Centre for Indigenous Theatre (CIT)

Advisory Council Members/ Board Directors (Voluntary Board)

Founded in 1974 by James Buller, the Native Theatre School—now known as the Centre for Indigenous Theatre (CIT)—was established to nurture Indigenous theatre artists in a respectful and supportive environment. From a four-week summer program, it has evolved into a vital institution offering a three-year, conservatory-style post-secondary program, with an optional fourth year focused on individual creation and applied methodologies. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems and performance traditions, CIT delivers culturally grounded training in acting, movement, voice, Indigenous song and dance, and oral storytelling. The curriculum blends Indigenous pedagogies with Western theatre techniques, preparing students to thrive artistically while remaining connected to community and culture.

Located in Toronto’s West End, CIT is a vibrant creative hub offering a wide range of classes, including Indigenous Performance & Story Creation, Scene Study, Acting, Voice, Movement, Stage Combat, Physical Theatre, and Acting for Camera and many others. Students also benefit from mentorship, training intensives, guest artist workshops, and annual public showcases and productions. CIT contributes meaningfully to the Indigenous cultural economy, supporting the next generation of Indigenous storytellers and theatre professionals. It is a place where students gather from all directions—honouring the past and moving boldly into the future through Indigenous theatrical expression.

The Opportunity

The Centre for Indigenous Theatre is seeking applications for Advisory Council Members to help guide and support the organization as it continues to uphold its mandate and deliver on its vision. Advisory Council Members offer thoughtful counsel, contribute specific expertise, and champion the organization’s mission in community and sector settings. Council members may serve on working groups or support special initiatives aligned with their experience and interests. Board members normally take on a two-to-three-year term (to a maximum of two terms with the opportunity for re-election beyond that) with board meetings being held several times throughout the year, either in Toronto or virtually as required. The incumbent will be compensated for costs associated with travelling to these meetings in alignment with CIT policies.  

It is anticipated that the successful candidates would join the Board September - October 2026.

Desired Experience and Competencies

Among the qualities sought in incoming Advisory Council Members is a deep and genuine commitment to advancing Indigenous cultural expression, knowledge sharing, and self-determination. Candidates should hold a strong respect for Indigenous ways of being and knowing, and bring a spirit of reciprocity, humility, and openness to the role. A meaningful connection to CIT’s vision is essential.

Applicants will be considered based on their lived experiences, cultural knowledge, skill sets, and the wisdom they can bring to the Advisory Council. The following areas of expertise and experience are particularly aligned with the Council’s current needs: A) Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Community Leaders who offer cultural grounding and guidance; B) practicing or former performance artists in theatre or related disciplines; C) educators, administrators, or artistic programming developers in Indigenous arts or post-secondary education; D) professionals with backgrounds in financial management, accounting, fundraising, legal services (especially contracts and HR); E) individuals with leadership experience in Indigenous or community-based organizations, and; F) those with experience in governance, non-profit management, or strategic advisory roles. CIT especially welcomes applicants with a strong desire to support the next generation of Indigenous artists and leaders through mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration.

How to Apply

CIT is a strong advocate for diversity in all its forms, and particularly encourages applications from Indigenous and racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities, the 2SLGTBQIA+ community, and those of diverse intersectional identities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, country of origin, protected veteran status, national origin, political beliefs, (dis)ability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy status, parental or personal leave status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

CIT is partnering with BES Executive Search, a firm committed to ensuring that every search mandate engages a pluralistic and intersectional range of candidates. Applicants are guided through what BES calls ‘The BES Experience’—a thoughtful, candidate-centred process that meets candidates with support and care throughout the search process. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking HERE.   

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), applicants living with a disability will be provided with accommodation throughout the search process. Should accommodations be required, please make Urmilla Mahabirsingh aware by emailing

BES is deeply grateful to all who express interest in this opportunity and recognize the time and effort that goes into submitting an expression of interest. While only those most closely aligned with the position requirements will be contacted for an interview, all applications are reviewed with thoughtfulness and will receive correspondence from the firm as part of our commitment to delivering a respectful and inclusive candidate experience. 

BES Executive Search Inc. does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants.