Purpose of the Role

The Jesters Producer is a leadership role for The Court Jesters. The Jesters Producer will understand the whole life cycle of improv products from idea to applause. This person will be a galvaniser. They will have the ability to bring the group together, understand the strengths of the individuals, and to work through ensuring highest standards of the existing products and to keep bringing new products online. The Jesters Producer will work collaboratively with the Management Team as well as other team members and the Jesters Artistic Committee to ensure outcomes and expectations are met.

This is a permanent, part-time position of 24 hours per week, although some flexibility will be required.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• The Jesters Producer promotes and maintains the organisational culture, reflecting and enhancing The Court Theatre’s position as the leading contributor to the New Zealand arts and theatre sector.

• The Jesters Producer is expected to set the highest standards in artistic vision, innovation and all aspects of production (including but not limited to marketing, sales, corporate relations, operations, delivery etc) in pursuing the company’s mission, and in enacting its policies. 

• The Jesters Producer works closely with the Jesters Artistic Committee, the Artistic Director, the Education and Engagement Manager, and the Events Manager to ensure the highest standards in artistic repertoire, education and community engagement, and in corporate entertainment (the three core strands of the Jesters’ work), seeing every project through to successful production.

• Ensure appropriate, well-balanced, and timely casting of Scriptless and all other Jesters’ productions, including musicians as required.

• Identify and nurture collaborative partnerships. 

• Provide effective and collaborative leadership to the Jesters as part of the wider Court whānau, paying particular attention to the competencies. 

• Team management including resolution of issues, development, accountability, performance. 

• Effectively communicate with the Management Team as required, providing a strong connection between the Jesters and the rest of the Company. 

• Ensure all those who work with The Court Theatre are given the best opportunities to develop. 

• General administration (timesheets, liaising with payroll, rostering technicians) 

• Communication (weekly newsletters, social media admin, facilitate communication with wider Court Company) 

• Communicate production needs clearly with the Production Manager and work with the Production Manager and Artistic Director to finalise the season calendar.

• Marketing (strategy and implementation with the support of the Court Marketing team): season concepts, marketing briefs, image concepts, content, scheduling social campaigns, submitting events for online media. 

• Ensure the maintenance and implementation of the Jester’s charter and code of conduct

• Abide by all policies and procedures and ensure that these are adhered to (including the Company Handbook)

• Ensure adherence to Workplace Health and Safety Act

• Any other duties as reasonably required by the Artistic Director. 

Please see the job description for more detail.

The Court Theatre 

The Court Theatre has been creating and sharing live theatre with audiences from across Ōtautahi and Waitaha for more than 54 years. Each season typically features 15 – 20 productions including commissioned works, New Zealand and Australasian premieres, contemporary through to classic drama as well as comedies, improvised comedy and musicals and a recent addition, the Rainbow Theatre Weekend. This year more than 80,000 patrons are expected to attend a Court Theatre performance.

As a producing Theatre Company, The Court Theatre is supported by a team of 40 permanent staff plus many artists and artisans dedicated to creating and staging theatre experiences of the highest quality. It is the proud home of The Jesters as well as the Youth Company and Jesters Youth Company.

The Court Theatre delivers an annual Education, Learning and Engagement programme which offers training and performance opportunities to people of all ages. The Court is committed to theatre as a platform to enhance wider social outcomes and for providing opportunities for voices to be celebrated and uplifted that otherwise may be overlooked.

In 2025 The Court Theatre moved into our permanent new home in the heart of the city. This brand-new, purpose-built facility is opening up new possibilities for The Court Theatre both in the way it works and the way it engages with the communities of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Our Vision & Values     

Vision:

Building community together with the people of Waitaha/Canterbury through the creation, discovery and experience of live theatre.

Goals:

• Building Community through Theatre
• Growing Knowledge, Skills and Capacity
• Creating and Sharing Live Theatre Experiences
• Building a Strong and Sustainable Organisation

Values:

Maiatanga – Courageous: We work fiercely and bravely, knowing that reward requires risk. We are not afraid to push into the unknown

Manaakitanga – Welcoming: We make all who come to The Court Theatre welcome. The Court Theatre is an inclusive place to gather. We are respectful

Whanaungatanaga – Belonging: We are whanau. We celebrate diversity. We share experiences

Kotahitanga – One Team: We work together as one team for The Court Theatre 

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Theatre and arts experience relevant to leading improv from idea to audience. 

• A positive team contributor and collaborator 

• Strong organisational skills

• Degree level qualification in a relevant field or equivalent experience. (Preferred) 

• An ability to lead and galvanise a team and the creativity to achieve outcomes consistent with the vision. 

• Understanding and experience of building relationships and engaging with corporate partners and funders. 

• Financial acumen including the ability to budget and account for income and expenses.

Download a copy of the job description here. 

To apply please submit a cover letter and CV.

Applications close 12 January 2026. 

All enquiries to: 

Alison Walls

Artistic Director

Alison.walls@courttheatre.org.nz