Come work with Smile Theatre this summer! In partnership with Canada Summer Jobs we are excited to offer opportunities for emerging artists in our Smile Serenades performance program for people in care.
Job: Summer Serenader & Administrative Assistant – 1 Position Available
Salary: 35hrs/wk, $22/hr*
Dates: June 8 – Aug 1, 2026
Job: Summer Serenader – 3 Positions Available
Salary: 35hrs/wk, $21/hr*
Dates: June 8 – Aug 1, 2026
Contact: Performance Resume, headshot, and brief cover letter to Cassandra McCarthy, Serenades Director and Tom Carson, Executive Director at serenades@smiletheatre.com
Context
Smile Theatre is a registered charity based in Toronto, and is Canada’s only professional theatre company dedicated to performing for seniors and those living in care environments. In operation since 1972, Smile has been creating and touring small scale musical theatre productions to Retirement Residences, Long Term Care homes, Hospitals, Seniors’ Centres throughout Toronto, Ontario and across Canada. Smile Serenades is a program developed to deliver performance and engagement to isolated seniors in care. More information is available at smiletheatre.com
Job Description – Serenader*
The Summer Serenader is a dynamic actor/performer working primarily in-person, and occasionally through online platforms. They are an energetic and positive performer that can sing, and have an interest in connecting with seniors and those who live in care environments. They preferably can self-accompany on an instrument, though it is not required. Performers who are multilingual are especially encouraged to apply.
The Summer Serenader collaborates with other ensemble members on creating and offering ongoing performances to seniors in a variety of contexts, including care homes, hospitals, seniors’ centres, outdoors and online. They are flexible, able to work both collaboratively in group settings, and independently. The Summer Serenader is willing and able to take leadership when called upon to do so, and also support and encourage the leadership of others. They are true ensemble members.
Most importantly, the Summer Serenader is a positive, caring, genuine, creative individual, willing and eager to give time and attention to isolated seniors and people in care settings, and creatively collaborate with fellow artists.
Experience performing in care environments is not necessary, and training is offered.
Tasks
Collaborates with other Summer Serenaders and Creative Team members in repertoire development
Rehearses and prepares music and improvised performance interactions
Performs as scheduled in visits to care homes, community centres, home care environments, retirement homes, and hospitals ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours (in sets)
Attends meetings and/or rehearsals as called
Participates actively in the promotion and development of the program on social media, website and promotional materials
Participates as available in all Smile initiatives
Any other task as assigned and agreed
Approach
- Focused on caring for our audiences through excellence in performance engagement, and committed to growth and improvement
- Is prepared, and takes responsibility for personal performance quality
- Is on time, and respectful of the time of fellow artists and our care partners and audiences
- Takes initiative in the positive development of the program in collaboration with the Serenades Coordinator and Creative Team
- Takes leadership when called upon to do so
- Supports and encourages the leadership of fellow artists
- Brings a positive, willing and eager attitude to rehearsals, serenades, performances and meetings
- Actively and willingly collaborates with other artists to problem solve or troubleshoot in difficult situations
- Remains aware of what fellow artists and each audience member might need, and is ready to assist
- Respects audience members, staff and fellow artists.
Smile Theatre is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to building an organization that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from members of Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities; Two-Spirit, non-binary, trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer people; disabled people; youth; and members of other equity seeking groups.
Requirements
* The Administrative Assistant position has some added administrative responsibilities, please contact us for details. These positions are funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program. To be eligible, youth must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment, and legally entitled to work in Canada (valid Social Insurance Number).