Apply
Call for Board Members
[No Deadline—Submit Anytime] As Generator looks to the next chapter of our work building the capacity and resilience of the independent performance sector, we are seeking new board members. Incoming board members will help inform Generator’s next transformation, including a leadership transition and governance review.
No Deadline—Submit Anytime
Generator recognizes that producing is a creative practice. We reject the binary that separates “boring, efficient office worker” from “passionate, clueless creative” and embrace the exciting, fertile and collaborative space where arts management and live performance meet. We enthusiastically invite submissions from individuals from a diversity of practices and professional backgrounds who want to participate in Generator’s collaborative culture. We prioritize applications from folks from equity-seeking groups, including those who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Trans, Nonbinary, Queer, Disabled and intersections of those identities.
Board Members
As Generator looks to the next chapter of our work building the capacity and resilience of the independent performance sector, we are seeking new board members. Incoming board members will help inform Generator’s next transformation, including a leadership transition and governance review.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for people who are passionate about making life better for independent artists in Toronto. We are committed to bringing a strong lens of racial justice to the organization’s strategic direction, and are prioritizing IBPOC applicants who can bring their living and learned experience to guide Generator’s support of the next generation of independent performance-makers.
The nature of Generator’s current period of transition means that we are looking for people who are able to bring a hands-on, collaborative approach to governance. We are also open to applicants who may only be able to commit to a shorter term of service (18 months at least).
Generator is a non-profit organization, funded in large part by national, provincial, and municipal arts councils. As such, Generator board members are volunteers.
About Generator
Generator is a mentoring, teaching, and innovation incubator that expands the skills, tools, and competencies of independent artists, producers and leaders. Our current suite of programs includes Artist Producer Training, ArtistProducerResource.com, Resident Companies and Company Collaborators, and Financial Literacy.
Generator was founded as STAF (Small Theatre Administrative Facility) in 1991, and has existed in the current model since 2015. For more information, please refer to the History and About pages on our website. You may also be interested in our Work Culture, Programs, and Annual Reports.
Organizational Transition
After four years under the leadership of Lead Producer Kristina Lemieux, Generator is looking towards the next phase of our operations. Generator’s programs have evolved through iteration; the organization has grown into a vital resource and connector for the Toronto performance sector, and our online tools have expanded substantially (they are currently accessed by 12,000 artist producers each year across Canada and internationally). After carefully cultivating the seedling organization into its current manifestation and growing a community around it, Kristina plans to transition out of her role in the Summer of 2021.
Generator has also more recently been called on to take a critical look at our role in upholding white supremacy culture and values in our operations and programs. In August 2020, we engaged facilitator Zainab Amadahy to review recent iterations of our training programs and operations through the lens of racial justice. Feedback emphasized two important points: i) a firm belief in the valuable impact Generator’s programs can have on independent artists’ careers and well-being, and ii) the urgent need to reevaluate our programs and operations through a lens of racial equity to order to fully embody our values of anti-oppression and care. More information on this process, including a public version of the report, is available here.
As we look toward Generator’s future, the board and leadership are committed to implementing recommendations developed from the feedback offered by our communities. This board recruitment process is part of a long term plan to introduce a broader spectrum of voices into our leadership and governance.
Leadership Transition
As Kristina transitions out of her role as Lead Producer, the Board’s role will be to help establish the strategic framework for the future of Generator, engage in the leadership search process, and create the conditions for a new leader to thrive. Once the position has been filled, the Board will work to support the new leadership’s vision and advocate for the organization in the broader community.
Governance Review
In spring 2021, Generator will be initiating work with a group of Strategic Advisors. This advisory body will be working closely with Board Member Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, who is leading the initiative, as well as other board members who will join their activities as they are able.
One of the main tasks of the Strategic Advisors will be to work with the board on envisioning and enacting a new governance model to better represent the performance community’s needs. As a consequence, part of the work for incoming, as well as existing, Generator board members, may be to make themselves dispensable; joining this board may mean a shorter commitment if the new model developed requires different members or an alternative structure.
Our Current Board
ted witzel, Theatre Maker / Artistic Strategist - Chair (he/him)
Claire Burns, Arts Administrator / Artist - Treasurer (she/her)
Quinn Harris, Lawyer - Secretary (she/her)
James Foy, Lawyer - Director (he/him)
Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, Theatre Maker - Director (he/him)
Generator Staff
Lead Producer: Kristina Lemieux (she/her)
Communications Producer: Annie Clarke (she/her)
Training Consultant: Sedina Fiati (she/her, they/them)
Online Content Producer: Keshia Palm (she/her)
Financial Literacy Consultant: Audrey Quinn (she/her)
To Apply
Please email an expression of interest to board@generatorto.com.
This call for applications was written by ted witzel, with input from Generator’s board and staff.
Call for Applications: Strategic Advisors
[This call for applications is now closed.] We’re seeking Strategic Advisors who are experienced and active producers and community members, with close ties to Toronto’s performing arts scene. These advisors will help inform Generator’s next transformation. This transformation will include a leadership transition, governance review, and ongoing development of online community resources.
This Call for Submissions is now closed.
Deadline: April 6, 2021
Generator recognizes that producing is a creative practice. We reject the binary that separates “boring, efficient office worker” from “passionate, clueless creative” and embrace the exciting, fertile and collaborative space where arts management and live performance meet. We prioritize applications from folks from equity-seeking groups, including those who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Trans, Nonbinary, Queer, Disabled and intersections of those identities. We enthusiastically invite submissions from individuals from a diversity of performing arts practices.
Strategic Advisors
As Generator looks to the next chapter of our work building the capacity and resilience of the independent performance sector, we will be engaging a paid advisory body. We’re seeking Strategic Advisors who are experienced and active producers and community members, with close ties to Toronto’s performing arts scene. These advisors will help inform Generator’s next transformation. This transformation will include a leadership transition, governance review, and ongoing development of online community resources.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for savvy, awesome humans who have some experience producing live performance, have strong networks in the local performance ecology, and know a few things about ethical and sustainable producing practices—especially the kind that don’t demand that artists plug every leak with self-exploitation. We are committed to bringing a strong lens of racial justice to the organization’s strategic direction, and are prioritizing IBPOC artist producers who can bring their living and learned experience to guide Generator’s support of the next generation of independent performance-makers.
About Generator
Generator is a mentoring, teaching, and innovation incubator that expands the skills, tools, and competencies of independent artists, producers and leaders. Our current suite of programs includes Artist Producer Training, ArtistProducerResource.com, Resident Companies and Company Collaborators, and Financial Literacy.
Generator was founded as STAF (Small Theatre Administrative Facility) in 1991, and has existed in the current model since 2015. For more information, please refer to the History and About pages on our website. You may also be interested in our Work Culture, Programs, and Annual Reports.
Context: Generator Now
After four years under the leadership of Lead Producer Kristina Lemieux, Generator is looking towards the next phase of our operations. Generator’s programs have evolved through iteration; the organization has grown into a vital resource and connector for the Toronto performance sector, and our online tools have expanded substantially (they are currently accessed by 12,000 artist producers each year across Canada and internationally). After carefully cultivating the seedling organization into its current manifestation and growing a community around it, Kristina plans to transition out of her role in the Summer of 2021.
Generator has also more recently been called on to take a critical look at our role in upholding white supremacy culture and values in our operations and programs. In August 2020, we engaged facilitator Zainab Amadahy to review recent iterations of our training programs and operations through the lens of racial justice. Feedback emphasized two important points: i) a firm belief in the valuable impact Generator’s programs can have on independent artists’ careers and well-being, and ii) the urgent need to reevaluate our programs and operations through a lens of racial equity in order to fully embody our values of anti-oppression and care. More information on this process, including a public version of the report, is available here.
As we look toward Generator’s future, the board and leadership are committed to implementing recommendations developed from the feedback offered by our communities. We are forming this paid strategic advisory body to integrate input from experienced and active artist producers, prioritizing IBPOC producers and other members of equity-seeking groups.
The Role of the Strategic Advisors
We are looking to hire five advisors to work with us for 30-35 hours of consultation paid at a rate of $50/hr, spread throughout 2021.
Advisors will participate in 5-6 bimonthly steering meetings as well as targeted ideation and brainstorming sessions focused on:
Priorities and process for the leadership transition (~3 hrs with Board and Leadership)
Reviewing, revising and reorganizing our online producing wiki ArtistProducerResource.com (~10 hrs with Leadership and Staff)
Expanding our network of guest facilitators for our Artist Producer Training program (~2 hrs with Staff and Leadership)
Developing a governance model to better represent the performance community’s needs. (~10 hrs with Board and Leadership)
Advisors will be asked to invoice Generator as independent contractors.
Dates
Attendance on Zoom will be required on the following dates (all times EDT):
Interviews: Sunday, April 18
Orientation Weekend: Friday, April 30, 6-8pm and Saturday, May 1, 11am-4pm
Monthly Meetings: 6:30-8:30pm on May 20, June 17, and July 15 (these are all Thursdays—additional dates will be determined as a group after this point)
Between May 2-May 19, there will be 3-6 hours of self-directed reading and learning related to governance and ArtistProducerResource.com.
Can’t make some of the dates? We recognize that life comes up and we all have multiple commitments. That said, it’s really important that you’re able to attend the vast majority of the dates listed above—especially the orientation weekend.
Given current pandemic circumstances, the Generator team is currently working remotely and will be for the foreseeable future. If we are able to—and decide we would like to—meet in-person again, participation via Zoom will continue to be an option for all Strategic Advisors.
How Will We Work Together?
The Strategic Advisors will work closely with Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, the lead board member for this initiative, as well as other board members who will join as they are able. On the staff side, they will work with Lead Producer Kristina Lemieux and Communications Producer Annie Clarke, who will be coordinating this project, as well as other staff members as needed.
Additional folks will be brought on to form a hiring committee for the leadership transition, as well as to contribute to portions of the governance work.
The Strategic Advisors will create a community agreement to direct how they share space together and how decisions are made. The Strategic Advisors will also work under Generator’s Safe(r) Spaces policy.
Application Process
Deadline: April 6, 2021
Please submit your application using our AirTable form (this form is now closed as the deadline has passed). We’d like you to include a 300(ish)-word statement of interest, either written or in the form of a short video or audio recording. We’re interested in what kind of producer you feel you are, and the values you bring to your producing practice. (This is intentionally open-ended—we want to give you space to describe yourself and why you’d like to get involved!) We’re also asking for an up-to-date bio or resume that includes (but isn’t necessarily limited to) your producing experience.
If you need accommodations to make this application happen, please reach out to Generator Board Member Claire Burns at claire@generatorto.com, who will be able to support you through the application process.
If you have any questions about this call for applications, please email info@generatorto.com.
Applications will be reviewed by all board members. Advisors will be selected by Lead Producer Kristina Lemieux, Board Member Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, and Board Chair ted witzel, with input from the board and Generator staff. We acknowledge that the organization’s current composition has a lot of white folks in decision-making roles: engaging this group of Strategic Advisors is one of the steps we are taking to include more voices in the organization’s direction.
In assembling this advisory group, our priority is to bring together a group of people with a wide array of living and learned experiences, areas of producing specialization, learning styles, years of practice, and skill sets. We’ll be assessing applications based on experience, networks, and the practices and values applicants bring with them.
We encourage Strategic Advisor applicants to also complete our Arts Knowledge Contributors form for teaching, writing, and mentoring opportunities with Generator (no deadline).
Can I apply for this if I am thinking of applying to work with Generator in another way?
Generator will be sharing a job posting for new leadership shortly. We encourage those interested in applying to that upcoming posting not to apply as a Strategic Advisor as this could present a conflict of interest. However, if you are interested in other programs—such as participating in Artist Producer Training (APT) or Resident Companies, contributing to ArtistProducerResource.com, or teaching for APT—or have participated in our programs in the past, we encourage you to apply.
Generator’s Current Team
Staff
Lead Producer: Kristina Lemieux (she/her)
Communications Producer: Annie Clarke (she/her)
Training Consultant: Sedina Fiati (she/her, they/them)
Online Content Producer: Keshia Palm (she/her)
Financial Literacy Consultant: Audrey Quinn (she/her)
Board
Chair: ted witzel (he/him)
Treasurer: Claire Burns (she/her)
Secretary: Quinn Harris (she/her)
Director: James Foy (he/him)
Director: Brendan McMurtry-Howlett (he/him)
This call for applications was written by ted witzel, with input from Generator’s board and staff.
Call for Submissions - 2020/21 Artist Producer Training Program
[This Call for Submissions is now closed] If you are an independent producer, self-producing artist, production manager, designer, or an artist who wants to learn how to make art happen more efficiently, Generator’s one-year paid Artist Producer Training (APT) program is for you.
This Call for Submissions is now closed.
Deadline to Apply: May 15, 2020 at 5:00pm ET
Generator recognizes that producing is a creative practice. We reject the binary that separates “boring, efficient office worker” from “passionate, clueless creative” and embrace the exciting, fertile and collaborative space where arts management and live performance meet. We enthusiastically invite submissions from individuals from a diversity of performing arts practices who want to participate in Generator’s collaborative work culture. We especially welcome applications from folks from equity-seeking groups, including those who identify as: Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Trans, Nonbinary, Queer, Disabled and intersections of those identities.
About the program
If you are an independent producer, self-producing artist, production manager, designer, or an artist who wants to learn how to make art happen more efficiently, Generator’s one-year paid Artist Producer Training (APT) program is for you. Over the course of the past five years of APT cohorts, the program has transformed the careers of twenty-seven Artist Producers.
APT is an intimate program with only six participants. Participants will learn effective producing strategies over the course of two semesters of coursework led by experienced independent artists and companies, followed by one practicum project with a mentor company. Graduates will gain skills to sustain a career in the arts, create and implement projects and budgets that have the goal of paying a better wage to artists, and improve the overall health of the performing arts ecology. We are particularly interested in applicants whose practices work from a social justice/equity framework and who are currently working on self-produced projects.
A bit about who we generally work with
APT participants tend to have been practicing as producers for a little while before beginning the program. This may mean, for example, a Fringe show or two. They have tried their hand at bringing a show from concept to audience. If they went to a performance training program or completed other post-secondary education (although there is no requirement to have done so), generally they have been out of that program for 5+ years. They have already done a lot of work on understanding the complexity of performance in Toronto/Canada and have done or led work in social justice.
2020/21 dates
Classes run for two three-month semesters between October 2020-May 2021, once per week on Mondays, with some Saturday sessions. Work on assignments happens outside of class time. Practicum schedules will vary but run between May-August 2021. Class attendance is mandatory. 2020/21 session dates are as follows:
Welcome Potluck: Thursday, September 24, 2020 6:30-9:30pm
2020 Stage 1: October 3 – December 14, 2020
Mondays 6:30-9:30pm (excluding October 12)
Saturdays 11:00am-5:00pm: October 3, November 7, December 5
(additionally, as public assembly guidelines allow, the cohort will attend a live performance)
2021 Stage 2: March 1 – May 18, 2021
Mondays 6:30-9:30pm (excluding April 5)
Saturdays 11:00am-5:00pm: March 6, April 10, May 1
Final Evaluation: Monday, May 17 and Tuesday, May 18, 6:30-9:30pm
(additionally, as public assembly guidelines allow, the cohort will attend a live performance)
The total fee paid to each participant for completing the Artist Producer Training Program is $1,750, disbursed in installments regularly throughout Stage 1 and Stage 2, and upon completion of the practicum.
Generator access information
We will be hosting APT at a space that will be wheelchair accessible and in the general vicinity of downtown Toronto. Details to follow once we have confirmed the access needs of the cohort.
We encourage applicants to contact us about access needs. Please note we have limited financial capacity to support specific access needs (e.g. we are not able to provide funds for Sign Language Interpretation, attendant or child care), but we are committed to working with successful applicants to apply for external funding and generate creative solutions to meet individual needs.
Generator's philosophy is one-size-fits-one - please reach out and we can discuss what access to this program could look like for you.Please also contact us if you require assistance with your application.
Learn more before you apply
Read our Frequently Asked Questions blog post
PAST - Open “House” - April 27, 2020, 2:00-3:00pm on Facebook Live
Watch the recording on Facebook here. Sedina Fiati and Kristina Lemieux give a short presentation about APT, start answering questions at 26:00, and move into a full question-and-answer period form 36:00-1:04:00. Check the comments on the video to see the questions (answered in order that they were asked).
PAST - Chat with the Generator Team - May 6, 2020, 6:30-8:00pm on Zoom
Chat with Generator staff (Lead Producer Kristina Lemieux or Artist Producer Training Facilitator Sedina Fiati) to get your questions answered one on one.
Watch our video playlist
This YouTube playlist will guide you through the application process (but please note it was created for 2019/20, so please refer to this Call for Submissions for the most accurate and current information), and introduce you to several Artist Producer Training graduates who discuss their experiences in the program.
Sedina and Kristina discuss the APT application process (please note some details have changed for 2020/21; this video was made for the 2019/20 application)
How to apply
Submissions will be accepted via a form on AirTable until May 15, 2020 at 5:00pm ET (please note the link has been removed as submissions are now closed). There is a written component, as well as a video component. Here’s what the form will ask you:
Tell us about your philosophy and values as a producer or artist producer and incorporate answers to the following questions (max 1500 characters or 750 words):
Who is your audience?
How do you define your artistic practice, considering both form and discipline?
What motivates your practice?
What is your social justice/equity framework and how does it apply to the work you do?
Please provide a link to a maximum 3-minute video in which you discuss your producing practice. Please include the following in your video (there are no correct answers to these questions - we just want to get to know you better):
How do you define yourself as an artist and where are you at in your career?
Why do you want to take on a producing role?
Do you currently self-identify as a producer or artist producer?
Attach a resume or CV, including contact information for two references, as a single PDF.
Attach one letter of reference as a PDF (may be the same as reference listed on resume).
We’ll ask you to acknowledge that you have read through the dates, and that there is a maximum total of three absences permitted in order to participate in the program. If you have conflicts, you’ll be asked to list them and we will also discuss them in further detail if you are called in for an interview.
You will have an option to complete some voluntary self-identification questions.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Notice & Interviews
We aim to be in touch with all applicants by May 25, 2020. Interviews will likely be via online video conference. Applicants selected for interviews will be interviewed at a time on Thursday, May 28, 5:00-9:30pm or Saturday, May 30, 11:30am-4:00pm.
Please contact sedina@generatorto.com if you have any questions.