Artistic Director 

Theater Mu | Twin Cities, MN | $90,000 - $100,000 /year | Full-Time 

Application Deadline: November 1, 2024 

We Are Theater Mu

Mu’s mission is to produce great performances born of arts, equity, and justice from the heart of the Asian American experience.

 - Theater Mu Mission Statement 

In the 32 years since Theater Mu was founded by Dong-il Lee, Rick Shiomi, Martha B. Johnson, and Diane Espaldon, Mu has grown to be one of the largest Asian American theater companies in the United States and the largest in the Midwest.  Known for artistic excellence and innovative community engagement, Mu provides an unparalleled resource for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)* artists, advances AAPI stories, and give AAPI communities a platform to see and be seen. 

Mu has become a leader in the local and national development of Asian American theater. Mu has helped to develop and support the work of local and national playwrights, actors, directors, designers, and musical artists by premiering and commissioning new works, fostering a new generation of AAPI artists, and bringing AAPI voices to Twin Cities audiences. Through educational, community, and corporate outreach programs, Mu provides access to the culture and arts of the AAPI diaspora for underserved communities throughout the upper Midwest.

*Historically, Theater Mu has used the term Asian American when referring to its work and the community we serve. More recently, we have used the term Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) to acknowledge and highlight the interdependence of our various cultures and communities. We recognize that these terms are imperfect and have valid critiques. We use both throughout the document to acknowledge our history while being explicit about our goal of expanding representation of the beautiful diversity within the AAPI diaspora.

PRODUCTIONS 

Mu’s productions embody the heart of its mission. Thoughtfully selected and carefully created to engage, educate, and challenge, our plays range from commissioned works and world premieres to classic plays and musicals, regularly in partnership with other organizations in the Twin Cities and nationally. Each production includes talkbacks to deepen the audience’s understanding of the work. 

Theater Mu has presented 62 world premieres and 32 commissions over its 32-year history. Mainstage shows consistently land on critics' "Best Of" lists; commissioned and/or developed playwrights have gone on to productions around the country; and Mu actors consistently work with major local and regional companies.

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT 

Mu provides a growing roster of talented AAPI artists with opportunities to develop their work - playwrights, actors, directors, designers, and musical artists have trained in Mu’s programs. Mu’s Emerging Playwrights’ Circle, the Mu Tang Clan,  and Mu Training Institute give unique, culturally specific, in-depth training for AAPI artists. 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 

Mu’s Community Engagement includes educational, community, and corporate programs that explore identity, family, and society through an Asian American lens. Educational programs provide safe affinity spaces for AAPI youth to learn about and create art. Through its community engagement, Mu serves as a beacon of AAPI  art, a strong voice against racism and anti-Asian hate, and a gathering space for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to celebrate their stories. In a world that struggles to see all people, Mu shines a light on inequity, fights invisibility and erasure, and amplifies the Asian American community in Minnesota.

The organization is co-led by Managing Director, Anh Thu T. Pham and the Artistic Director. The leadership team is supported by a seven person board.  

Welcome To The Twin Cities

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the 14th largest metropolitan area in the country, are known as one of the most livable and civically engaged communities in the country. The metropolitan area is distinguished by its nationally renowned park system with hundreds of miles of trails, its abundant lakes and creeks, and its vibrant cultural scene. The Twin Cities also are home to 19 Fortune 500 companies, including Target, Best Buy, Cargill, Medtronic, and UnitedHealth Group, and numerous professional sports teams.

The Twin Cities region is second only to New York City in terms of live theater per capita and is the third-largest theater market in the U.S. after New York City and Chicago. Theater companies in the area include the Guthrie, Mixed Blood, Penumbra Center for Racial Healing, Pangea World Theater, Teatro del Pueblo, New Native Theater, Theater Latté Da, Ten Thousand Things, Park Square Theatre, Children’s Theatre Company, and numerous others.

The Twin Cities boast an abundance of distinctive, charming, and diverse neighborhoods, including the second-largest Hmong population in the nation. In comparison to other cities with robust theater scenes, the Twin Cities proves to be one of the most affordable places to live. Theater Mu’s offices are located between Minneapolis and St. Paul, close to public transportation, with productions located in various theaters in both cities. 

Mu’s community and audience consists of a multiplicity of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. The population of AAPI communities is approximately 500,000 people. The community is home to large refugee-experienced populations and one of the largest adoptee populations in the United States. The BIPOC population in Minnesota is approximately 1.33 million. The Twin Cities has a thriving community of AAPI artists primarily due to Mu’s efforts.  

The Job  

The Artistic Director for Theater Mu reports to the Board of Directors and is a collaborative partner with the Managing Director. The Artistic Director’s primary responsibilities are the development and implementation of artistic vision, community connection and integration, leadership and coaching of staff, and acting as the public face of Theater Mu, both locally and nationally.

The next Artistic Director will have several opportunities and challenges to navigate for Theater Mu. 

Areas of Strength  

• Mu has a strong sense of identity and the community it serves. 
• The theater has built a reputation and expectation of high quality work within the Twin Cities. Their work has been recognized and awarded by funders such as the Mellon and Jerome Foundations. 

Areas of Growth and Sustainability  

• While the organization’s budget has doubled in size over the last five years, finding sustainable sources of revenue to maintain its current operations will be a key focus for leadership.
• The organization is itinerant and more susceptible to logistical and scheduling constraints. 

Your Roles and Responsibilities 

Artistic Leadership

• Internally and externally promote and champion Mu's mission, values, vision, and goals.
• Curate productions and outreach programs that consistently honor Mu’s mission, values, and community. 
• Work with Mu Board and staff, updating and clarifying organizational values as necessary.
• Commit to the ongoing development of Asian American theater artists in the Twin Cities.
• Supervise and executive produce the mainstage season including contracting artists, hiring additional artistic staff, and securing production resources. 
• Direct plays in Mu’s seasons, as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local and national artistic partners.
• Serve as primary spokesperson for the organization. 
• Explore and experiment with strategies meant to grow and diversify audiences, as well as to better serve Mu’s key Asian American community.

Organizational Leadership

• Act as a deeply committed leader to Mu staff and associates, with a focus on creating a culture of transparency, collaboration, respect, and acceptance.
• In partnership with the Managing and Development Directors, play a key role in the cultivation and solicitation of major individual donors, corporations, and foundations.
• Cultivate and activate new relationships and partnerships to work with Mu or join Mu’s Board of Directors. 
• Participate as a collaborative leader in the strategic planning process, in partnership with the Managing Director and the Board of Directors.
• Assist the Managing Director with financial oversight, as necessary.

Community Leadership

• Serve as an active member of the Twin Cities Theaters of Color Coalition, advocating for Mu in this capacity.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Theater Mu and local AAPI communities, developing and accessing partnerships to both deeply serve the community and grow Mu’s influence.

Who are we looking for? 

A qualified candidate will have a depth of understanding of the lived experiences of AAPIs; a knowledge of or willingness to learn about the unique histories and experiences of AAPIs in Minnesota; recognition (if not full knowledge) of the particular challenges of a culturally-specific theater; and the ability and desire to clearly communicate on issues related to social justice and Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities.

Professional Experience

• Demonstrated capacity to curate and communicate an artistic vision that clearly supports the mission and value of Theater Mu and its community.
• Demonstrated success directing and/or producing artistically excellent theater.
• Experience with leading teams and creating a respectful team culture.
• A clear comfort level in interacting with current and potential donors.
• Experience with creating and working within budgets and organizational systems.
• Ability and desire to engage with the artistic, AAPI,  and leadership communities.
• Excellent communication skills that inspire and motivate others.
• A desire to develop and nurture professional relationships within the community that will benefit Mu and Mu’s community.

Personal Qualities and Values

• A deep commitment to AAPI  communities in the US and beyond.
• A commitment to developing local AAPI artists and expanding the AAPI  theater-going audience in the Twin Cities.
• Passion for theater and its power for change.
• A commitment to artistic excellence.
• The ability to work effectively both as a leader and as a member of a collaborative team.
• A leadership approach that is based on transparency, communication, kindness, and acceptance, coupled with a desire to support an organizational culture based on these qualities.
• Strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Sense of humor and ability to maintain enthusiasm even in the face of setbacks.

Theater Mu is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects its mission of amplifying Asian American voices and stories. We welcome applications from all individuals and do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our aim is to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our mission of telling powerful, diverse stories that challenge and inspire.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: $90,000 - 100,000/year. 

Benefits package includes health and dental insurance (100% of employee premium only); 25 PTO days and paid holidays. 

How do I apply? 

Visit emcforward.applytojob.com/apply/ to submit your application. Your application should include:

• Resume
• A link to your artistic work or an upload of a document showcasing your artistic work.
• A statement answering the following questions: How do you see your leadership and artistry advancing Theater Mu’s mission? How have your experiences prepared you for this role?

Applications are due no later than November 1, 2024.