Join Our Team

Auditions for the 2024/25 company contracts are by invitation only.

Applicants must be dancers with strong, classical ballet technique and have performing experience with a professional company. Auditions are by invitation only.

Application Process

Applications to audition for the 2025/26 Season will be accepted between September 1 – December 1, 2024.

International Audition Pre-Selection Guidelines

An applicant would be required to submit the following material only:

• A video link (YouTube or Vimeo) with no introduction or fancy editing, consisting of the following performed in leotard and tights for women and tight-fitting dance attire for men
  • A short classical variation drawn from the standard repertoire, danced in pointe shoes by female applicants
  • A short contemporary variation (that could consist of something drawn from repertoire, phrases from classwork or an applicant-created work) that illustrates the applicant’s command of a range of movement different from that demonstrated in the classical variation
• A CV (.pdf / .doc / .docx) that includes your email address, postal address, height, date of birth, citizenship, training and performance experience
• A head shot
• 2-3 dance photos (.pdf) that reveal the dancer’s body proportions and line
• Ideally, video work should not be filmed too far away. Performance video is acceptable if of good quality and filmed close-up

Contract dates: 2025/26 contracts will begin in July or August 2025, start date TBC, and conclude in June 2026.

What is the RBC Apprentice Programme?

The National Ballet of Canada offers an Apprentice Programme under the sponsorship of The RBC Foundation. This programme is intended for graduates of professional conservatories who are interested in dancing with the National Ballet. The apprenticeship consists of 12 contracts and takes place over approximately 10 months and allows dancers to continue building their technical skills while adapting to a professional schedule.

All Apprentices take part in YOU dance, an outreach programme offered by the National Ballet. This programme involves the preparation and presentation of selected repertory at performances or digitally to introduce young people to ballet.

As members of YOU dance, Apprentices also benefit from classes and rehearsals that focus on the development of the skills appropriate to their position as entry-level professionals. As well, they are welcome to approach the members of the artistic staff for career advice and coaching. Apprentices receive 50% of a first-year National Ballet Corps de Ballet member salary. The National Ballet's Artistic Director Hope Muir and the Artistic Staff evaluate the Apprentices throughout the year and may invite them to join the National Ballet as a company member at any point within the period of the apprenticeship.

In the event an Apprentice is not to be offered further work with the National Ballet every effort is made to convey this information in a timely fashion.

Eligibility

If you have not graduated from a secondary school program by the start of the contract date, you are NOT eligible for the Apprentice auditions. However, you may contact Canada’s National Ballet School for more information regarding classes, summer school and other training programmes while a secondary school student.

If you are an established dancer who has strong classical ballet technique and performing experience with a professional company, you may audition for a company contract. Read more.

The RBC Apprenticeship Programme is generously supported by the RBC Foundation.

The National Ballet of Canada (NBOC) performs works of classical and contemporary ballet around the world, across Canada, and in Toronto at the stunning Four Seasons Centre. Consistently ranked amongst the top ten ballet companies in the world, the NBOC is the fourth-largest company in North America, with its own orchestra, rehearsal, administration, and production facilities. The NBOC has grown from strength to strength during its 70+ years, thrilling audiences with some of the finest productions on the planet.

By every measure – artistic, financial, and reputational – The National Ballet of Canada is in a strong position, made possible by bold and judicious artistic, administrative, and governance leadership. This is an opportunity to partner with Artistic Director Hope Muir to advance and realize the NBOC’s vision and future plans as its next Executive Director.

Through your professional career or as an experienced volunteer board member, you have come to appreciate the nature of leadership in a complex, high-profile performing arts organization. As a trusted partner to the Artistic Director, you will embrace the dynamics of co-leadership – working together collaboratively for a single purpose and knowing when to move forward and when to pause. You will support the development of new repertoire and the Company’s drive for excellence while embedding the principles of diversity and inclusion in its work at home and on tour. Central to this will be the application of your proven experience in ensuring and strengthening the Company’s sound financial position and the executive leadership of marketing, audience engagement, new audience development, donor stewardship and diversification, EDI initiatives, education and community outreach programs, fiscal management, production, contract/union negotiations, human resource management, organizational culture and employee engagement, and information technology services.

You work effectively with a Board, and build trusted relationships with key supporters – audiences, governments, sponsors, donors, granting councils, foundations, and partners and peers in the arts community. Strategic, diplomatic, disciplined, financially astute, innovative, and a talented public speaker and negotiator, you also are a trusted coach, mentor, and inspiring team leader. This is an opportunity to engage your general management skills, your knowledge of today’s performing arts market – its challenges and its untapped potential – and realize a strategic plan that will bring to the world the incomparable delight, passion, and illumination that dance at its best can provide.

Requirements 

Relevant executive leadership experience, ideally in a co-leadership model, in the performing arts, or a combination of private sector executive leadership experience and extensive contributions to the performing arts as a volunteer.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed immediately upon receipt. Please indicate your interest in the opportunity by submitting a cover letter and resume to https://caldwell.thriveapp.ly/job/1155.

About the Position

Reporting to the Associate Director, Individual and Legacy Giving, the Prospect Researcher is an essential and valued member of The National Ballet of Canada’s Development team, providing in-depth prospect research that will significantly shape and support the organization’s ambitious fundraising goals. This critical role is tasked with identifying and analyzing prospective donors, delivering insights that will inform the cultivation and solicitation strategy. By building and refining a robust pipeline of potential supporters, the Prospect Researcher will play a key role in advancing the Ballet’s readiness for Ballet BOLD, a transformative, multi-year campaign aimed at securing substantial growth and long-term financial resilience. This position requires a proactive, analytical thinker with an understanding of wealth indicators and fundraising dynamics, who can skillfully identify new opportunities and help drive successful donor engagement across all phases of the donor cycle.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Analysis - 60%

• Prospect Research Preparation: Develop detailed prospect research materials to support the fundraising strategies of the Development team.
• Targeted Research: Conduct searches using e-databases, and social media to gather relevant, high-quality information.
• Wealth Indicators & Financial Analysis: Identify and interpret key wealth indicators, such as stock transactions, real estate values, and corporate holdings, to assess capacity and potential giving levels.
• Analysis and Judgment: Utilize independent judgment in selecting pertinent information from reliable sources to align with funding priorities.
• Concise Reporting: Produce comprehensive yet concise research reports and documentation that inform and support prospect strategies.

Strategy Development – 15%

• Fundraising Cycle Knowledge: Apply your understanding of the donor cycle (identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship) to recommend tailored strategies based on prospect research insights.
• Prospect Strategy Input: Offer recommendations and insights to inform strategic decision-making on donor engagement based on research findings and analysis.

Proactive Prospecting – 15%

• Prospect Identification: Develop and implement methodologies to proactively identify new major gift donors through data analysis.
• Affiliation Discovery: Uncover connections to the ballet and new opportunities for donor engagement, helping to deepen relationships with current and potential supporters.
• Pipeline Development: Proactively contribute to the pipeline development efforts to maintain a strong prospect base.

Monitoring & Reporting – 10%

• News Monitoring: Keep abreast of relevant news to identify opportunities to build relationships with new prospects or enhance existing connections.
• Portfolio Analysis: Conduct regular portfolio reviews and analyses with members of the Development Team to ensure strategic prospect management.
• Capacity Ratings: Develop and assign capacity ratings based on Linkage, Ability, and Interest, while considering factors like life stage and other wealth indicators to optimize prospect insights.
• Database & Tracking: Ensure data integrity by following best practices for prospect management processes, including database updates, tracking, and reporting.
• Best in Class: Stay informed on best practices in prospect research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in prospect research, fundraising, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in prospect research, with expertise in search strategies and research methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize financial data, wealth indicators, and prospect information.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising techniques and strategies within the moves management cycle.
• Proficiency in research databases, and social media for prospecting.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with prospect research software, CRM databases (Tessitura), and best practices in pipeline development and prospect management.
• Experience in arts, culture, or non-profit sectors is a plus.

Compensation

• Salary range: $60,000 - $70,000 per annum, commensurate with experience
• Complimentary season tickets to performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
• Comprehensive Health & Dental and Paramedics Benefits package, including a Health Spending Account 
• Company-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan
• Counselling services and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program 
• Summer Fridays off in July

Working Conditions

• Primarily work out of main office, The Walter Carsen Centre, located at 470 Queens Quay West, Toronto
• Occasional work out of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, located at 145 Queen Street West, Toronto
• Hybrid work environment; minimum three (3) days a week in office and remotely from home two (2) days a week, subject to change 

Application Process

Qualified candidates are to forward their resume and cover letter in one document to HR@national.ballet.ca with the subject heading: "Prospect Researcher” by December 2, 2024. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check. 

The National Ballet of Canada is committed to taking every reasonable precaution for the protection of health and safety for workers as required by the Occupational Health and Act (OHSA). We are also committed to compliance with all applicable public and occupational health and safety, human rights, privacy and other laws. We recommend that all employees follow the guidance regarding vaccinations and boosters provided by Health Canada.

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We will primarily be using your phone number listed or email to communicate with you. It is your responsibility to include an updated phone number and email address and accept calls/emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your phone, voice messages and email regularly. If no response is received within a reasonable timeframe, we will assume you are no longer interested in pursuing the opportunity. Should it be determined that any background information provided be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, we reserve the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.

About the Position

All of the wonderful costumes for each production are built and maintained within the Wardrobe Department by a team of highly skilled wardrobe specialists. Reporting to the Head of Wardrobe Production and supporting our wardrobe department out of our main office at the Walter Carsen Centre, the Assistant Head of Wardrobe performs administrative tasks to help maintain the integrity of the costumes for The National Ballet of Canada.

This is a contract position beginning in January 2025 to June 30, 2025, with the possibility of extension. 

Responsibilities

• Providing administrative support to the Head of Wardrobe Production and the Wardrobe Department 
• Assist with purchasing of all materials required for new production and basic operations including both local shopping and international purchases
• Basic accounting for petty cash and credit card purchases
• Coordinating machine and equipment maintenance
• General maintenance of wardrobe spaces including costume and fabric storage as well as fitting rooms
• Assist with creating and maintaining archival documentation, wardrobe bibles for new and existing productions.
• Assist with providing instruction with volunteers and assistants upon request of Head of Wardrobe production
• Coordinating and managing the logistics of productions 
• Assist with laundry, dry cleaning, packing and receiving productions
• Participate in special departmental projects
• Assist with Revival and Footwear workroom as required.

Qualifications

• Previous Wardrobe Coordinator, Design Assistant and purchasing experience considered an asset
• Theatre/Performing Arts production experience essential, with an appreciation and a passion for the performing arts
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Sharepoint, Word, Excel 
• Highly skilled with planning, organizing, prioritizing and multi-tasking effectively while managing changing priorities 
• Ability to take initiative and demonstrate a flexible approach in responding to needs as they arise
• Ability to work independently or as a member of the team, with minimal supervision
• Hold excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) 
• Strong negotiating skills and diplomacy considered an asset
• Willingness and availability to work evening and weekends, as required.
• Although not a requirement, having a valid driver’s license would be considered an asset.

Compensation

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• Complimentary season tickets to performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
• Health and wellness resources through our Employee Assistance Program 

Working Conditions

• Primarily work out of main office, The Walter Carsen Centre, located at 470 Queens Quay West, Toronto
• Occasional work out of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, located at 145 Queen Street West, Toronto

Application Process

Qualified candidates are to forward their resume and cover letter in one document to HR@national.ballet.ca with the subject heading: "Assistant Head of Wardrobe” by December 29, 2024. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check. 

The National Ballet of Canada is committed to taking every reasonable precaution for the protection of health and safety for workers as required by the Occupational Health and Act (OHSA). We are also committed to compliance with all applicable public and occupational health and safety, human rights, privacy and other laws. We recommend that all employees follow the guidance regarding vaccinations and boosters provided by Health Canada.

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We will primarily be using your phone number listed or email to communicate with you. It is your responsibility to include an updated phone number and email address and accept calls/emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your phone, voice messages and email regularly. If no response is received within a reasonable timeframe, we will assume you are no longer interested in pursuing the opportunity. Should it be determined that any background information provided be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, we reserve the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.