Revels, Inc. - Revels, Inc.

“There is nothing more powerful than people singing together.”

Jack Langstaff, Revels Founder

Revels, the Cambridge, MA based performing arts organization, seeks a visionary music-theater professional to lead us into our sixth decade of creating a distinctive form of participatory theater that celebrates the seasonal calendar and cultural traditions through performances based on traditional song, dance, and music. The incoming Artistic Director will work collaboratively with existing professional staff and an ever-changing body of performers to craft and produce performances that bring together diverse audiences, cast and crew to create the magic that is Revels.

Revels

Revels creates engaging theatrical experiences built on our core belief in celebrating life through traditional stories, music, dance, and song. Bringing together amateur performers of all ages with tradition bearers and professional cast and crew, Revels marks the seasons with performances and events that invite our audiences to play an active role.

Revels is best known for Midwinter Revels (The Christmas Revels) which attracts up to 20,000 people annually. Since 1971, Revels has held its December production in the historic Sanders Theatre at Harvard University. In December 2025, the 55th Midwinter Revels will highlight traditions of Scandinavia, weaving a joyous celebration of the winter solstice through the annual touchstones that have made Revels one of the top performing arts organizations in the Boston area (ranked #11 in 2024 Boston Business Journal).

Revels comprises a staff of ten professionals, over 200 volunteers, and a Board of Directors. Established as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 1974.

The Artistic Director is responsible for conceiving, developing and implementing the artistic vision and focus for Revels, Inc. This includes creation and artistic direction of the Cambridge Midwinter Revels show; artistic oversight of musical and cultural events throughout the calendar year; and providing advice and guidance to Revels affiliates nationwide.

The role reports directly to the Revels Executive Director.

Specific Duties

Artistic Direction

● Conceive, research, write/outsource, cast and direct the annual Midwinter Revels Production;

● Recruit, hire, supervise and evaluate artistic personnel including performers, actors, artists, designers and other contracted personnel for the Midwinter show and other programming;

● Provide leadership for the artistic programs for Revels throughout the year, creating and directing as needed;

● Actively collaborate with Revels staff including Executive Director, Music Director and Production Manager on matters of artistic production and operations

Board Engagement

● Work collaboratively with members of the Revels Board

● Assist in board member recruitment and orientation, as appropriate

● Participate in and present at Revels Board meetings, as requested

Outreach and Development

● Act as a spokesperson for the organization’s mission and artistic vision via speaking engagements, media interviews, written content, public/social appearances, and fundraising events, as appropriate

Affiliate Leadership

● Maintain artistic exchanges between Cambridge and its affiliates. This may include performing yearly review of scripts to ensure artistic quality and review of affiliates work at the annual national producer/director retreat

● Attend annual Midwinter Revels rehearsals/productions in affiliate cities as possible

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Attributes

● Demonstrable experience directing, writing, choreographing and/or designing for the stage in collaboration with professional and amateur performers across artistic modalities

● Proven ability to work independently while collaborating across departments; and to work respectfully while directing paid and volunteer staff, contractors, and other theater personnel; preference for candidates who have also worked with amateur cast and crew

● Experience and interest in researching cultural and historical folk-art traditions and representing them on stage through music, dance and storytelling

● Interest in and understanding of Revels traditions as a component of Midwinter Revels and all seasonal events?

● Experience engaging with funders and donors

● Clear and respectful communicator and colleague

● Scriptwriting experience strongly preferred

The ideal candidate will be a collaborator, a leader, a player/coach who contributes to the positive work environment at Revels and brings a joyful curiosity and approach to creating art and engaging audiences.

Employment and Compensation

While the specific annual salary will be commensurate with experience, the anticipated range is $90,000 - $125,000. Employment benefits include health and dental insurance upon the start of employment with Revels and four weeks of paid time off per fiscal year. The current Artistic Director role is full-time, year-round and in-person, based in our offices in Cambridge, MA. We recognize that talented professionals may have a range of existing commitments and Revels may be able to accommodate this on a case-by-case basis. An offer will be contingent upon conversations with references, verification of educational degree and/or employment, and a clear CORI check.

Interested?

Please submit requests for further information, nominations, or application materials consisting of a 1-3 page letter of interest, a current resume, and any other digitally-transmittable materials you feel represent your work and experience to jobs@revels.org. We would enjoy having preliminary conversations with you to share more about the organization, including video links, and this opportunity, prior to you submitting your materials. All submissions will be acknowledged and are confidential.
Salary: $90-125K