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Job Postings:

The 35th Toronto Fringe Festival will be july 5 - 16, 2023

TD Outreach Coordinator

Job Title:  TD Outreach Coordinator 

Organization: Toronto Fringe

Reports to:  Communications Manager

Direct Reports:  n/a

Department:  Toronto Fringe Festival

Term:   Seasonal employment contract, 20 weeks

Hours: Our team generally works weekdays between 9:30-5:30pm; this position is part of the administrative team and the hours are scheduled to align with the work flow of the Communications Manager. The contract begins with a part-time schedule, then increases to full time later in the spring to meet the needs of prepping for, loading in and running the festival.

Location:  Our office is located downtown Toronto, at 100 Broadview Avenue. The organization is operating under a hybrid work model, with staff working both remotely and in-office. This position will be required to work primarily in-office, and will be required to work on-site during the festival dates of the Toronto Fringe Festival.

Salary:   $12,000

Deadline to apply: Thursday February 9, 2023, 11:59pm ET

Interview Dates: February 15-24, 2023

Start Date: March 13, 2023

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Toronto Fringe is a grassroots, charitable organization that runs the Toronto Fringe Festival each July, the  Next Stage Theatre Festival each October, and various year-round programs that benefit youth, artists, and the theatre community at large. We are a creative match-maker, connecting artists with audiences, and empowering everyone to unleash their inner artist. We create opportunities for both emerging and established artists to produce their work with artistic freedom, while engaging members of the community by making productions as affordable and accessible as possible.

The Toronto Fringe is an organization that is inclusive and accessible and all of our programming reflects this principle. We ensure that we produce well-marketed, well-organized and fiscally stable events through which artists may develop and produce new work. In our festivals, participants have a reasonable opportunity to earn back their investment and compensate themselves for their work. The Fringe also provides audiences with the opportunity to experience a wide variety of quality theatre at an affordable price. We are proud members of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) and World Fringe. More information here.

Organization Mission and Values: 

The Toronto Fringe is a platform for everyone to access, discover, and experiment with the arts. By valuing creative experiences, we contribute to a healthy arts economy and, ultimately, a thriving society.

ACCESS - in every sense of the word
ACCOUNTABILITY - we work with integrity and respect
CREATIVITY - freedom of expression permeates everything we do
EXPLORATION - we let curiosity be our guide
SUPPORT – empowering you to take a chance

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Toronto Fringe, through the generous support of TD Bank's Ready Commitment program, is seeking an individual to fill the position of TD Outreach Coordinator.  This position offers an advancing internship experience that develops skills in arts administration, leadership, community building, and public communications. It is ideal for emerging arts administrators who are still developing their careers and are interested in further mentorship and training in arts marketing and communications.   

This position will assist in the execution of the Toronto Fringe’s visibility and engagement campaigns via digital and community initiatives and projects. The successful candidate will be an integral part of the team by supporting the Communications Manager in executing the 2023 Toronto Fringe Festival.

We are searching for a passionate and resourceful individual with a keen interest in working in the arts and in a festival environment. The ideal candidate has a willingness to learn, and is comfortable taking on projects, and collaborating as a member of a team. Our work can be ever-changing, collaborative, political, creative, and challenging...not to mention very fulfilling! We support the needs of our staff and work hard to be a flexible, healthy working environment. 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH 

Expand relationships within IBPOC communities:

  • Help create packages and group bookings to festival
  • Creation of outreach materials to raise awareness with communities
  • Update/expand outreach database
  • Establish long-term relationships/contacts that could exist after festival 

Expand relationships within disability communities and provide resources:

  • Management of data flow for Access Supplement
  • Coordinate other access materials such as ASL videos and audio/visual guides
  • Upload to resources Eventotron/website and share with community
  • Update/expand outreach database

YOUTH OUTREACH 

Kids Up Front:

  • Create list of shows that have opted in
  • Administer and track group bookings
  • When needed, meet groups at theatre to mitigate box office issues

KidsFest:

  • Submit brochure to TDSB for approvals and distribution
  • Take group bookings and advise on show selection for summer camps and daycares
  • When needed, meet groups at theatre to mitigate box office issues
  • The Outreach Coordinator may be required to assist with other youth ancillary programming that is offered during the Fringe Festival, as needed

DIGITAL OUTREACH 

  • Implement outreach strategies for social media platforms in coordination with the Communications Manager (focus on Instagram/TikTok) 
  • Research and implement ways to connect with new target demographics online 
  • Collaborate with Communications Manager on the Fringe’s social media identity
  • Assist the Communications Manager with social media asset creation as needed
  • Manage a database of cross-promotional agreements and sponsorship fulfillment requests 
  • Routine website and Eventotron updates as needed

OTHER OUTREACH

  • Ad sales – Help department reach revenue targets, with a focus on selling ads to wider community 
  • Develop a distribution plan for program guide delivery and execute delivery with support from the Communications Manager 
  • Help facilitate Fringe artist involvement in community outreach events and digital engagement Assist with artist programs as needed 

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION 

  • Assist Communications Manager in proofing Fringe program and website listings 
  • Assist Communications Manager with ad sales logistics
  • Tracking of ad artwork/program artwork with artists, as needed
  • Other admin tasks as needed 

WORKING AT FRINGE

Toronto Fringe works in a hybrid model that adopts a flexible approach to balancing work and home demands of its full-time team members.

Toronto Fringe is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the communities we serve, as well as actively working on dismantling systems of oppression and centering care in our work. We actively encourage and prioritize applications from equity-deserving groups. Equity-deserving groups can include those who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Trans, Nonbinary, Queer, Disabled and intersections of those identities.

This paid position runs 20 weeks (March to late July). Candidates must be available for every day of the 2023 Toronto Fringe Festival (July 5-16, 2023).

Requirements:

  • Eligible to work in Canada
  • have 1-5 years working experience in communications and/or outreach for an arts organization or independent arts work considered comparable
  • Have a passion for the value of performing arts, and a strong desire to foster community outreach to youth and groups historically considered left out of “traditional” theatre
  • Have overall knowledge of the Fringe Festival movement and philosophy of the Fringe, and its place in the performing arts community
  • Have superior administrative and problem-solving skills
  • Have strong sales skills and know-how to write a solid pitch for the Fringe
  • Have strong computer skills and ideally knowledge of design programs (Adobe creative suite, Canva, etc.)
  • Have an understanding of all social media platforms, and how to use those platforms for effective advertising and marketing
  • Have excellent verbal and written communication skills

Nice to Haves:

  • Contacts or connections with youth/arts organizations that primarily serve equity-deserving communities
  • Experience supervising volunteers or large groups of young people
  • Experience managing and tracking a large database of information

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit an application using this portal: https://fringetoronto.wufoo.com/forms/2023-toronto-fringe-festival-position-application/ 

Alternatively, submit the information on the application form (see below for outline of questions) in a single PDF by email to employment@fringetoronto.com with the subject line: 2023 Outreach Coordinator Application

The deadline to apply is Thursday February 9, 2023, 11:59pm ET

The link takes you to a form with the following questions:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Address
  • Pronouns (optional)
  • Self-Identification (optional)
  • What draws you to and excites you about working with the Toronto Fringe Festival? (answer in 1 to 2 paragraphs)
  • What skills and experience make you an excellent fit for this role? (answer in 1 to 2 paragraphs)
  • What do you hope to gain from this experience? (answer in 1 paragraph)
  • Is there anything else?
  • Upload a current CV in PDF format

We include the optional opportunity for voluntary self-identification, for you to share with us any important identities you hold that shape your identity/experience in a way you would like known.

The Toronto Fringe is committed to employment equity and diversity. Everyone is welcome to apply. We encourage applicants from equity-seeking communities and intersecting identities to apply. Toronto Fringe is committed to providing staff with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment, and fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. 

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you would like to apply but require additional time, or you need accommodations of any kind to apply for this position and/or would like to submit your materials in an alternative format, please contact the hiring committee at employment@fringetoronto.com before the application deadline of February 9, 2023
 
Final candidates will be asked for references. All applications are considered confidential. 

PROCESS AND KEY DATES

January 12, 2023: Position posted
February 9, 2023: deadline to apply, by 11:59pm ET
February 15-24, 2023: interview (in-person or via Zoom, restrictions permitting) with the Communications Manager and Associate Producer
Week of February 27: Reference check, offer
March 13, 2023: candidate begins 

TD Emerging Festival Producer

Job Title:  TD Emerging Festival Producer 

Organization: Toronto Fringe

Reports to:  Managing Director, Projects & Operations Manager

Direct Reports:  n/a

Department:  Toronto Fringe Festival

Term:   Seasonal employment contract, 20 weeks

Hours: Our team generally works weekdays between 9:30-5:30pm; this position is part of the administrative team and the hours are scheduled to align with the work flow of the Managing Director, Associate Producer, and Projects & Operations Manager. The contract begins with a part-time schedule, then increases to full time later in the spring to meet the needs of prepping for, loading in and running the festival.

Location:  Our office is located downtown Toronto, at 100 Broadview Avenue. The organization is operating under a hybrid work model, with staff working both remotely and in-office. This position will be required to work primarily in-office, and will be required to work on-site during the load in, festival dates, and load out of the Toronto Fringe Festival.

Salary:   $12,000 CAD

Deadline to apply:  Thursday February 9, 2023, 11:59pm ET

Interview Dates: February 15-24, 2023

Start Date:  March 13, 2023

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Toronto Fringe is a grassroots, charitable organization that runs the Toronto Fringe Festival each July, the  Next Stage Theatre Festival each October, and various year-round programs that benefit youth, artists, and the theatre community at large. We are a creative match-maker, connecting artists with audiences, and empowering everyone to unleash their inner artist. We create opportunities for both emerging and established artists to produce their work with artistic freedom, while engaging members of the community by making productions as affordable and accessible as possible.

The Toronto Fringe is an organization that is inclusive and accessible and all of our programming reflects this principle. We ensure that we produce well-marketed, well-organized and fiscally stable events through which artists may develop and produce new work. In our festivals, participants have a reasonable opportunity to earn back their investment and compensate themselves for their work. The Fringe also provides audiences with the opportunity to experience a wide variety of quality theatre at an affordable price. We are proud members of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) and World Fringe. More information here.

Organization Mission and Values 

The Toronto Fringe is a platform for everyone to access, discover, and experiment with the arts. By valuing creative experiences, we contribute to a healthy arts economy and, ultimately, a thriving society.

ACCESS - in every sense of the word
ACCOUNTABILITY - we work with integrity and respect
CREATIVITY - freedom of expression permeates everything we do
EXPLORATION - we let curiosity be our guide
SUPPORT – empowering you to take a chance

JOB DESCRIPTION

Through the generous assistance of TD Bank’s Ready Commitment program, the Toronto Fringe is seeking an ambitious, festival and event producer-in-training to become part of the Fringe team from early March through to late July 2023. The TD Emerging Festival Producer will work directly with the Managing Director and the Projects & Operations Manager on aspects of festival preparation. 

This position is intended to offer an advancing internship experience in which the candidate is seeking to gain and develop skills in arts administration, management, and cultural event producing, through the lens of executing a mid-scale performing arts festival. In line with our values, Fringe seeks to develop the next generation of festival producers and arts leaders. As such, candidates are not expected to have extensive experience in all of the areas listed below, but rather some experience in most of them, plus a strong desire to develop their capacity and abilities, with intentions to pursue this vocation. As the season progresses, the Emerging Producer will shift from learning key skills and shadowing leaders to applying their knowledge and taking the lead on certain projects related to their workload. They will be mentored throughout by the Managing Director and Projects and Operations Manager, and supervised by all of the senior staff members.

For the 2023 Toronto Fringe Festival, this position will support the logistics and execution of the performances and related support for the participating Fringe companies, support site set up and supervision of programming at the festival hubs, POSTSCRIPT and KidsFest, and overall logistics requirements of a multi-venue, multi-day performance event. Duties will at times overlap with other departments in the lead up to the Festival.

WORKING AT FRINGE

Toronto Fringe works in a hybrid model that adopts a flexible approach to balancing work and home demands of its full-time team members.

Toronto Fringe is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the communities we serve, as well as actively working on dismantling systems of oppression and centering care in our work. We actively encourage and prioritize applications from equity-deserving groups. Equity-deserving groups can include those who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Trans, Nonbinary, Queer, Disabled, and intersections of those identities.

This paid position runs 20 weeks (March to late July). Candidates must be available for every day of the 2023 Toronto Fringe Festival (July 5-16, 2023).

OUTLINE OF DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS

The Emerging Festival Producer is responsible for:

  • Assisting with Fringe artist relations and support. This may include:
  • administering letters of agreement and policies, creating artist resources
  • assisting with information seminars produced for participants by the Fringe
  • other critical communications and information collection or distribution
  • creating a work or networking space for Fringe artists during the festival.
  • Assisting with the logistics and producing of the Fringe Festival. This may include:
  • supporting the scheduling and production of the performance venues
  • Coordinating the festival staff comms and ID logistics
  • Overseeing specific aspects of load in and set up of festival operations at sites
  • Assisting with the logistics and producing of the Fringe patio, POSTSCRIPT. This may include:
  • sourcing equipment and rentals
  • participating in load in and set up of the site
  • overseeing specific areas of programming
  • Assisting with the coordination of any community outreach events, including Pride Festival and the Fringe Festival’s launch event at Yonge Dundas Square.
  • Supporting the KidsFest Club department as needed in the facilities logistics for set up and supervision during the run of the festival.
  • Supporting other departments as needed, including Patron Services, Accessibility and Festival Production in the lead up to and during the festival.
  • Coordinating with all departments within the Fringe in the lead up and throughout the Festival, to learn the full breadth of organization it takes to execute a festival of this scale. 
  • Being present (in person) and helping oversee and maintain the Fringe Festival hubs and patio during festival dates (July 5-16, 2023).

Requirements:

  • Eligible to work in Canada.
  • Particularly focused on developing an administrative managerial career in the performing arts, have practical experience in arts administration, production or producing, or applicable transferable experience.
  • Actively looking for continued training in theatre producing and arts administration (this funding is intended to support emerging arts workers).
  • Overall knowledge of theatre in Canada and of the Fringe movement, and have an opinion about the role of the arts in contemporary society.
  • A strong understanding of personal strengths and challenges in a work environment, and confidence to ask questions and clarify expectations in order to get tasks done to the best of your abilities. 
  • Able to work independently, supported in in-office and remote-working environments.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft office suite, or compatible word processor and spreadsheet programs.
  • Proficiency with digital communication platforms, such as Zoom, an asset.
  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task, organize multiple projects and priorities, manage a non-linear workload.
  • Eager to learn in a busy environment, and ability to think clearly and rationally under pressure.
  • Demonstrates: ambition, a willingness to learn, the ability to work hard, and a passion for and commitment to the value of performing arts.

Nice to Haves:

  • Festival administration experience
  • Experience working with volunteers    
  • A good dash of common sense

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit an application using this portal: https://fringetoronto.wufoo.com/forms/2023-toronto-fringe-festival-position-application/ 

Alternatively, submit the information on the application form (see below for outline of questions) in a single PDF by email to employment@fringetoronto.com with the subject line: 2023 Emerging Festival Producer Application

The deadline to apply is Thursday February 9, 2023, 11:59pm ET 

The link takes you to a form with the following questions:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Address
  • Pronouns (optional)
  • Self-Identification (optional)
  • What draws you to and excites you about working with the Toronto Fringe Festival? (answer in 1 to 2 paragraphs)
  • What skills and experience make you an excellent fit for this role? (answer in 1 to 2 paragraphs)
  • What do you hope to gain from this experience? (answer in 1 paragraph)
  • Is there anything else?
  • Upload a current CV in PDF format

We include the optional opportunity for voluntary self-identification, for you to share with us any important identities you hold that shape your identity/experience in a way you would like known.

The Toronto Fringe is committed to employment equity and diversity. Everyone is welcome to apply. We encourage applicants from equity-seeking communities and intersecting identities to apply. Toronto Fringe is committed to providing staff with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment, and fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. 

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you would like to apply but require additional time, or you need accommodations of any kind to apply for this position and/or would like to submit your materials in an alternative format, please contact the hiring committee at employment@fringetoronto.com before the application deadline of February 9, 2023.
 
Final candidates will be asked for references. All applications are considered confidential. 

PROCESS AND KEY DATES

January 12, 2023: Position posted
February 9, 2023: deadline to apply, by 11:59pm ET
February 15-24, 2023: interview (in-person or via Zoom, restrictions permitting) with the Managing Director and Projects & Operations Manager.
Week of February 27: Reference check, offer
March 13, 2023: candidate begins 

CALL FOR VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBERS

Organization:  The Toronto Fringe
Location:  Toronto, ON (location of Festival); virtual Board meetings
Primary Category: Board/Committee Positions (voluntary)
Type of Position: 3-year term, with the possibility of renewal

Description & Details

The Toronto Fringe is a charitable arts organization that runs the Toronto Fringe Festival (every July), the Next Stage Theatre Festival (every Fall), and various year-round artist programs. The organization is a creative matchmaker that connects artists with audiences, empowering everyone to unleash their inner artist. Notable productions that started at the Fringe and now enjoying commercial success include: Kim’s Convenience, Da Kink in My Hair, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish-Wiccan Wedding, and Tony award-winning The Drowsy Chaperone. The creators of Come From Away (now the longest-running Canadian musical on Broadway) and TallBoyz also started at the festival.

Our flagship event, the Toronto Fringe Festival, is the largest “un-juried” theatre and performance festival in Ontario, with hundreds of shows appearing across multiple venues over our 2-week festival. Our outdoor pop-up patio, POSTSCRIPT, accommodates hundreds of revellers each day of the festival (from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. each day). Overall, Toronto Fringe is one of the most dynamic and energizing events taking place in the City each year!

A Snapshot of the Opportunity

The Toronto Fringe is entering its 35th year! Once a festival of humble beginnings, the festival now boasts an operating budget of over $2.5 million each year. The Fringe is ready to raise the bar and become an even stronger incubator of cultural expression for our city, for Canada, and for the world. The Board of Directors and Toronto Fringe staff are looking to grow the reach of the overall festival, and is soliciting the involvement of other great minds who wish to have an indelible impact on the lives of practicing and emerging artists, audiences who deeply appreciate how important art and culture is to elevating the human experience and building communities, as well as the Canadian economy on the whole.

Volunteer Board members may have expertise in any of the following areas:

  • Real Estate
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Technology
  • Community Involvement
  • Sponsorship or Fundraising
  • Accessibility
  • Arts and Culture (preference to those in the theatre industry)

As a member of the Fringe’s Board of Directors, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Support the Fringe’s mission and purpose
  • Assist and evaluate the efforts of the Fringe’s Executive Director
  • Ensure effective and efficient organizational planning
  • Assist in fundraising efforts
  • Ensure the Fringe follows a governance model that allows it to operate legally and effectively
  • Articulate the Fringe’s mission, accomplishments and goals to gain community support and enhance the Fringe’s public image

Candidates must:

  • Be able to attend monthly board meetings between September and June, which happen virtually (unless an in-person meeting is requested of Board members with advance notice)
  • Attend festival programming (shows at Toronto Fringe and Next Stage Festival) whenever possible

How to Apply

The Toronto Fringe is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion. Everyone is welcome to apply, including applicants from equity-deserving communities and intersecting identities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

The application deadline for the Board of Directors is February 21st, 2023. To express interest, please feel free to email your resume to Toronto Fringe’s Board Chair, Jason Murray, by emailing jmurray@bipocsearch.com.

We thank everyone for their expression of interest—and are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying—but with the limitations of time only those selected for an interview will be contacted.