Volunteer Opportunities
Please complete the following form(s) if you are interested in volunteering. Please note that volunteers must be at least 14 years of age.
Join the Ottawa School of Theatre Board of Directors
Help Shape the Future of Theatre Education in Ottawa
The Ottawa School of Theatre invites passionate, community-minded individuals to apply for positions on our Board of Directors. This is a unique opportunity to support one of Ottawa's leading theatre education organizations while helping young people and adults experience the transformative power of the performing arts.
As a registered charitable organization and Resident Arts Partner at the Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa School of Theatre provides high-quality theatre education and performance opportunities for students of all ages. Our mission is to offer excellence in theatre education and experiences that are accessible to learners throughout the community.
Why Join the Board?
Board members have the opportunity to:
- Contribute their expertise while developing new leadership and governance skills.
- Help guide the growth and long-term sustainability of Ottawa School of Theatre.
- Support arts education and community engagement in Ottawa.
- Collaborate with dedicated volunteers, arts professionals, and community leaders.
- Make a meaningful impact on the artistic and educational experiences of children, youth, and adults.
Who We're Looking For
We welcome applications from individuals who are:
- Committed to the mission and vision of Ottawa School of Theatre.
- Interested in promoting and developing the arts in Ottawa.
- Collaborative, community-minded, and team-oriented.
- Interested in learning and contributing through active board service.
Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, however we are actively seeking applicants with a background in HR, Accounting, or Legal Skills. We are also seeking applicants from the Francophone community.
Current and former OST participants, parents, grandparents, arts supporters, and members of the wider Ottawa community are all eligible.
Board Commitment
Board members serve one-year terms, with an expectation of committing to at least two consecutive terms. Responsibilities include:
- Approximately six board meetings per year.
- Participation in the Annual General Meeting.
- Service on at least one board committee.
- Strategic planning and occasional special meetings.
- Representation of OST at community events, performances, and fundraisers.
Board service is a volunteer position.
Applications will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee in advance of the Annual General Meeting.
Application Deadline: November 23, 2026
Annual General Meeting: December 9, 2026
To apply, please email jennifer@ost-eto.ca
For more information about Ottawa School of Theatre and its programs, visit our website or contact our office.
Bring your passion for arts, education, and community leadership to Ottawa School of Theatre. We look forward to hearing from you.
Here’s a snapshot of what working at OST-ETO is like
The Ottawa School of Theatre is a Resident Arts Partner within the Shenkman Arts Centre. Our theatre study happens in professional black box studios, with some performances in studio and the majority of performances in the Richcraft Theatre.
Operated by the City of Ottawa, this centre offers a diversity of programs and activities attributed to a unique collaboration with the Resident Arts Partners: Ottawa School of Theatre , Arts Network Ottawa, Gloucester Pottery School, MIFO (Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans), and the Ottawa School of Art–Orléans Campus. The centre is also home to Resident Company Tara Luz Danse, and ARTicipate, a one-of-a-kind endowment fund that supports innovative programming at the centre.
About Ottawa School of Theatre
Ottawa School of Theatre (OST-ETO, OST) is a non-profit, charitable organization providing excellence in drama and theatre education and experience to students of all ages in English and French. Begun in 1989 in the Township of Cumberland as Orleans Young Players, OST-ETO has grown to include more than 600 students in the September to June classes, camp programs and workshops.
OST-ETO Mandate
OST-ETO provides a valuable service to our community in that we raise awareness – and appreciation – of the arts in our community and lives. We believe that arts and culture must be an integral part of life from the formative years.
OST-ETO Mission
The mission of OST-ETO is to offer excellence in theatre education that is accessible to students of all ages, ethnicities and abilities.
OST-ETO Vision
The vision of OST-ETO is to be a creative catalyst for self-confident performers and discerning and appreciative patrons of the arts in our school and the greater community.
Educational Philosophy
With a program focused on developmental drama, our goal is to have each student attain and exceed their highest personal standard of excellence. OST-ETO’s program provides direct drama education, giving each student the opportunity to perform a significant role in a production; hands-on experience in behind-the-scenes aspects of theatre; and strives to instill in our students an appreciation for, and love of, theatre.
The play is the nucleus through which the other aspects are explored, experienced and integrated. Through this simple concept education can flow. Producing a play is challenging to the students and exciting for the instructors, which creates an environment where students want to learn.
Accessibility
Accommodations are available upon request at any stage of the application process.
The entrance to the building is at step-free ground level with two sets of two doors, and one is automatic or at the lower level one set of two doors, one of which is automatic. There is an elevator. The Shenkman Arts Centre is open to the public and, especially during events and celebrations, it can be a noisy and vibrant place.
We work to continually increase accessibility, inclusivity and diversity, OST-ETO is an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of the people we hire and serve. Diversity at OST-ETO means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated and respected, as well as responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths.
Questions?
We would LOVE to hear from you! Please direct any questions, comments or concerns to jobs@ost-eto.ca.
Are you interested in working with us?
For administrative job enquiries outside of the postings above please contact Managing Director Sue Webb at finance@ost-eto.ca. For artistic positions, please contact Artistic Director Megan Piercey Monafu at megan@ost-eto.ca.