Mainstage Assistant Directors Program
The Citadel Theatre is excited to announce a call for submissions for the Mainstage Assistant Director Program for the first half of our 2025/26 season. This professional development program has been developed to support directors as they develop their skills, particularly in large scale Mainstage work.
THE PROGRAM
This is a specialized program that is built in collaboration with the selected artists involved and the Mainstage directors they will be working with. The program is supported by the Citadel’s Producer, Bridget Norris-Jones and Artistic Director, Daryl Cloran.
The program provides the opportunity to participate in full rehearsal process for a Mainstage production. While every opportunity is unique, most Assistant Director placements involve:
- 1-on-1 mentorship with the Mainstage director
- Participation in pre-rehearsal meetings and planning (design/production meetings, etc.)
- Observing/Participating in rehearsals, technical rehearsals and previews
- Overseeing the rehearsal and preparation of understudies and youth performers (as applicable)
In addition to production-specific opportunities, Assistant Directors will also be offered:
- Tours of the Citadel facilities and conversations with Citadel staff throughout the season
- Invitations to opening nights
- Artist profile on the Citadel Theatre website with amplification on our social media feeds
- Artists will receive a $3000 honorarium as part of the program, except for the Assistant Director on A Christmas Carol who will receive a $4000 honorarium. We are not able to cover travel or accommodation expenses. The Assistant Director is expected to be available for the full rehearsal and preview process, up until the final understudy dress rehearsal, which typically occurs a few days after opening.
In the first half of the 2025/26 Season we have four opportunities which applicants can apply for. Please read each description and call carefully. Assistant Director opportunities in the second half of our 2025/26 Season will be announced at a later date.
PRODUCTION 1: Life of Pi
Based on the novel by Yann Martel
Adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti
Synopsis: Life of Pi brings Yann Martel’s acclaimed novel to life in a visually stunning and emotionally captivating theatrical experience. The story follows Pi Patel, a young Indian boy who survives a shipwreck and is left stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with only a Royal Bengal tiger named Richard Parker for company. As Pi struggles to survive in the vast, unforgiving ocean, he confronts the limits of his faith, his resilience, and his understanding of the world.
This production will be directed by Haysam Kadri in the Shoctor Theatre. The production originates at the Citadel and is produced in partnership with Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. PLEASE NOTE: The Assistant Director will not be travelling to Winnipeg with this production.
Rehearsal Starts – August 19, 2025
First Preview – September 13, 2025
Opening – September 18, 2025
Final Understudy Rehearsal – September 21, 2025
PRODUCTION 2: Vinyl Cafe: The Musical
Based on the Vinyl Cafe Stories by Stuart McLean
With Songs by Colleen Dauncey and Akiva Romer-Segal
Adapted for the Stage by Georgina Escobar
Synopsis: The world premiere of a holiday musical for the whole family based on Stuart McLean’s beloved Vinyl Cafe stories. The musical weaves together some of McLean’s most popular stories, such as: “Dave Cooks the Turkey” and “Rashida, Amir and the Great Gift-Giving” into a hilarious celebration of the highs and lows of the holiday season and the importance of community and family.
This production will be directed by Daryl Cloran in the Shoctor Theatre.
Rehearsal Starts – October 14, 2025
First Preview – November 8, 2025
Opening – November 13, 2025
Final Understudy Rehearsal – November 16, 2025
PRODUCTION 3: A Christmas Carol
By David van Belle
Synopsis: David van Belle’s adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic returns to the Citadel! Ebenezer Scrooge has been given just one night to redeem himself but will the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future help him overcome a lifetime of indifference before all hope is lost? Transport yourself to the mid-1950s with nostalgic songs like I’ll be Home For Christmas and White Christmas and experience the magic of the season.
This remount production will be directed by Lianna Makuch in the MacLab Theatre. Originally directed by Daryl Cloran.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the shortened rehearsal period and a large youth ensemble, the production requires a more experienced Assistant Director. The artist taking on this role will receive a $4000 honorarium.
Rehearsal Starts – November 7, 2025
First Preview – November 22, 2025
Opening – November 27, 2025
Final Understudy Rehearsal – November 30, 2025
PRODUCTION 4: Death of a Salesman
By Arthur Miller
Synopsis: This timeless classic follows Willy Loman, a traveling salesman nearing the end of his career, as he struggles to reconcile his aspirations with reality. Burdened by unfulfilled dreams and familial tensions, Willy’s journey reveals deep truths about ambition, identity, and legacy. This production captures the heartache and resilience of a man striving to leave his mark in an unforgiving world.
This production will be directed by Daryl Cloran in the Shoctor Theatre.
Rehearsal Starts – December 30, 2025
First Preview – January 24, 2026
Opening – January 29, 2026
Final Understudy Rehearsal – February 1, 2026
PROPOSALS
We invite applications from artists who would like to explore and build their professional skills in directing. We are looking for applicants who are based in Edmonton, and who have experience in directing multiple full-length plays or musicals, have demonstrated skill in this area and who are looking to build even more sophisticated tools. Students who are currently enrolled in and attending High School or Post Secondary programs are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be available during daytime hours Tuesday to Sunday.
Previous participants in the Assistant Director program are welcome to apply again, but should identify what new skills they hope to acquire from this assistantship and why this opportunity will be different from the past one.
As one of the largest cultural organizations in Alberta, Citadel Theatre commits to dismantling the systemic racism in Canadian theatre practice. This includes making space for those that have not been given the opportunity to create and thrive in rehearsal halls and theatres across the country. We also strive to provide an opportunity for emerging, early career and even established artists to make the leap from smaller independent projects to learning the skills required to direct large productions at a regional theatre.
Proposals should be a maximum of four pages, and should include:
- A biography or résumé;
- A letter outlining:
- Which production, or productions the applicant would like to be considered for and why;
- Practical skills the applicant hopes to learn, build upon and augment during the production or productions (keep in mind each opportunity is unique);
- Areas and topics that the applicant hope to build knowledge in from mentorship;
- Skills the applicant can bring to the production;
- Why this program is a good fit for you at this point in your career;
- A rough schedule/sense of the applicant’s availability.
EQUITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
We wish to acknowledge that the land on which we live and work is Treaty No. 6 territory and a traditional meeting ground and home of the First Nations, including both the treaty signatories – Cree, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stony and Cree-Iroquois – as well as other Indigenous peoples, such as the Blackfoot and Métis, who occupied this land. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live, create and perform on this territory.
The Citadel Theatre is in the heart of amiskwaciwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Edmonton, AB), and we are proud to call Treaty 6 Territory home. As a regional theatre, it is integral that we ensure that the stories we tell, as well as the composition of our artists, board, staff, students and audience are reflective of the diverse lived experiences in this dynamic city.
We strongly encourage submissions from artists who self-identify as members of under-represented communities. If there are barriers (language, disability or any other consideration) about the process preventing you from submitting, please let us know and we will work with you to overcome them.
For more on Citadel Theatre’s Equity, Inclusivity, and Diversity work, including our 35//50 commitment, statements of support, annual diversity reports, CAEA Declared Actions Regarding Anti-Oppression and Inclusion, and other information, please visit our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion page on our website.
Please email Producer Bridget Norris-Jones, bnorrisjones@citadeltheatre.com, with any questions.
SAFE WORKPLACE CULTURE
Citadel Theatre commits to providing a welcoming and safe experience for all artists, including clear workplace harassment policies. In situations where cultural safety and knowledge is needed as part of facilitating conversation, Citadel commits to working with third-party affinity counsel.
SUBMISSION
Citadel Theatre is accepting proposals for the Mainstage Assistant Director Program until Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Please submit a proposal of up to four pages (PDF format) to: bnorrisjones@citadeltheatre.com, Subject: Mainstage Assistant Director Program.
SELECTION
Artists will be selected by a panel of Citadel Theatre staff, including:
Daryl Cloran, Artistic Director
Bridget Norris-Jones, Producer
Mieko Ouchi, Associate Artistic Director
In consultation with the Director of each Mainstage Production
There may be interviews requested with the Director of each Mainstage Production. All applicants will be informed of results via email by Monday April 28, 2025.
