Careers

Explore job vacancies at West Australian Ballet

Company Dancers

We are always on the lookout for energetic, innovative and passionate artists to join our team.

Auditions for Company Dancers are by invitation of the Artistic Director only.

Suitably experienced candidates may apply at any time to audition@waballet.com.au with the subject line “AUDITION APPLICATION” to be considered for an opportunity to audition. Please note that receipt of an application, does not guarantee that an invitation to audition will be furnished.

Only emails sent to the Audition email address will be reviewed.

Your application should please including the following:

• Resume
• Photographs (JPEG preferred)
• Link to online footage of a Classical variation (YouTube or Vimeo)

Western Australian applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Current Vacancies

Manager of Artistic Planning

Permanent, full-time | West Australian Ballet

Lead the planning behind the performance. Turn artistic vision into coordinated seasons, and exceptional ballet experiences.

THE COMPANY

Founded in 1952, West Australian Ballet is Western Australia’s flagship dance company and the oldest ballet company in Australia. Based at the West Australian Ballet Centre in Maylands, the company presents classical and contemporary works in Perth and across regional Western Australia, undertakes touring and international activity, and delivers community and education programs that broaden access to dance. Its repertoire combines established works with new commissions and collaborations involving Australian and international artists. West Australian Ballet is supported through government funding, ticket sales, philanthropy, sponsorships, grants and other partnerships. Our purpose is to enrich people’s lives through dance, and our work is guided by the values of Inclusivity, Excellence, Innovation and Integrity.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Artistic Planning Manager is a key member of West Australian Ballet’s artistic leadership team, providing high-level planning, programming and logistics expertise to support the Artistic Director. The role oversees artistic budgets, contract negotiations, scheduling and day-to-day artistic administration, contributing to the delivery of WAB’s strategic, artistic and commercial objectives.

The role requires thorough judgement, solution focused problem solving, discretion and calm leadership.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Artistic Leadership Planning

• Coordinating diary requirements across artistic delivery.
• Deputise for the Artistic Director on agreed operational matters and represent the Artistic Department at internal and external meetings when delegated.
• Support the Artistic Director’s artistic vision by developing and implementing the annual repertoire plan.
• Coordinating feasibility assessments for repertoire, new works, co-productions, tours, special projects and visiting artists.
• Maintain an integrated view of the artistic program and schedules, including key deadlines commitments and decisions.
• Lead artistic planning meetings, Artistic Matrix meetings and season debriefs.

2. Forecasting and Financial Coordination

• Prepare the Artistic budget and estimates with the Artistic Director, Executive Director and Finance.
• Monitor artistic expenditure and commitments, and identify emerging pressures, savings or variances.
• Prepare costings options for creative activity.

3. Compliance

• Ensure artistic engagements align with approved or applicable budgets, industrial instruments, WAB policies, insurance, or regulatory requirements.
• Ensure fees and royalties payable to creative guests and licensing bodies are accurately calculated, recorded and paid in accordance with individual agreements. This includes music licensing and royalties administration as directed.

4. Creative and Company Logistics

• Coordinate artist recruitment as directed by the Artistic Director, through to negotiating terms and making offers.
• Handover of confirmed appointments to People and Culture for employment agreement preparation, onboarding and visa coordination.
• Coordinate relocation and artistic induction requirements for new artists or guests and provide ongoing practical support.
• Ensure coordination between health and the artistic team to maintain a high level of communication and regular planning/information sharing.
• Communicate confirmed artist appointments to relevant internal stakeholders and coordinate the information required.
  

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Experience in artistic planning, producing, company management, arts administration or a comparable senior role.
• Strong capability in budget management, forecasting and financial administration.
• Developed communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating and administering creative contracts, rights, licences and royalties.
• Advanced digital capability, including Microsoft 365 and planning or project-tracking systems.
• Knowledge of relevant workplace and arts obligations.

Desirable

• Tertiary qualification in arts management, business, law, producing, project management or related disciplines, with industry experience (ballet, dance, orchestra, theatre or touring company).
• Experience working with international artists, immigration and touring.
• Adaptable and willing to work flexibly around the demands of a professional performing arts company.
  

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• National Police Clearance and Working with Children Check where required by WAB.
• Ability to work outside standard office hours, including evenings and weekends, in line with performance and touring requirements.
• Ability to travel as required.

Note: Travel within Western Australia, interstate and overseas may be required from time to time. This is not a touring role.

WEST AUSTRALIAN BALLET VALUES

Inclusivity: Creates welcoming and inclusive experiences, acts with care and empathy, and values diverse voices.

Excellence: Pursues high standards and recognises that disciplined, coordinated work creates value at every stage.

Innovation: Uses continual improvement, constructive challenge and creative problem-solving to strengthen delivery.

Integrity: Acts with honesty, reliability, transparency and accountability.

BENEFITS

• Five weeks of annual leave.
• Two complimentary tickets, and access to up to 20 discounted tickets, for each season.
• 50% off Adult Ballet Class and Pilates for staff.
• Access to Arts Industry discounts.
• Working with creative teams from Western Australia, across Australia and internationally.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this role, please submit a cover letter addressing the essential selection criteria above and your CV via email to  recruitment@waballet.com.au with 'Manager of Artistic Planning' in the subject line.

Applications close Friday 9 October

West Australian Ballet reserves the right to commence interviews and/or close this advertisement prior to the listed closing date should a suitable applicant be identified. Applicants are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience.