development of curriculum and the assessment of young dancers
through the advanced level
• Experience staging new work in both classical and contemporary vernaculars
• Ability to mentor artistic staff and students to the highest professional standards
• Desire to serve as the face of Ballet Western Reserve in the Youngstown community and the
surrounding area
Minimum Qualifications:
• BFA in Dance, Arts Administration, or a related field in the performing arts, or equivalent
professional experience
• Experience in classical dance education and choreography for students aged 3 and up
• Ability to collaborate with the Artistic and Executive staff to produce high quality
programming and to represent BWR in the Youngstown community
Responsibilities:
• Serve as the primary ballet teacher for the senior company
• Teach courses in other disciplines, as suits the candidate’s specialty. These may include
modern, tap, jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, or various somatic disciplines
• Serve as the primary choreographer for the BWR season, including the annual production of
The Nutcracker or, if s/he is not the primary choreographer, oversee the creative vision of
each production
• Work with the full production team, including the Production/Stage Manager, designers, cochoreographers, guest artists, and volunteers to produce high quality performances
• Work with students and parents to ensure the quality of education to which the
organization is committed, including safe, enriching, and appropriate practices
• Actively engage with the community through promotion, recruitment, and outreach in order
to develop vital relationships with individuals and organizations that will enhance the
reputation of Ballet Western Reserve in Youngstown and beyond
• Conduct him/herself according to the highest standard of professionalism, ethical
educational behavior, artistic integrity, and accountability
Collaborative Responsibilities:
The Artistic Director will collaborate with the Ballet Western Reserve staff in the following areas:
With the Board of Directors:
• Report monthly on the ongoing artistic activities and development of students and staff
• Communicate regarding ways in which the Board can act in support of the Artistic Staff,
including resources, training, and hiring of faculty
With the Executive Director and Administrative Staff:
• Assist in the administrative activities necessary to the running of a non-profit arts
organization
• Consult on the development of an annual budget and budgets for the individual productions
of the BWR season in order to build revenue and maintain the financial health of the
organization
• Provide resources and documentation in support of grant-writing and fundraising efforts
With the School Director, the Ballet Mistress, and the Teaching Staff
• Partner with the School Director on the devising of schedules, the development of
curriculum, and the assessment of instructors
• Support the excellence of the teaching staff, demonstrating sound pedagogical practices and
advocating for continued professional development as necessary
Submission Requirements:
Please submit the following application materials to Executive@BalletWesternReserve.org:
• Letter of Application
• CV
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Phone numbers and email addresses for 2 professional references
• Up to 3 links to video examples of professional or academic work, including one example of
a complete choreographic work in the ballet vernacular. Additional links may include
examples of performance, choreography, or teaching demonstrations
Salary and Benefits:
Commensurate with Experience
Review of applications will begin on Monday, May 18. First consideration will be given to
applications received before this date.