Yup, we’re hiring for the summer (who knew?)! 

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Love playing table top roleplaying games and building fun miniature environments for players? Well then, we’ve got the perfect summer job for you.

Given all the change that’s been happening around here lately, you’d be correct in maybe wondering why Driftwood Theatre, a company no longer producing a summer tour) is hiring for the summer. Well, let it be known that we are really excited to be on the lookout for a Assistant Dungeon Master/Miniature Props Builder/Camp Counsellor to join Artistic Director Jeremy Smith as he leads two epic summer Dungeons & Dragons camps in Prince Edward County. 

Driftwood Theatre is committed to reflecting Canada’s rich diversity in all aspects of our work We encourage and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and will prioritize applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, Women, Gender minorities, 2SLGBTQ+, d/Deaf, Disabled/People with Disabilities, and/or Neurodiverse.

The following position is made possible with the generous support of Canada Summer Jobs. Candidates must be between 19-30 years of age and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Assistant DM/Miniature Props Builder/Camp Counsellor

Reporting to the Artistic Director/Lead Dungeon Master, the Assistant DM/Mini Props Builder/Camp Counsellor will be responsible for realizing all program props and miniatures for Driftwood’s summer camp, while also helping to develop and lead camp activities, supervising participants, and liaising with parents in co-operation with the Artistic Director.

The Props Coordinator will be directly involved in interpreting design drawings, purchasing materials, assembly and repairs. As this is a learning position, the Props Coordinator and Camp Assistant will also receive instruction in: time and financial planning in order to successfully bring a design to production on time and within budget; camp programming and execution, including storytelling-based activities; and outdoor summer safety.

Duties and Responsibilities include

  • Working under the direction of the Artistic Director to interpret designs, purchase materials, construct, paint and repair all miniature game props and pieces
  • Assisting in game design for two week-long table top roleplaying campaigns for participants aged 9-12
  • With the Artistic Director, designing and programming outdoor, activity-based games inspired by D&D
  • Working with the Artistic Director, serve as camp counsellor for two week-long camps for up to 12 participants
  • Ensure a safe, respectful and fun environment for all participants
  • Serving as Dungeon Master for a group of 5-6 participants per session
  • Coordinating and communicating program details with parents 
  • Attending and reporting at all pre-camp meetings

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment
  • Experience in either scenic prop or miniature model design and construction
  • Experience in playing or leading table top games (like Dungeons and Dragons)
  • Experience working with children/children’s programming an asset
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • Proficiency in Google Suite Applications an asset

Salary/Job Details

  • Full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position with some flexibility in the schedule
  • Contract dates: July 2 – August 30, 2024
  • Salary: $20/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract
  • This position will include both remote and in-person work (camps take place in Prince Edward County July 29-August 2 and August 26-30)

To Apply

  • To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume (as a single PDF document) to Artistic Director, Jeremy Smith at jsmith@driftwoodtheatre.com with the subject line stating the position you’re applying for and your name, e.g. “DnD Job – Jeremy Smith”

Application Deadline: May 24, 2024 @ 5pm.

Retreats in Full Swing

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In March we hosted our first Gillespie House Playwrights Retreat of 2024. It went so well, we’re already planning for the next one!

Last month Driftwood hosted its first playwrights retreat of the season at our partnered Bed & Breakfast, The Gillespie House. We were joined by Ellen Denny (playwright, The Great(er) Maple Syrup Heist), Deivan Steele (playwright, Children of the Black Water), and Ahmed Moneka (playwright, The Onion Cellar). For one peaceful week in the County – away from day to day life – these playwrights got to explore bold new ideas, take leaps and strides in their work, and share in each other’s pursuits.

All week, we were inspired by our guests’ processes. Deivan’s routine of writing with the sunrise, Ellen’s piano playing drifting through the halls, and reading aloud The Onion Cellar chapter (from Günter Grass’ The Tin Drum) with Ahmed. It was such a unique pleasure having these artists in our space, and we are so excited for what comes of their work. 

This is River, with her World Theatre Day poster (made with her dad, Jeremy).

“Something magical happens when artists inhabit this house,” says Artistic Director (and Gillespie House co-owner) Jeremy Smith, “there’s a vibrancy and joy that just fills the space. It encourages me to rediscover that creative spirit as well – like the one we all have when we’re kids. And it was particularly special to have the house overflowing with that energy on World Theatre Day (March 27).”

But enough about us! Read on to learn more about the experience from the playwrights themselves. 

“Everyday during my residency at Gillespie House, the warm hospitality cultivated a feeling of support and joy. Our days were full of quiet focus and our evenings full of inspiring conversation. Having on-site dramaturgical support deepened my understanding of my project and gave me a lot to digest moving forward. A truly special week in a beautiful setting.”

– Ellen Denny, GHPR March 2024

“The Gillespie House Playwrights Retreat is all about enabling playwrights to do their best work, and the folks at Driftwood are exceptional at supporting the process of every individual. The gifts that GHPR gave me weren’t just time and space to work, but also a lovely introduction to a beautiful corner of Ontario, flexible support for all kinds of projects, and an invitation to really become part of the family for a week. When Driftwood says their vision is about ‘Good people sharing great stories’, nowhere is it better exemplified than this productive, collaborative, and heartwarming experience. I can’t say enough just how much I recommend GHPR to any playwright looking to kickstart their story with a wonderful team.” 

– Deivan Steele, GHPR March 2024

For those of you who may have missed it – or who need the extra nudge – our call for submissions to the June Gillespie House Playwrights Retreat (GHPR) is still open! We’re looking for emerging and established playwrights who are developing new works that are epic or mythic in nature (whatever that means to them). From June 3rd – 7th 2024, selected artists will be invited to stay at The Gillespie House where they’ll receive; full accommodation, complimentary breakfasts, a travel stipend within Ontario, access to dramaturgical support, and an honorarium of $500.00. The deadline to submit is Thursday April 18th, 2024 at midnight.