The National Ballet of Canada is one of the most exciting, innovative arts institutions in Canada, and regularly ranks among the top ten ballet companies in the world. Established by founder Celia Franca in 1951, The National Ballet of Canada presents a range of traditional full-length classics and has commissioned contemporary ballets by some of the most important choreographers and designers in the world. The National Ballet employs 140 artists, dancers, and musicians, and a similar number of production and administrative staff. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, the fourth-largest city in North America and one of the most vibrantly diverse cities in the world, the company is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Through a variety of outreach programs, the National Ballet shares its artistry with local communities and, through live streaming, to every Canadian province and territory.
The National Ballet performs works by the world’s most celebrated 20th- and 21st-century choreographers. Its extensive repertoire includes ballets by Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, Aszure Barton, Robert Binet, Guillaume Côté, John Cranko, William Forsythe, Rudolf Nureyev, John Neumeier, Crystal Pite, James Kudelka, Wayne McGregor, Alexei Ratmansky, and Christopher Wheeldon. The company has brought 68 one-act and full evening works into the repertoire and commissioned 19 new works in the last 15 years; it has performed to sold-out audiences and critical acclaim in Canada, the US, and internationally with appearances in London, Paris, Hamburg, Moscow, St. Petersburg, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. In July 2021, Hope Muir was appointed Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada and officially begins the role in January 2022.
Collectively, the Artistic Staff is responsible for all artistic components of the National Ballet and is critical to preserving its outstanding reputation as a standard bearer for classical and contemporary ballet. All Artistic Staff members demonstrate leadership, positivity and collaborative qualities and take responsibility for developing talent while maintaining the standard of professionalism and excellence in all aspects of their work. The Répétiteur/Rehearsal Director will report to the Artistic Director.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Directing rehearsals of both existing ballets and new works.
- Preparing for rehearsals, potentially from archival media, as required.
- Assisting choreographers/stagers per the Artistic Director’s discretion, learning assigned ballets during the creation/staging process, directing all rehearsals of assigned ballets when choreographers/stagers are not available, restaging assigned ballets in subsequent seasons and, overseeing lighting, costuming, make-up and stage setting for subsequent performances.
- Attending all performances as assigned, evaluating the standards of each performance, and providing feedback to dancers, the Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director.
- Reporting to the Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director on the state of readiness of ballets, offering cast opinions and/or completing cast assignments as requested by the Artistic Director and/or Associate Artistic Director. Distributing casting information to the company and artistic staff, as required.
- Coaching and providing support to individual dancers in their roles, both technically and dramatically and as requested, teaching appropriate ballet class for professional dancers and apprentices.
- Acting as a liaison between the dancers, Artistic Director and/or Associate Artistic Director and staff to ensure smooth communication.
- Attending all Artistic Staff meetings, liaising with the production department (e.g., stage management & wardrobe) and the Music department (e.g., pianists and Principal Conductor).
- Participating in fundraising, educational events or publicity related activities as assigned.
- Performing other administrative duties as required, such as scheduling of rehearsals.
- Other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Skills & Attributes:
- Experience overseeing full length productions (classical, neoclassical, and contemporary repertoire) as well as rehearsing existing ballets and new work.
- Experience assisting choreographers on new creations and stagers of acquired works, including recording the ballets for future revivals.
- Broad and diverse experience as a professional dancer and as a member of an artistic staff or equivalent experience.
- Strong organizational and planning skills, with effective time management.
- Experience in complexities of scheduling and aware of Union parameters, guidelines, and work expectations.
- Practical and theoretical knowledge of the Company’s repertoire.
- Effective communication, coaching and feedback skills. Patient, supportive and exhibits diplomacy, tact, and a positive attitude.
- Flexible, adaptable, and collaborative team player, able to integrate into a diverse team, share learning and insights, and support the achievement of the artistic department.
- Consistently demonstrates a high level of integrity, confidentiality, accountability, dependability, initiative.
- General experience with MS Office Suite, SharePoint, wireless devices such as ‘iPads and video conferencing tools such as ‘Zoom’ and ‘Teams’.
Qualified candidates are to submit their applications (resume, cover letter and include salary expectations) preferably as a single PDF document to HR@national.ballet.ca with the subject heading: "Répétiteur/Rehearsal Director". The position will remain open until filled. Resumes will be reviewed as soon as they are received. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and must be fully immunized against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. This position offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience and a competitive benefits package.
The National Ballet of Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable environment where employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to reflect the diversity of our community, our city and our country. We strive to ensure our recruitment and selection processes are bias-free. We welcome and encourage submissions from Indigenous, Black and People of Colour, the Deaf and disabled as well as individuals of all genders, cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We are committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The Human Resources department will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.
