Head of the Artistic Department

As one of the largest theater companies in the Netherlands, TR performs on national and international stages and at festivals. We are a home for established, mid-career theater makers as well as emerging artists. They create innovative and non-conformist theater that captures the spirit of our times. They work across disciplines, blending language, dance, music, and visual arts. What unites them is reciprocity: from each person’s perspective, we collaborate on what theater can mean. In this way, we influence and strengthen one another. And this is how we view our surroundings as well: the city of Rotterdam, the country in which we live together, and our planet—we see a world of difference, in connection.

In the coming arts programming period, Alida Dors, Dalton Jansen, Erik Whien, Grande Loge, Khadija El Kharraz Alami, Mathieu Wijdeven, Nastaran Razawi Khorasani, Romana Vrede, and Wunderbaum will form the artistic core of the organization. In addition to this community of creators, several new creators are active. TR has a long tradition as a production house, and in the new arts planning period, TR remains a place for talent development, research, and the newest generation of creators.

TR is a space where diverse truths and perspectives are heard. This also means that experiences and opinions may differ. Dialogue and debate are therefore essential for truly giving voice to this diversity of voices. This diversity of voices is a “we” in the making.

As a city theater, we therefore produce not only performances but also discussions and gatherings. A growing, diverse audience is discovering TR as a place where the wider world is reflected.

TR’s diversity is evident not only in its audience and its creators. The TR workplace is characterized by an interplay of cultures, knowledge, and experience.

Artistic Agency

The Artistic Bureau (AB) is the artistic heart of the organization. This is where TR’s pioneering spirit takes shape and the creators’ artistic visions become operational. This is where artistic research takes place and where productions are created that enrich and challenge the theater landscape. This is where tours take shape and where we build new theater audiences in the Netherlands and beyond. The AB brings together the substantive and artistic preparation, the logistical and personnel planning, and the production execution of our productions. The Head of the Artistic Bureau leads the AB, reports to the Artistic and Executive Directors, and works in direct consultation with them.

Head of the Artistic Department

We are looking for a Head of the Arts Office who is committed to fostering a more inclusive and diverse sector and to enhancing the sustainability and accessibility of the performing arts. We seek someone who takes ownership of making the impact of the arts visible and tangible, and of further expanding that impact.

As Head of the Artistic Department

• You are an inspiring and clear communicator for the creators at TR, and you translate artistic ideas into a financially and production-wise feasible plan;
• You will lead a team of four coordinators who, together with the technical producer, will help shape the project’s implementation;
• you are responsible for the overall budget of the AB and for preparing and monitoring the sub-budgets;
• You advocate for the creators’ needs within the team of fellow managers, while at the same time ensuring that the creators are on board with organization-wide developments;
• You will serve as a strong, knowledgeable sounding board for the artistic director and the resident dramaturg;
• you are a strong counterpart for the business director;
• you are responsible for ensuring good working conditions and the professional development of AB employees;
• You serve as an inspiring point of contact for the national and international venues where TR creators perform.

Your profile

• You believe in the power of a diverse sector and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace;
• you believe in the artistic, social, political, and ritual power of the arts;
• You want to help shape new and innovative ways of storytelling and creation, of production and presentation, and you’re curious about new voices in the performing arts;
• You are inspiring and have a coaching leadership style;
• You are sensitive and know how to handle complex situations;
• You are a team player and a good communicator, and you believe in the team spirit;
• You value sustainable practices and are mindful of the strain placed on nature and people;
• You have management experience in the (broad) performing arts;
• You have a solid understanding of the business, organizational, and production aspects involved in production; you have experience organizing complex cultural projects.

Remuneration

We offer you an inspiring work environment where we build the future of the performing arts together. In this challenging and multifaceted role, you’ll work at the heart of TR and play an active role in the national and international theater scene. You’ll become part of an organization that operates with a crew mentality. At TR, we learn with and from each other. The salary depends on age and experience and is based on Scale X of the Collective Labor Agreement for Theater and Dance.

Apply

Please send your cover letter and resume to werken.theaterrotterdam.nl by May 29.

If you have any questions about the job opening or the application process, please contact the Executive Secretary’s Office at jose.greweldinger@theaterrotterdam.nl.

The job interviews will take place in weeks 23 and 24. Please keep this in mind.