Artistic Director

“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.

The Role 

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.

Artistic Succession 

For over three decades, including many years alongside founder Jack Langstaff, Patrick Swanson led Revels as Artistic Director. In this capacity he worked in close collaboration with a full-time Executive Director, Music Director, Artist in Residence, and professional staff. In anticipation of his retirement in 2024, the Revels Board and Staff leadership created an interim transition model that brought theater founder, director, and actor Debra Wise to Revels, first as Associate Artistic Director in 2023, and now as Interim Artistic Director. Paddy Swanson remains affiliated with Revels in a part-time consulting role.

Job Responsibilities

Specific duties include:

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 the Executive Director, Music Director, and Production Manager, on matters of artistic production and operations, including developing and managing program budgets.

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.

Diversity Statement

Diversity is a fundamental element in Revels’ musical and theatrical productions. Through music, dance, and storytelling, we celebrate the seasonal and cultural traditions of our world, honoring and upholding the differences that make individuals and cultures truly unique while reminding us of the shared humanity that connects us all. This principle guides our organizational approach with events, educational programs, performers, audience, volunteers, partners, and staff. We offer an open, creative space that welcomes every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences.

About 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 eight professionals, over 200 volunteers, and a Board of Directors. Established as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 1974, Revels, Inc. is the licensor of the Revels trademark and provides artistic guidance and oversight to eight other independently chartered organizations across the country. Revels North, founded by Carol Langstaff in 1975, was the first of the sister cities.

The Revels Calendar 

While Midwinter Revels, our celebration of the shortest day, is by far the largest annual production, Revels is active year-round. Revels marks the vernal and autumnal equinoxes with an indoor SpringSing and a RiverSing along the Charles River, respectively, and joins other performing arts organizations to mark the summer solstice, in recent years at Harvard University’s Summer Solstice Celebration. In the other eight months of the year, Revels hosts pub sings at The Burren, the revered Irish pub and music venue in Somerville, MA and concerts at Club Passim, the intimate and iconic folk-music club in Harvard Square. Singing continues throughout the year with Revels Singers, an inclusive community chorus. 2025 also marks Revels’ 20th Celebration of Spring with Perkins School for the Blind.

Interested?

Please reach out to jobs@revels.org to begin a preliminary conversation. We would love the opportunity to learn more about you and to share information about the organization, including video links, prior to you submitting your materials. After initial conversations, applicants will be asked to submit a 1-3 page letter of interest, a current resume, and any other digitally transmissible materials you feel represent your work and experience. All submissions will be acknowledged and are confidential.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Revels is a 501(c)3 organization, located at 2 Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA 02138.  Revels welcomes all applicants, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national or ethnic origin or identity, genetic information, political or religious opinion or affiliation, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected by law.