Associate Artistic Director

About the Organization

The Revival is inspired by the legacy of iconic Chicagoan, Viola Spolin. Her groundbreaking work on the city’s South Side created a system of games designed to encourage communication among immigrant children. These exercises used simple structures to teach complicated conventions and form the basis of what is now considered “improvisational theater technique.”

Leveraging the tools and techniques first developed by Ms. Spolin, The Revival was founded in 2015 at the exact spot of the first improv theater.*  We are an artist-led, education and performance-based company with a mission to affect personal, professional and social change on Chicago’s South Side.  The Revival offers a range of community-based performances and a portfolio of workshops, classes and summer camps. Programming is rooted in improvisation as a platform that enables individuals to explore themselves, their experiences, and the world around them.

Diversity is a foundational tenet of The Revival.  From the performers on our stage, to the artists, teachers and experts “behind the scenes”, we strive to build an organization that is reflective of our entire city.  The Revival’s Winter ‘20 production – which closed just prior to the onset of the pandemic – is indicative of our values and voice.  “State of Unfairs” was a critically lauded, topical revue that lampooned the many injustices in our city.  The show was written, directed and performed by an ensemble of Black, LatinX, non-binary, and queer artists and was praised for its ‘no-holds-barred’ approach that still managed to elicit laughter from the challenges it portrayed.

From our current Hyde Park location, we are excited to expand our footprint later this year with a new South Loop location.

*The Compass Players (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compass_Players)

The Position

Associate Artistic Director

This position reports directly to the Founder and oversees all artistic & creative endeavors of The Revival.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Manage the implementation and execution of The Revival’s ongoing theater programming (incl. new show development and ongoing show management).
• Partner with Founder to meet targeted revenue goals for theater programming.
• Identify, recruit and support Directors, Performers and associated creative professionals.
• Oversee semi-regular auditions at the theater.
• Support the marketing team’s efforts to drive interest & awareness in the theater’s programming.
• Partner with Founder to identify and develop incremental performance opportunities for the theater.
• Direct productions/performances that align with candidate’s interests.

Hours/Location

We anticipate up to 30 hours per week to start.  Regular weekend/evening availability is critical.  Administrative work may be completed remotely though frequent in-person presence at our South Loop location is expected.

Skills & Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of six (6) years experience in the improv theater community.
• Proven track record of successful improv performance creation as Producer and/or Director
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Strong decision making, problem solving, and relationship-building skills.
• Self-starter with a high degree of initiative and the ability to juggle multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Intellectually curious with a desire to improve The Revival’s various programming initiatives.
• Attention to detail (bonus points if you submit your cover letter in a red font).

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or equivalent experience).
• Strong Chicago improv community relationships.

Compensation

To be discussed.