Artistic Director

“There is nothing more powerful than people singing together.” Jack Langstaff, Revels Founder

Revels, the Cambridge, MA based performing arts organization, seeks a visionary music-theater professional to lead us into our sixth decade of creating a distinctive form of participatory theater that celebrates the seasonal calendar and cultural traditions through performances based on traditional song, dance, and music. The incoming Artistic Director will work collaboratively with existing professional staff and an ever-changing body of performers to craft and produce performances that bring together diverse audiences, cast and crew to create the magic that is Revels.

The Role

The Artistic Director is responsible for conceiving, developing and implementing the artistic vision and focus for Revels, Inc. This includes creation and artistic direction of the Cambridge Midwinter Revels show; artistic oversight of musical and cultural events throughout the calendar year; and providing advice and guidance to Revels affiliates nationwide.

The role reports directly to the Revels Executive Director.

Artistic Succession

For over three decades, including many years alongside founder Jack Langstaff, Patrick Swanson led Revels as Artistic Director. In this capacity he worked in close collaboration with a full-time Executive Director, Music Director, Artist in Residence, and professional staff. In anticipation of his retirement in 2024, the Revels Board and Staff leadership created an interim transition model that brought theater founder, director, and actor Debra Wise to Revels, first as Associate Artistic Director in 2023, and now as Interim Artistic Director.

Paddy Swanson remains affiliated with Revels in a part-time consulting role.

Job Responsibilities

Specific duties include:

Artistic Direction

• Conceive, research, write/outsource, cast, and direct the annual Midwinter Revels Production;
• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate artistic personnel, including performers, actors, artists, designers, and other contracted personnel for the Midwinter show and other programming;
• Provide leadership for the artistic programs for Revels throughout the year, creating and directing as needed;
• Actively collaborate with Revels staff, including the Executive Director, Music Director, and Production Manager, on matters of artistic production and operations, including developing and managing program budgets.

Board Engagement

• Work collaboratively with members of the Revels Board;
• Assist in board member recruitment and orientation, as appropriate;
• Participate in and present at Revels Board meetings, as requested.

Outreach and Development

• Act as a spokesperson for the organization’s mission and artistic vision via speaking engagements, media interviews, written content, public/social appearances, and fundraising events, as appropriate.
• Maintain artistic exchanges between Cambridge and its affiliates. This may include performing yearly review of scripts to ensure artistic quality and review of affiliates work at the annual national producer/director retreat;
• Attend annual Midwinter Revels rehearsals/productions in affiliate cities as possible.

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Attributes

• Demonstrable experience directing, writing, choreographing and/or designing for the stage in collaboration with professional and amateur performers across artistic modalities;
• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating across departments; and to work respectfully while directing paid and volunteer staff, contractors, and other theater personnel; preference for candidates who have also worked with amateur cast and crew;
• Experience and interest in researching cultural and historical folk-art traditions and representing them on stage through music, dance, and storytelling;
• Interest in and understanding of Revels traditions as a component of Midwinter Revels and all seasonal events;
• Experience engaging with funders and donors;
• Clear and respectful communicator and colleague;
• Scriptwriting experience strongly preferred.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborator, a leader, a player/coach who contributes to the positive work environment at Revels and brings a…