Director – Performing Arts Camps, The Flato Markham Theatre

Applications are now being accepted for the Director of the new Performing Arts Camps at Cornerstone Centre with the Flato Markham Theatre in the Culture Services Department at the City of Markham. The position will begin July 4, 2016 and end August 26th, 2016. The working hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm. There will be some paid training and prep time required before the position formally begins.

The Flato Markham Theatre operates six camps which run concurrently: Kinder Theatre Camp for ages 4-5, Junior Stars for ages 6-9, Drama Camp for ages 9-13 and Actors Workshop for ages 13-17 run out of the theatre. Performing Arts Camp (10-12 years old) and Junior Performing Arts Camp (6-9 years old) run at a new location, Cornerstone Centre (located at 9680 Ninth Line, Markham, ON, at the intersection of Donald Cousens Parkway and Ninth Line, an approximate 15 minute drive east of the theatre). This is the first year we will be offering Performing Arts Camps.

The Performing Arts Camps are a weekly camp that focuses on age-appropriate skills development in acting, singing, dance, and other fun. This camp runs for 8 weeks with each week being a new session of campers and programming with a maximum of forty Junior PAC campers and thirty PAC campers per session. At the end of each week, the camper’s will present a showcase their favourite skills from the week in a talent show for their friends and family. One afternoon each week a guest artist will visit camp to run workshops in his/her specialized field i.e. Clowning, Stand-Up Comedy, Bollywood, Hip Hop Dance, Chinese Dance etc. Every week of camp will feature a different guest artist, so campers will have new experiences all summer long.

The Director of this program should have experience leading and facilitating performing arts programming for children in the 6-12 age group and experience managing staff and volunteers in this faculty. S/he will be responsible for creating the programming and schedule with the assistance of the Discovery Coordinator and Artistic Director. It is the Camp Director’s job to then implement the program with the support of counsellor and volunteers throughout the camps sessions.

As the Director, you are responsible for managing a group of up to 70 campers as well as overseeing counsellors and volunteers who are in charge of caring for a group of campers. In addition, you will be responsible for managing the administrative side of conflicts and injuries, and ensuring the safety and inclusiveness of our program.

Summary:

Manages the Flato Markham Theatre’s Performing Arts Camp/Junior Performing Arts Camp with responsibilities including programming, scheduling, delivery and administration.

Lead and facilitate a week long performing arts programs called Performing Arts Camp at the Cornerstone Centre for children ages 6-12.

Will be located at a new location apart from the theatre – Cornerstone Centre (9680 Ninth Line, Markham, ON, at the intersection of Donald Cousens Parkway and Ninth Line, an approximate 15 minute drive east of the theatre).

Ensures a positive and safe environment for participants and peers.

Oversees campers ranging from 6 to 12 years of age, while supervising and coaching up to 6-8 staff including counsellors, specialists, and volunteers.

The Director’s goal is to develop the performing arts skills of the campers as well as to ensure that the participants have a short skills-based showcase at the end of each week.

Through effective leadership and programming, the camp enables children to develop skills, make friends, socialize and build self-esteem.

Accountable for day-to-day operations under the guidance of the Discovery Coordinator ensuring program activities are safe, educational, inclusive, high quality and meet the Theatre’s overall goals.

Requirements:

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Oversees and delivers the creative vision and direction in collaboration with the Discovery Coordinator, Artistic Director and other staff in the creation of a weekly performing arts program for all participants.

Coaches and provides leadership to a group of 4 – 8 Camp Counsellors, ensuring the program goals are met.

Divides class and provides assignments to the Camp Counsellors

Monitors class groups ensuring proper instruction and level of participant’s satisfaction.

Organizes daily program activities, ensuring programming is adapted to participant needs with regards to safety, hygiene, weather, breaks etc.

Organizes and assists with set-up and clean-up of events, activities and programs.

Prioritizes child well-being, safety and protection throughout the program. Evaluates situations for potential risks to the safety, protection and well-being of campers and staff, proactively taking mitigating actions to address such risks.

Acts as a leader role model, fostering a positive learning environment where people feel included as members of a team and are motivated to work towards common goals.

Serves as a liaison with parents, reinforcing City of Markham customer service, diversity and inclusion (special needs, ethno-cultural, English as second language, socio-economic).

Provides regular updates and feedback to the Discovery Coordinator /Artistic Director. Assists with preparing the camp program through training staff, scheduling activities and reviewing and approving all activity plans prior to implementation.

Participates in the orientation, training, coaching and recognition to staff and volunteers, working in conjunction with staff.

Provides on-going training, coaching and recognition to staff and volunteers. Provides regular feedback and completes formal performance assessments for all direct reports. May assist with recruitment and screening of camp staff.

Informs the Discovery Coordinator of all required equipment and inventory needs. Responsible coordination of before and after care program, as needed.

Responsible for attendance records as well as participates in sign in and sign out procedures.

Demonstrates the confidence and ability to make decisions independently of peers and in the best interests of the campers. Resolves problems and conflicts effectively as they arise.

Reports all incidents promptly and thoroughly to the Discovery Coordinator using incident report forms and processes. Maintains camp documentation, including registration information, permission and waiver forms, attendance records, incident reports and timesheets.

Responsible for effective and efficient communication to all stakeholders including parents, campers, staff and special guests as well as managing phone and e-mail inquiries in a timely manner.

Other duties as required.

Skills/Competencies:

An ideal candidate will have experience working with youth in an arts education environment as well as camp experience. They will have the skills to supervise and mentor young employees and volunteers. They will be able to provide detailed and meaningful performing arts-based programming.

Leadership: the ability to influence and motivate others while maintaining an overall commitment to excellence

Safety & Risk Management: the mindset of actively anticipating and mitigating all aspects of risk

Teambuilding: the ability to foster a strong team environment within the camp

Judgment: the capacity to assess situations, draw appropriate conclusions and make sound decisions

Customer Service: the ability to focus individual and group efforts toward identifying and meeting community needs

Organization: the capability to plan and implement complex programs

Problem Solving: the ability to effectively manage and resolve day-to-day issues as they arise

Minimum Requirements:

Education: Post secondary education in Performing arts, education and/or related field

Experience: Minimum 5 years professional experience in youth arts education, camp experience an asset

Experience delivering programs, teaching, and managing 6-12 year olds.

Technical and practical training at an advanced level in one or more of the following disciplines: Live performance, dance, musical theatre, mime, movement, voice.

Demonstrated significant leadership capabilities.

Knowledge of program planning and child development stages.

Demonstrated experience developing, organizing and carrying out both regular daily and special programs.

Licenses/Certifications: Current Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ required; HIGH FIVE Healthy Child Development is required; HIGH FIVE Quest is an asset; Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) is an asset

Other: Good verbal/written communication skills, Good customer service skills and sensitivity to interact with a diversity of parents and staff in a courteous and efficient manner. Computer skills (Microsoft Office applications,) an asset; Demonstrates creativity and innovation in program planning skills.

All offers of employment for this position will be conditional on satisfactory reference checks and vulnerable sector checks.

How to Apply:

Apply by April 13, 2016 at 5:00pm to Ashley Van Eysinga, Discovery Program Coordinator at avaneysinga@markham.ca.

Please put as the subject of your email: Application for Director - Performing Arts Camp. 

Contact Info:

Name: Ashley Van Eysinga

Telephone: 905-415-7537

Telephone Ext.: 5580

Email: avaneysinga@markham.ca

Website: www.markhamtheatre.ca