Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre
Location: Arrow Rock, Missouri
Employment Type: Full-time; 12-month; salaried
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
Start date in Arrow Rock: July 1, 2025 (Negotiable)
Application Information: For consideration: submit a letter of interest and resume to Lyceum Theatre, Search Committee
Chair, Elizabeth Bellamy, searchchair@lyceumtheatre.org
Or mail to PO Box 14, Arrow Rock, MO 65322.
About:
The Lyceum’s mission is to enrich, engage, and entertain audiences through professional theatre. The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, a historic gem established in 1961, was honored as the first “Missouri Historical Theatre” in 2019. With its unique charm and rich history, the charming Lyceum has blossomed into an intimate, beautifully renovated 416-seat auditorium. It is a cultural cornerstone for rural central Missouri, boasting an annual budget of $2.7 million, a dedicated team of eight professionals, and nearly 30,000 patrons visiting each season.
The Lyceum operates under a Letter of Agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association (LOA to LORT D) and hires members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) and United Scenic Artists (USA).
The Lyceum is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, which is integral to our identity. Each season, from June to October, it presents Broadway-style musicals and plays featuring talent from Broadway stages, blockbuster shows from the big
screen, television, and beyond. Post-season, the theatre continues to entertain with holiday productions and special events throughout the year. The Lyceum is nestled in the picturesque village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, a National Historic Landmark with just 56 residents. Columbia, Missouri, a vibrant university town, is a mere forty-five minutes away. The surrounding area is home to over half a million residents, higher learning institutions, cultural centers, health care facilities, and natural wonders.
Job Summary:
In collaboration with the Executive Director, the Artistic Director co-leads the theatre and guides the fulfillment of the theatre’s mission and values. The Artistic Director is primarily responsible for the artistic direction and season program development, while the Executive Director focuses on the operational and administrative aspects of the theatre. Both directors report to the Board of Directors and work together to ensure alignment with the theater’s strategic goals, financial sustainability, and community impact.
The Artistic Director is the visionary leader responsible for shaping and executing the Lyceum Theatre’s artistic mission. This role is pivotal and influential in crafting an inspiring and inclusive artistic program that resonates with audiences, nurtures emerging talent, and champions innovative storytelling. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in artistic direction, leadership roles in performing arts, and a strong foundation in musical theatre and classic plays.
The Artistic Director secures necessary licensing rights and curates seasonal programming that inspires audiences, donors, and staff. This leadership role includes developing new artistic and outreach initiatives that advance the Theatre’s mission while leading with energy, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset. While attuned to industry trends and emerging works, the Artistic Director ensures that new programming aligns with the Lyceum’s vision.
Key Responsibilities:
Artistic Vision & Program Development
● Program Curator: Develop an annual season that reflects the theatre’s mission, balancing classic and contemporary works and introducing new voices and perspectives.
● Talent Development: Champion the creation and support of new directors and other creative talents.
● Support inclusive casting, programming, and community outreach.
● Artistic Innovation: Embrace and integrate new forms of storytelling, including digital and multimedia elements, to engage audiences in innovative ways.
Production Oversight
● Creative Oversight: Oversee all artistic aspects of production, from casting and design to directing and staging. Foster a collaborative environment that allows creativity to flourish.
● Hiring & Collaboration: Recruit, select, and work closely with directors, designers, and artists. Collaborate with production staff to maintain artistic quality and vision within the constraints of budgets and timelines.
● Quality Control: Ensure that all productions meet the high standards of artistic excellence for which the theatre is known.
Community Engagement & Outreach
● Community Presence and Relations: Act as a spokesperson and ambassador for the Lyceum Theatre within the local communities and industry, building relationships with artists, arts organizations, patrons, educators, and community leaders.
● Outreach Programs: Develop and lead community outreach programs to engage all populations and create opportunities for theatre participation.
Leadership & Administration
● Strategic Planning: Partner with the Executive Director and Board to establish and implement long-term strategic goals for the theatre’s growth, sustainability, and artistic direction.
● Budget Management: Collaborate with the Executive Director and Director of Production
to develop and manage the annual artistic budget, ensuring that programming aligns with financial goals.
● Board Relations: Regularly report on artistic activities, programming, and vision to the Board of Directors. Provide insights on potential growth opportunities and challenges.
Marketing & Audience Development
● Audience Enhancement: Collaborating with the Lyceum team, create programming to increase ticket sales, audience engagement, and brand visibility.
● Audience Engagement: Collaborate with the Executive Director to enhance audience experiences through programming, educational initiatives, and community outreach efforts
● Marketing: Work with the marketing and development team on effective marketing advertising and public relations strategies.
Fundraising & Development
● Fundraising Support: Collaborate with the development team to identify funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and donations, particularly those aligned with artistic initiatives.
● Grant Writing & Reporting: Assist in grant writing and reporting by providing artistic
context and program details, ensuring the theater’s mission is effectively communicated to potential funders.
Qualifications
● Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Fine Arts, or a related field; Master’s or equivalent experience preferred in artistic leadership within a theatre or performing arts organization. Directorial experience is required.
● Artistic Excellence: Proven artistic innovation and excellence track record, demonstrated through past productions and projects.
● Leadership Skills: Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with experience managing teams, directing productions, and working with artists and creative teams.
● Financial Acumen: Experience with production budgets and working collaboratively with production, administrative, and financial teams.
● Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire artists, staff, and community members.
This job description reflects the essential functions of the role but is not exhaustive.
The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is an equal opportunity employer.
