Member, Board of Directors

Organization:

Astrolabe Musik Theatre

Deadline:

May. 23, 2024

Organization Description:

Land Acknowledgement:

We respectfully acknowledge that we are privileged to live and work as uninvited guests on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Organizational Profile:

Vancouver-based Astrolabe Musik Theatre creates compelling works of music at the intersection of theatre, dance, visual arts and film. Passionate about Canadian creators and performers, we are dedicated to creating, commissioning, and performing works by Canadian artists. Since 2011, Astrolabe has presented 15 productions profiled by media across Canada. From jazz cellars, copper mines, and heritage buildings, to botanical gardens, art galleries, wineries, and traditional theatres, we’ve programmed the works of 23 Canadian composers (13 of them women) and world-premiered 11 works by eight Canadian composers.

Our feature-length film, The Lake / nx̌aʔx̌aʔitkʷ—an inspiring feature-length documentary about the extraordinary friendship between singers Delphine Derickson of Westbank First Nation and Astrolabe’s Heather Pawsey, and the ground-breaking cultural collaboration in which they decolonised a historic Canadian opera by incorporating syilx / Okanagan perspectives—had its world premiere in 2022 at Le FiFa International Festival of Films About Art (Montreal), its BC premiere at the DOXA Documentary Film Festival in 2023, and is now streaming globally on TelusOriginals.

In 2023, Astrolabe produced the Canadian premiere of Into the Little Hill—a multi-disciplinary production fusing the shimmering beauty of UK composer George Benjamin’s chamber opera with compelling contemporary dance choreographed the directed by Idan Cohen—and the North American premiere of Hearing Voices, an extraordinarily intimate, personal look at women’s mental health by British composer Jocelyn Pook, produced in partnership with the Allegra Chamber Orchestra, one of the world’s only all-female-identifying professional ensembles. We are a federally-registered Canadian charitable organisation.

By imaginatively reinterpreting established repertoire and creating original work, Astrolabe creates cultural connections, reaches out to diverse communities, and fosters active audience and community engagement. The support and commitment of volunteer Board members represents an integral element of these efforts.

Organization Website:

http://www.astrolabemusiktheatre.com

Volunteer Opportunity Description:

Astrolabe is currently recruiting for a new member of its volunteer Board of Directors. We are looking for someone who enjoys being part of a harmonious, working Board, and who loves and is passionate about contemporary classical vocal music.

We welcome you to explore this opportunity, whether you have direct, related experience or would like to learn more, and join us in supporting the development and presentation of ground-breaking productions.

Perhaps you’re new to the nonprofit performing arts community, and are looking to learn and make connections. Maybe you’re a skilled professional looking for a specific volunteer opportunity that resonates creatively. Or, you might just be a music lover interested in making a difference. In any event, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

The Astrolabe Board typically meets every second month, in-person or virtually, and more often if required by specific plans and projects. Board meetings are 90 minutes. Strategic planning retreats (encompassing ½ and full-day sessions) occur in-person twice annually. Board members are provided with a comprehensive orientation package, with staff support, upon the commencement of their term of service.

Some of the key roles of the Astrolabe Board are as follows:

• supporting Astrolabe's vision and mission, goals and objectives
• governance - development, implementation and monitoring of policies that will allow the organization to sustainably carry out its work
• advocacy for Astrolabe and its projects
• support in fundraising and ticket sales
• logistical support during concerts and performances
• other duties as they arise, as agreed by the Board

Board members are expected to:

• Act honestly, and in the continued best interest of the organisation
• Act within the scope of the law
• Take care of the organisation by ensuring prudent use of all assets
• Exercise specific skills if requested by the AD/GM
• Avoid or declare conflicts of interest
• Provide oversight and guidance for all activities that advance the organisation’s effectiveness and sustainability
• Support the Artistic Director/General Manager as needed
• Assist with developing a strategic plan for the organisation

Qualifications:

You are:

• passionate and curious about the arts, especially music and music theatre
• willing to give your best to the organization
• committed to community outreach and collaboration
• respectful and inclusive, and open to building and learning from consensus
• a good communicator, able to take direction, delegate, and support others
• the age of majority in British Columbia (19+)

How to Apply:

If interested in this position, please email us with a brief description of your interest and a CV or work experience. Candidates will be contacted directly within one week with next steps.

Contact Name: Joseph Bardsley
Contact Email Address: joe.bardsley@gmail.com
Contact Phone: (604) 366-1822