Artistic Director
/ORGANIZATION:
Belfry Theatre
DEADLINE:
Nov. 17, 2025
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
The Belfry produces theatre that allows the audience to see the world a little differently.
As a professional adult theatre company, the Belfry Theatre is dedicated to producing contemporary plays, with an emphasis on Canadian work, and to promoting artistic, cultural, and educational events in the Greater Victoria Region
Now entering its 50th Season, the Belfry Theatre’s primary focus is on Canadian playwrights and contemporary plays—works with rigorous ideas that address issues in the world around us. The Belfry actively pursues stories that embrace the diversity of this country’s population. The development of new work, through commissions, dramaturgy, workshops, readings, and first productions, is central to their artistic mandate. The Belfry aims to produce plays that engage audiences while opening doors to new worlds and new ways of seeing.
Over the past 50 years, the Belfry has produced more than 360 plays, including 280 Canadian plays and over 50 premieres. Many of these premieres have gone on to acclaim across Canada, in the U.S., Australia, Europe, and London’s West End. Belfry productions regularly tour to other cities and have received awards in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
The Belfry offers Pay What You Want pricing for all single tickets and subscriptions, democratizing access to theatre. It also runs several programs designed to further the knowledge and training of young professional artists, craftspeople, and administrators.
The Belfry has an annual budget of $3 million. Full financial statements and additional information can be found in the annual reports: https://www.belfry.bc.ca/annual-reports/.
The Belfry Theatre is located on the land of the Lək̓ʷəŋən People, known today as the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations. The Belfry offers its respect and gratitude for their presence on this territory.
WEBSITE:
https://www.belfry.bc.ca/artistic-director-search/
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Belfry Theatre (Victoria, BC) is seeking an individual of creativity, vision, and experience to serve as its next Artistic Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working closely with the Executive Director, the Artistic Director will shape the Belfry’s artistic direction while ensuring the financial health of the organization.
The Artistic Director will oversee all artistic aspects of the company, including programming, selecting creative personnel, and supporting production processes. They will advance local artists through apprenticeships, workshops, and commissions, and help develop new works.
The role requires an active leader and collaborator in the Victoria arts community, engaging with artists, arts organizations, granting bodies, and patrons. The Artistic Director will embrace a key role in securing public and private sector support for the Theatre and will be a vital part of its ongoing work toward diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This full-time position begins in September 2026, with input into the planning of the 2026/27 season.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Articulate and implement a clear artistic vision for the Belfry Theatre
Curate seasons reflecting diverse realities and perspectives
Engage high-quality artists and approve all casting and creative teams
Direct at least one production per season and support guest directors
Commission playwrights and develop new works
Lead artistic and organizational collaboration with the Executive Director
Champion equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement
Contribute to grant applications, donor communications, and strategic planning
Maintain strong relationships with staff, artists, volunteers, and educational partners
Manage artistic budgets, calendars, and staff development
Serve as spokesperson and ambassador for the Belfry locally and nationally
QUALIFICATIONS:
Willingness to reside in Victoria (relocation allowance available)
Proven artistic leadership experience, ideally in theatre programming and budgeting
Strong record in directing, commissioning, and developing new works
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility
Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills
Experience working with Boards and mentoring teams
Experience at a venue-based organization considered an asset
HOW TO APPLY:
The Belfry Theatre Artistic Director Search is led by Nancy Webster, Nicola Dawes, and Martin Bragg of Martin Bragg & Associates. To apply in confidence, please email a letter of interest and resume in Word or PDF format to Martin Bragg & Associates at belfrytheatre@mbassociates.ca. The review of applications will begin immediately. Deadline for receipt of applications is Monday, November 17, 2025. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and will receive an acknowledgement of their application. No phone calls, please.
REMUNERATION:
The Belfry Theatre offers a comprehensive compensation package with an annual salary of $95,000–$105,000 per year, commensurate with experience. The position includes membership in the Belfry’s benefit programs, an extended Health & Dental plan after three months, and four weeks of paid vacation, including a minimum one-week company shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s.
