Cahoots Theatre is turning 40 — and we’re looking for our next Artistic Director

The challenge

For 40 years, Cahoots has been the home for stories that don’t always get told — by artists of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ artists, newcomer and refugee artists, artists with disabilities, and everyone living at the intersections of those identities. We’ve expanded the breadth and depth of everyday conversations by telling stories and exploring themes that most of us didn’t even know we needed exploring.

That’s a legacy worth protecting. That’s a legacy worth not just maintaining but driving forward.

As we head into our 40th anniversary season, we need someone to take the creative wheel: to shape what Cahoots develops next, to deepen our roots in the community, and to make sure the next chapter is even more compelling than the first.

The call

We’re looking for a co-leader — someone who’ll partner with our Managing Director to run the company day-to-day, and who’ll also be the artistic heartbeat of Cahoots: choosing the plays, developing the playwrights, cultivating the artists, standing in front of the room as our champion, and setting the table for the conversations that we need to have.

You don’t need to have been an Artistic Director before. You do need to care, deeply, about the stories we exist to tell.

What we’re looking for:

- A genuine, deep-stated love of storytelling and live theatre
- A bold, distinct creative vision — and the confidence to bring it to life
- Strong people skills: you build trust easily, with artists, donors and board members alike
- Curiosity and eagerness to grow into the role, even if you’ve never held this title before




- A real commitment to the company and the communities that Cahoots exists to serve

Applications are open until Friday, October 9, 2026 .

We can’t wait to see who’s next

Employment Opportunity – Artistic Director

Cahoots Theatre

As Cahoots reflects on our inspired history and approaches our 40th anniversary season in 2026/27, the Board of Directors is on a search for a curious, visionary, and compassionate person to join the team as our current Artistic Director.

About Cahoots

Cahoots Theatre is dedicated to developing and showcasing the work of marginalized artists. Since 1986, Cahoots’ mission has been to uplift and spotlight the work of historically undervalued theatre creators. The mandate began with a focus on ethnically marginalized artists and has expanded to include 2SLGBTQ+ artists, newcomer and refugee artists, artists with disabilities, and artists who reside at the many intersections of these identities.

Cahoots is a registered charity with its office in Toronto, Ontario.

Job Description

The Artistic Director is currently one of two full-time staff members, working alongside the Managing Director as co-leader of Cahoots.

Together, they steer Cahoots’ future and uphold the company’s strategic, artistic,



and philosophical priorities while serving our community of artists and supporters, honouring the company’s mandate, and ensuring the continued wellbeing of the company.

As the primary artistic leader of the company, the Artistic Director is responsible for the artistic oversight of the company, including programming decisions, artist development, oversight of staff, and engagement with the Cahoots community (artists, patrons, board, staff, funders, donors, and other theatre colleagues).

The Artistic Director reports directly to the Board and is responsible for hiring, managing, and engaging with artistic staff.

The Artistic Director must have an avid love for storytelling and for the performing arts.

Hours & Location | Four (4) days (32 hours) per week. Cahoots staff work primarily at the company’s office/studio at 3-388 Queen Street East in Toronto, Ontario. Due to the nature of work in the theatre industry, overtime will sometimes be required.

Remuneration | $50,000 per annum (prorated for 2026/27)

Benefits | Life insurance and extended health benefits (prescription, vision, dental)

Vacation | Three (3) weeks paid vacation, in addition to the end-of-year Winter Holiday break

Interviews | Interviews will be held throughout October 2026

Start Date | The chosen candidate will ideally start on December 1, 2026

Job Criteria

Education/Training

- Post-secondary training or equivalent work experience in theatre
- A background in live theatre direction is an asset

Required Skills & Experience

- Theatrical knowledge and experience in the performing arts
- A histo

📌 Cahoots Theatre Artistic Director (Toronto)
🏢 Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts
📍 Toronto