Who We Are:Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers.
The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, design, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.
Why You Should Apply:- Creative work environment
- Paid operational shutdown in December, with flexibility of days being used at alternative times during the year
- Group Insurance Benefits
- Employer matched RRSP
- Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health
- Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events
- Employee discounts on merchandise and event space
- Being a part of the magic of live theatre!
The Publicity Assistant supports media relations and publicity activities by coordinating media monitoring, maintaining databases, and assisting with the development and distribution of communications materials. This role prepares daily media scans, manages media lists, coordinates interviews and ticket requests, and drafts and edits content such as press releases, biographies, and web materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and a high standard of presentation.
Reporting to the Publicist (Media Manager), the Publicity Assistant works collaboratively with Marketing, Artistic, and Production teams, as well as external media partners, to support awareness and engagement with Festival programming. The role also contributes to the organization, tracking, and maintenance of media coverage and digital content, providing broad exposure to Festival-wide communications and production activity.
Responsibilities:- Monitor, compile, and distribute daily media coverage and press clippings related to the Festival and broader theatre industry.
- Research, track, and maintain accurate media coverage databases, ensuring proper documentation and archival referencing.
- Maintain and update media contact lists and related databases to support effective media outreach.
- Coordinate media ticket requests and support media attendance at Festival events, including opening nights, photo calls, and selected rehearsals as required.
- Compile, edit, and proofread biographies for Festival staff and artists, ensuring consistency and a high standard of quality.
- Coordinate the collection and organization of artist and production headshots.
- Arrange and facilitate media interviews, acting as a liaison between media representatives and Festival personnel.
- Respond to media inquiries and provide accurate information regarding Festival programming and activities.
- Draft and edit press materials, including news releases and content for various publications, as required.
- Write and edit photo credits and alternative text for accessibility and publication standards.
- Create, update, and maintain digital content, including website materials, online image galleries, and press resources.
- Conduct research to support publicity initiatives and media engagement strategies.
- Ensure all work adheres to established standards for accuracy, timeliness, and brand consistency.
- Participate in cross-departmental coordination for publicity and communications initiatives across the Festival.
- Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures, and ensure that safe work pra