Senior Manager, Play Development; Sundance Institute
New York, NYPosition General Summary: Supports and facilitates the artistic vision of the Theatre Program collaborating closely with the Program's NYC-based artistic staff and in partnership with the Institute's administrative and systems personnel in Park City, Utah. The Senior Manager, Play Development is responsible for overseeing the submission processes for the Program's various play development labs and residencies, and for anticipating and communicating artists' needs throughout the planning and execution stages. The Senior Manager also brings an informed and critical eye to the Theatre Program's ongoing activities and outreach to ensure that Sundance continues to lead the field in identifying the most talented theatre makers (from emerging to established) and to provide a uniquely catalytic experience of artistic engagement across borders and disciplines.Essential Job Functions and Duties:
- Manages the annual Theatre Lab submissions process, which includes overseeing a national pool of qualified readers, and collecting, reading, organizing and reviewing submitted scripts in order to provide detailed notes and recommendations to Artistic Director. Actively collaborates with team to review submitted scripts and identify best projects to support within the artistic vision of the program.
- Annually drives building and updating the online Theatre Lab application, including the design, public facing content, and works collaboratively with team to ensure feedback, edits and changes are processed and the application is live online by deadline.
- Acts as department's key contact to clarify the program's processes from concept to completion, answer questions, manage expectations, etc. with artists.
- In collaboration with team, selects casting directors for the Program and facilitates clear and accurate communication between the casting directors, creative teams, operations staff, and team.
- Oversees pre-Lab dramaturgical support and provides frequent communication with each Lab project so the Program meets their needs.
- Oversees the dramaturgs attending each Lab, ensuring an understanding of their creative process to facilitate their projects needs to fulfill the purpose of the Lab.
- Serves as a Dramaturg during the Labs, at the discretion of the Artistic Director.
- Selects and trains Program intern, providing direction, feedback, mentorship and a robust learning experience to support and ensure they understand their responsibilities, are effective in their roles, and are given appropriate and meaningful work.
- Works collaboratively with Artistic Director to identify advisors and dramaturgs for each project and Lab program.
- Attends readings, workshops and productions and provides coverage on selected pieces including reports on up-and-coming and scouted theatre artists to Artistic Director.
- Identifies and oversees 60+ reader independent contracts, including assigning scripts and tracking their progress.
- Collaborates with Tech Services to build a functional department tracking system within Netsuite to track alumni activities, program coverage and artist's work.
- Manages the ongoing data entry into tracking system to ensure accurate information is being recorded.
- Provides onsite support for the Program's workshops, events and labs, including managing artist expectations, supporting operations, etc. as directed.
- Represents Artistic Director and Theatre Program internally and externally, e.g. with board, in the field, at national and international industry events to build ongoing relationships, scout projects and position Sundance as a thought leader.
- Other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements:
- Legal authorization to work in the United States.
- Bachelor's degree.
- 4-5 years experience working with theatre-makers in a development capacity
- Solid dramaturgy skills and professional experience in the field of new play development
- Strong evaluative skills specifically with an ability to evaluate scripts and provide creative feedback.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recording, tracking and issuing information, etc.
- Outstanding communication skills, telephone, written and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
- Ability to collaborate effectively and effect change by applying best practices.
- Working knowledge of databases along with proficiency in Google Products.
- Excellent organizational skills with a strong initiative and ability to self manage workload.
- Ability to observe professional protocol and to handle confidential information discreetly
- Ability to work nights and weekends around events, key deadlines and to scout performances and artists.
- Understanding and interest in Sundance Institute's mission.
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:
- Experience in new play development.
- Experience working with unions, i.e. AEA theatre actors and roles.
For more information and to apply, visit https://sundancejobs.applicantpro.com/jobs/890797.html
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