Chief Executive 

• Key Leadership Role 
• New Zealand’s Preeminent Professional Theatre Company 
• Christchurch Based

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for the performing arts and the drive to shape a bold, forward-thinking, future? The Court Theatre, a prominent and innovative theatre company, is seeking a qualified and future focused individual with a passion for the Performing Arts and its people to lead the team into an exciting new chapter within the heart of Christchurch’s Performing Arts Precinct. 

To Kaitono ā Mātou | Our Client

New Zealand’s largest and longest-running professional theatre company, The Court Theatre has welcomed audiences from Waitaha Canterbury and around Aotearoa New Zealand since 1971 to experience the magic of live theatre, well known throughout the country for the quality and range of their productions as they grow and evolve.

The Court Theatre is a diverse and dynamic company of around 50 permanent staff along with hundreds of artists and creatives who produce and perform around 20 productions each year. Over 80,000 audience members attend each year to feast on the varied offering of theatrical works, created and produced onsite. The Court fosters and nurtures the future of the performing arts in New Zealand through drama and improvised classes, holiday programmes, workshops, theatre intensives, master classes and the Ambassadors, Youth Company and Youth Crew programmes. Education and Outreach is a priority for the theatre going forward.

For more information, please visit: www.courttheatre.org.nz and watch this video.

Ngā Whakararuraru Matua | Key Responsibilities

Based in Christchurch and reporting to the Trust Board, you will play a pivotal role leading The Court in the city within their new ‘state of the art’ theatre in the Performing Arts Precinct. 

Overseeing and empowering all the teams that make up the Company including responsibility for financial, marketing, sales, production, promotional, sponsorship, human resources and administrative activities will be imperative as will your ability to leverage new and existing stakeholder partnerships as the public face of The Court. Your responsibilities will include providing strategic and operational leadership, ensuring financial stability and cultivating a positive organisational culture where artistic endeavours can thrive. Collaborating closely with the Artistic Director, you will contribute to the development and implementation of an integrated artistic vision and an effective business strategy, with a strong emphasis on successfully leading The Court Theatre towards a bright future that champions diversity and inclusion and builds our wider community through theatre

Ō Pukenga me Ō Wheako | Your Skills and Experience

To succeed in this role, you will be a strategic and innovative thinker with proven experience in senior leadership roles, ideally within the Arts sector. This background will ensure you understand the wider Arts ecosystem, enabling you to navigate its unique challenges and opportunities effectively. We are seeking an inclusive and visionary leader who can forge an inspiring path ahead and develop a fresh, contemporary, and collaborative culture.

Your strong financial acumen and exceptional communication skills, coupled with a pinch of charisma, are essential as you build credible relationships with a range of stakeholders, including mana whenua. The successful candidate will showcase a track record of implementing strategic priorities, illustrating their ability to drive organisational goals forward. Equally important is a proven history of successful engagement with community stakeholders, stewardship, and a commitment to building and sustaining meaningful relationships beyond the organisational boundaries.

A recognition and capability for leadership in a multicultural environment will be vital to strengthening key relationships. A true passion and energy for the theatre is imperative, and local networks would be advantageous.

Ki te Tono | To Apply

Be part of The Court Theatre’s legacy and join us in delivering a vibrant future for the performing arts! If you are a dynamic and strategic leader excited about contributing to the growth and success of The Court Theatre and vibrancy of Christchurch, please visit Roles Available - Brannigans.

Initial confidential enquiries to receive a Position Description and Candidate Briefing Document are welcome by phoning Sally Wynn-Williams on 027 478 5554 or Kase Craig on 021 657 328.

Applications close Monday 20 January 2025