Managing Artistic Director
/ORGANIZATION:
Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre
DEADLINE:
Mar. 1, 2026
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre (vAct or the Company) is Canada’s leading theatre company exclusively producing and developing new Asian Canadian work. It is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026.
History
Passion. That’s what started our journey. And that’s what fuels us now. Joyce Lam knew this in 2001, when Vancouver’s stages didn’t reflect the REAL Vancouver. A Vancouver of clanging dim sum carts and ranging dialects. A Vancouver where Asian culture cuts so deep it forms our city’s lifeblood. So, she started vAct, an incubator for some of the best Asian Canadian talent in the country.
2001 – 2013: Beginnings
In the first 13 years of the company’s existence, we made a strong impression in the Asian Canadian theatre-going community, garnering a large and loyal audience base and list of donors that continue to support us to this day. Highlights of our early programming included the annual Etch-Your-Sketchoff comedy nights and the premiere and subsequent local tour of the original musical Red Letters by Kathy Leung and Alan Bau.
2013 – Present: Professionalization
In 2013, Donna Yamamoto was appointed as the Company’s first Artistic Director. Understanding that artistic merit catalyzes social change, she ushered in an era where we defined our stories. We redirected our focus to the creation, development and production of new, professional Asian Canadian work. This began vAct's rapid transformation from a community theatre to one of the most exciting diversity-mandated professional theatre companies in Canada.
Following Donna’s retirement in 2022, Derek Chan took over as Managing Artistic Director, bringing with him over a decade’s experience in creating, developing, and producing original intercultural, multilingual works. Over the next four years, Derek expanded vAct’s vision, identity, and community by building incubator programs like vActory and Springboard, forging new relationships through co-productions and presentations of local and national work, and creating a home for communal solidarity and connection through Voices for Freedom and Democracy.
vAct has produced ten new Asian Canadian mainstage plays (Ga Ting by Minh Ly; Dirty Old Woman and The Ones We Leave Behind by Loretta Seto; Empire of the Son, 1 Hour Photo, and Kuroko by Tetsuro Shigematsu; Bad Parent by Ins Choi; My Little Tomato by Rick Tae; Parifam by Aki Yaghoubi; and The Frontliners by Zahida Rahemtulla). vAct’s productions have garnered 25 nominations at the annual Jessie Awards, winning two. Empire of the Son premiered in 2015 as part of The Cultch’s season, selling out its run and later touring nationally.
Since 2012, vAct has developed nearly 40 new works through its play development program, the Creation Lab (formerly MSG Lab), prioritizing gender diversity with 75 percent of selected candidates identifying as female or non-binary.
In the ecology of Western Canadian theatre, vAct plays a unique role as the only professional theatre company consistently premiering new works by Asian Canadians.
WEBSITE:
http://www.vact.ca
JOB DESCRIPTION:
vAct is seeking an experienced and visionary Managing Artistic Director to provide leadership for both the artistic and business activities of the Company. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the successful candidate will be responsible for creating and executing the artistic vision of the Company in accordance with the strategic direction set by the Board. The Managing Artistic Director oversees the overall artistic vision and operations of the Company, including programming, hiring personnel, casting, and technical operations. In addition to artistic responsibilities, the role includes responsibility for administrative operations such as strategic and business planning, budgeting, marketing, and funding development.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
Partner with the General Manager and Board of Directors to develop and execute a compelling artistic vision and strategic plan.
Create and execute artistic programs reflecting the Company’s commitment to excellence.
Act as a professional advisor to the Board on artistic and operational matters.
Lead strategic planning cycles identifying short- and long-term goals.
Build and maintain relationships across the theatre industry, community groups, educational institutions, and government agencies.
Foster a culture of collaboration and open communication.
Serve as ambassador and primary spokesperson for the Company.
Enhance the Company’s profile by attending and participating in community and industry initiatives.
Theatre Operations and Management
Collaborate with the General Manager to achieve goals outlined in the Strategic Plan.
Develop efficient operational priorities and processes ensuring financial stability.
Negotiate and secure performance rights.
Approve producing partnerships and creative teams.
Oversee hiring of directors and contribute to casting and design decisions.
Support programs that develop new Asian Canadian plays and playwrights.
Report regularly to the Board on artistic and operational activities.
Internal Administration and External Advocacy
Serve as primary liaison to the Board, ensuring transparent communication.
Prepare and present the annual budget with the General Manager.
Oversee artistic programming expenditures.
Participate in funding development, grant applications, and reporting.
Engage with sponsors, donors, and public funders.
Support marketing and communications initiatives for audience development and engagement.
Defining Success
Build strong internal and external relationships.
Develop a deep understanding of organizational culture and operations.
Establish relationships with funders, media, industry peers, and community leaders.
Program a diverse and compelling season aligned with vAct’s mission.
Working Environment
Office-based with work in theatres and external locations.
Hours may exceed 40 per week during productions.
Evening and weekend work required.
Occasional travel required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Professional Experience / Skills
Senior creative leadership experience in professional non-commercial theatre.
Proven success leading organizations with artistic and financial sustainability.
Ability to articulate a compelling artistic vision.
Advanced network of theatre artists and professionals.
Experience mentoring and developing creative and administrative teams.
Strong operational and producing experience, including touring productions.
Effective spokesperson and advocate within arts and government sectors.
Strong mediation and negotiation skills.
Personal Characteristics
Passion for vAct’s mission and Asian Canadian storytelling.
Collaborative, empathetic, and inclusive leadership style.
Clear and compelling communicator.
Resilient, confident, and solution-oriented.
Ability to empower staff and foster innovation.
Education
Undergraduate degree in a creative theatre discipline or related field required.
Graduate studies are an asset but not required.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their cover letter and curriculum vitae in confidence to president@vact.ca. Only individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Finalist candidates will undergo education verification, criminal record, and vulnerable sector checks.
REMUNERATION:
$65,000–$70,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
