Artistic Director - Workshops & Performances

Norman Ballet Company | Norman, Oklahoma

Position Type: Independent Contractor (Project-Based/Seasonal)

Contract Period: November 2026 – November 2027

Compensation: Based on experience and scope of services

Reports To: Norman Ballet Company Board of Directors

About Norman Ballet Company
Norman Ballet Company (NBC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting ballet and related dance forms through performances, artistic education, and community engagement.

NBC is entering an exciting period of transition as we develop new workshop and performance opportunities that encourage artistic growth, collaboration, and a shared appreciation for dance throughout Central Oklahoma.

Position Overview
Norman Ballet Company is seeking experienced dance professionals to provide artistic leadership for its upcoming workshops, educational programming, and ballet productions.

Depending on qualifications, experience, and availability, NBC may engage one Artistic Director to oversee multiple programs or separate contractors to lead workshops and performances.

Ideal candidates will bring artistic creativity, strong leadership and communication skills, and a commitment to creating welcoming, meaningful dance experiences for participants and audiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Artistic Leadership & Programming

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to establish artistic goals and programming priorities.
• Develop artistic concepts, themes, repertoire, choreography, and educational content appropriate to each program.
• Provide artistic direction and coaching that supports dancer development, performance quality, and creative expression.
• Coordinate with guest instructors, choreographers, and other artistic professionals as needed.
• Foster an inclusive, encouraging, and collaborative artistic environment.

Workshops & Educational Programming

• Develop and lead workshop curriculum, instructional activities, and artistic experiences.
• Guide dancers through choreography, technique, and performance preparation.
• Coordinate artistic elements of workshop showcases and presentations.
• Collaborate with the Board, volunteers, and families to support successful programming.

Performances & Productions

• Develop artistic concepts and select repertoire for ballet performances.
• Oversee auditions, casting, rehearsals, and artistic preparation.
• Collaborate with guest artists, choreographers, and production professionals.
• Provide artistic guidance regarding costumes, music, staging, and production design.
• Coordinate artistic schedules and production needs in collaboration with the Board.

Program Coordination & Communication

• Assist with program planning, scheduling, and artistic budget recommendations.
• Work within Board-approved budgets and established program timelines.
• Communicate regularly with the Board regarding program progress, artistic needs, and anticipated challenges.
• Support positive relationships with dancers, families, local studios, artistic partners, and community organizations.

Specific responsibilities will be determined by the program(s) assigned and the agreed-upon scope of services.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in ballet, dance instruction, choreography, artistic direction, or dance production.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead artistic programming.
• Experience teaching, coaching, or mentoring dancers in a positive and supportive environment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively with nonprofit board leadership, volunteers, families, and artistic professionals.
• Commitment to high-quality artistic experiences and community engagement.

Additional qualifications that may be beneficial:

• Experience directing ballet productions or coordinating theatrical performances.
• Experience developing dance workshops or educational programming.
• Familiarity with classical and contemporary ballet repertoire.
• Experience collaborating with guest artists, studios, theaters, or community arts organizations.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and professional experience will be considered.

Schedule & Compensation
These are independent contractor opportunities with schedules determined by individual program needs.

Workshop engagements may involve advance planning, instructional sessions, rehearsals, and a culminating showcase. Performance engagements may require additional preparation, auditions, rehearsals, and production activities.

Evening and weekend availability may be required.

Compensation will be negotiated based on experience, program responsibilities, and the agreed-upon scope of services. Independent contractors are not eligible for employee benefits.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit:

• A resume or professional biography outlining relevant dance and artistic leadership experience.
• A brief statement of interest describing your artistic background and approach to programming.
• An indication of interest in workshop programming, performance productions, or both.

Selected candidates may be invited to discuss programming ideas, availability, and potential scopes of work with the Norman Ballet Company Board of Directors Hiring Committee.

Norman Ballet Company is committed to providing welcoming and meaningful artistic experiences for dancers and audiences throughout Central Oklahoma.

Pay: $25.00 - $65.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10.0 – 60.0 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $65