Emerging Set And Costume Designer Wanted

Organization Description:

Founded in 1972, Place des Arts is a not-for-profit arts education centre with a mission to inspire the artist in everyone. Located in the historic Maillardville neighborhood of Coquitlam, we offer quality instruction for all ages and skill levels in the visual, literary, and performing arts.

Job Description:

Place des Arts is seeking an emerging theatre artist between the ages of 18 and 30 with an interest and background in set and costume design. You are in the early stages of your career (1 to 2 years), or a recent graduate from a degree program in theatre production or a related field. You have not previously worked full-time in a professional capacity and you are seriously committed to pursuing or advancing your career in theatre. The Emerging Set and Costume Designer will be mentored by theatre professionals from the Vancouver professional theatre community. This barrier-free initiative provides opportunities to gain exposure and advance skills. It is designed to help artists bridge the gap from emerging to established by providing them with the experience and resources they need to succeed.

Project Description

The Grimm Fairy Tales: An Inclusive Reimagining project, is a new approach to Place des Arts’ longstanding Summer Youth Theatre Troupe. Emerging IBPOC/LGBTQIA2S+ theatre professionals will take the reins of the Troupe, and with the mentorship of a seasoned creative team, they will share their contemporary life experiences through reinterpretations of three folk stories originally documented in the 18th century by the Brothers Grimm.

The IBPOC/LGBTQIA2S+ youth will select three Grimm stories, rewrite them to align with their own experiences, design the sets, costumes , and props, cast the actors, rehearse and execute the performances. Guidance and training for the project will be provided by local theatre professionals. It is anticipated that the IBPOC/LGBTQIA2S+ youth will develop long-term mentorship relationships and connections to the Lower Mainland theatre community through participation in this project.

Three unique performances will be prepared for the Tri-Cities community. Ideally, community members will be able to attend the performances in person during the summer and fall of 2021. However, if COVID-19 public health restrictions do not permit outdoor gatherings at that time, the performances will be recorded, released , and curated on Place des Arts’ YouTube channel.

Responsibilities:

• Liaise with the Program and Events Coordinator and the Theatre Mentors
• Attend production meetings and rehearsals
• Liaise with the various departments regarding all production elements
• Provide production designs for sets and costumes by the established deadlines
• Source materials and build sets and create costumes as per the approved designs
• Manage all designated budgets responsibly
• Return/strike costumes, props, and/or sets as necessary to rental houses in a timely manner.
• Attend the live performances and assist with backstage requirements as needed
• Maintain sets and costumes during the run of the production
• Other duties as assigned by the Program and Events Coordinator

Qualifications:

• Valid BC drivers’ license and access to a vehicle
• Previous experience and/or training coordinating in your artistic practice
• Ability to relate to teens
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Well organized with attention to detail
• Capacity to manage multiple tasks
• Ability to work independently and to exercise initiative
• Approachable and flexible, with an eagerness to learn
• Ability to work with a variety of personalities
• Must have a flexible work schedule to accommodate performance schedule
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• Must have a criminal record check completed upon hiring.

Eligibility

• Must be between 18 and 30 years of age at the start of employment
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection had been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Must be legally entitled to work according to relevant provincial legislation and regulations
• Must not hold another full-time (30 or more hours) summer job or full-time study during their employment