Seeking an experienced programmer with 10+ years in performance, strong networks, and festival expertise to shape a thoughtful family program

The Role: Performance Programmer

The performance programmer will bring cross-generational, satirical and primary school shows into the festival. They will work with touring and local performers, venues and grant applicants to design experiences that connect parents, kids and grandparents with wonder.

Dionysus is looking for a well-connected and compelling programmer with at least 8 years experience in presenting performance-based work in traditional and non-traditional spaces. Previous experience would include forging lasting partnerships and successfully working with at least one festival from conception through delivery for multiple cycles.

They will join a programming panel with programmers in music, stories and interactivities, a supporting coordinator and the Festival Director, as well as the event management team.

The amount of required programming is not significant, however each choice needs careful consideration and will benefit from significant experience with our target demographics. Ideally the candidate would be a parent and have an understanding of Canberra’s audiences, however these are not requisites.

The position is a project-based contract envisioned to require 100-200 hours of work, mostly at times chosen by the candidate. The more connected and experienced the programmer, the less time it is likely to require. It will require weekly daytime and/or evening meetings September-December 2025, occasional check-ins once the program is finalised, and a presence at the festival from 30 March to 12 April 2026. For the right candidate, the role will be manageable alongside a pre-existing full-time position or other contracts.

Key dates

• September 2025: commence on-boarding, review the festival structure, commence programming
• October: review grant applications, reach out to key performance groups
• November: finalise grant applications with the Program Coordinator, work with the Festival Education Manager to prepare materials for school integrations
• December: finalise program and education integrations
• January – March 2026: occasional meetings to ensure the program and partnerships are on track
• 30 March – 12 April: join the festival to review the impact of the program, check-in with artists (noting stage and event managers will run the shows)
• Late April 2026: Review the festival program, analytics and make recommendations for the next year of the festival

Required Attributes

• Minimum 10 years experience curating or producing performance-based work, particularly for festivals or large-scale cultural programs
• Demonstrated ability to design programs that engage intergenerational audiences, especially children and parents
• Strong network of performers and performance companies, with experience negotiating and contracting talent
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to work within multidisciplinary teams and community stakeholders

Ideal Attributes

• Familiarity with Canberra’s cultural landscape and audience behaviours
• First-hand experience as a parent, educator or community arts facilitator, particularly with young people or schools

Ideally the programmer would rejoin for the 2027 festival, if everyone’s loving it.

Remuneration – Contract role, $21,000 + GST including superannuation

A Simple Application – Please send a Cover Letter addressing the required and ideal skills and experience, opportunities you see for the role, and a CV including contact details for at least two referees, to dave@dionysus.place

This opportunity will close when the appropriate candidate is found, likely soon.

Dionysus is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds with a love for life.