Ruth Theater

About The Ruth Theater The Ruth Theater is committed to producing exceptional theatrical experiences while developing artists of all ages through professional productions, education, and community engagement. We believe in artistic excellence, collaboration, integrity, and creating an environment where stories come to life through world-class productions and meaningful artistic experiences. Position Summary The Artistic Associate is a full-time, resident member of The Ruth Theater's Artistic Staff and works closely with the Artistic Director to support the creative and operational execution of the theater's artistic programming. This position serves as an extension of the Artistic Director through directing and choreography, casting support, production oversight, artistic event programming, and collaboration with guest artists and creative teams.
The Artistic Associate exercises delegated artistic responsibilities as assigned by the Artistic Director and plays a key role in ensuring the consistent execution of the theater's artistic vision across Mainstage productions, Academy programming, donor events, and special initiatives. This position helps uphold the artistic standards and culture of the organization while fostering an exceptional experience for artists, students, patrons, donors, and guests. Primary Responsibilities
Artistic Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Artistic Director on the artistic execution of the season.
• Assist with auditions, callbacks, and casting decisions for Mainstage and Academy productions.
• Attend all production meetings.
• Represent the Artistic Director at rehearsals, technical rehearsals, performances, production meetings, and other artistic activities as assigned.
• Exercise delegated artistic responsibilities as assigned by the Artistic Director.
• Support the Artistic Director in maintaining consistency in artistic quality across all productions.

Directing & Choreography

• Direct and/or choreograph up to two (2) Mainstage productions each season.
• Direct and/or choreograph up to three (3) Academy productions each season.
• Collaborate with directors, music directors, designers, and stage management to realize each production's artistic vision.

Production Oversight

• Attend technical rehearsals as assigned.
• Attend rack walks and costume review meetings.
• Monitor productions throughout their performance runs to help maintain the artistic quality established by the Artistic Director and creative team.
• Attend multiple evening performances of each production and provide artistic notes through stage management or on behalf of the Artistic Director.
• Represent the Artistic Director during rehearsals and performances as assigned.

Creative Team Coordination

• Serve as an artistic liaison for guest directors, choreographers, music directors, designers, and other outside creative personnel.
• Coordinate communication, scheduling, onboarding, hospitality, and production needs for guest creatives.
• Foster a collaborative and welcoming environment for all guest artists.

Education & Academy

• Partner with the Education Department as the artistic liaison for Academy productions.
• Serve as a co-producer for production-based educational programming.
• Support the Education Department as an extension of the Artistic and Production teams.
• Mentor students and emerging artists.

Donor & Special Events

• Coordinate and oversee entertainment for donor dinners, galas, season announcements, and special events.
• Attend donor dinners, opening nights, cast parties, theater special events, and community engagement activities.
• Collaborate with Development and Marketing to create engaging artistic experiences.

Artistic Culture

• Support the mission, vision, values, and artistic standards of The Ruth Theater.
• Serve as a collaborative member of the Artistic Staff and contribute to a culture of excellence, professionalism, and teamwork.

Annual Responsibilities

• Direct and/or choreograph up to two (2) Mainstage productions.
• Direct and/or choreograph up to three (3) Academy productions.
• Assist with casting for all productions.
• Attend production meetings, technical rehearsals, rack walks, opening nights, cast parties, donor events, and theater special events.
• Attend multiple performances to maintain artistic quality and provide artistic notes.
• Coordinate guest creatives and serve as the primary artistic point of contact.
• Serve as co-producer and artistic liaison for Academy production programming.

Qualifications & Experience

• BFA in Performing Arts, Theatre, Dance, Musical Theatre, or a related discipline required.
• MFA preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional directing and/or choreography experience.
• Strong experience in professional musical theatre.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.

Please include all directing, choreography, performance, teaching, administrative, educational, and production experience with resume. Schedule & Professional Expectations The Artistic Associate is a full-time, exempt member of the Artistic Staff. This role requires a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, performances, Academy productions, donor events, and special events. The Artistic Associate is expected to be an active, visible member of the artistic life of The Ruth Theater and may be assigned additional responsibilities by the Artistic Director consistent with the purpose of the role. Resident Artistic Staff Position The Artistic Associate is a resident member of The Ruth Theater's Artistic Staff and is expected to devote their professional talents, creative energy, and primary employment commitment to the artistic mission of The Ruth Theater.
The responsibilities of this position extend throughout the production season and require consistent collaboration in artistic planning, casting, production oversight, Academy programming, donor engagement, and organizational initiatives. Because of the scope and visibility of this role, outside professional directing, choreography, performing, teaching, consulting, or similar artistic engagements are not compatible with the expectations of this position and are not permitted during employment unless specifically requested by or approved by The Ruth Theater in support of its mission.
The successful candidate will embrace this position as a long-term artistic home and will be committed to contributing to the continued growth, excellence, and artistic vision of The Ruth Theater. Why Join The Ruth Theater This is more than a directing or choreography position. The Artistic Associate is a resident artist who plays a vital role in shaping the creative life of The Ruth Theater. Working alongside the Artistic Director, this individual will help produce exceptional theatrical experiences, mentor the next generation of artists, collaborate with exceptional guest creatives, and contribute to an organization committed to artistic excellence, innovation, and community.