What are the responsibilities and job description for the High School Theatre Director position at Denver Christian Schools?
OBJECTIVE
Seeking a Christ-centered experienced High School Theatre Director that will inspire, guide, teach, and shape the lives of our students while directing three main stage productions at Denver Christian School. Most importantly, he/she will help bring students closer to God while helping them become stronger performers, allowing Christ to shine through them.
JOB SUMMARY
The High School Theatre Director will collaborate with a team of directors, parents, and students to continue growing the high school theatre program at Denver Christian School. He/she will produce three main stage productions per year- Fall Play, Student Directed Scenes, and a Spring Musical. They will also continue to build our program by recruiting, networking, and seeking opportunities as they arise.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND/OR CERTIFICATION
1. Valid Colorado Teaching Certificate in Musical Theatre or Theatre (preferred)
2. At least 3-5 years of Directing Experience
3. Demonstrates expertise in knowledge and teaching of dramatics.
4. Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
ORGANIZATION SKILLS
Ability to have vision, design and plans before the production.
Ability to form and set committees based off of resources and relationships
Create an organized rehearsal schedule with clear expectations.
Be prepared with blocking, music, and other rehearsal needs for each day
Keep track and stay within a budget year-round and document expenses
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
1. Strong communication, public relation, and interpersonal skills with staff, students AND parents.
2. Works collaboratively with the Performing Arts Director and team.
3. Works collaboratively with other extra-curricular coaches and teachers to share students well for the student and parent’s best interest.
4. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback.
5. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information.
6. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, inquiries, and/or complaints.
7. Displays courtesy, tact, and respect when dealing with others.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made, if necessary, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1.Promote the theatre program to students and our school community.
Develop/implement recruitment/outreach programs with the Performing Arts Director to attract new theatre participants.
Work with our Marketing Director to promote the upcoming events/productions to the students and school community.
2. Helps run, with student officers, the high school drama club and chapter of the International Thespian Society.
3. Communicates with students and parents in a professional, timely manner about all theater expectations and rehearsal/production schedules/details.
Helps contribute to the Performing Arts Handbook with the performing arts team.
Establishes performance requirements, enforces academic requirements, and verifies each student’s eligibility to participate in theatre activities
Ensures the safety of students by adhering to both stage safety while on stage and general school rules and regulations while on the Denver Christian premises and traveling.
4. Conducts auditions / rehearsals from a learning perspective and in an organized and efficient manner respecting the time of the students and families.
Auditions students to select cast and assign parts with equitable systems provided.
Creates an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
Regularly incorporates and integrates faith into the rehearsal through prayer, devotions, discussion of all aspects of the theatrical arts from a Christian perspective.
Teaches acting principles and techniques to individuals and groups and conducts readings to evaluate student’s talent.
Teaches enunciation, diction, voice development, and dialects, using voice exercises, speech drills, explanation, lectures, and improvisation.
Discusses and demonstrates vocal and body expression to teach acting styles, character development, and personality projection.
Rehearses students with rigor to ensure they master parts.
Plans and uses appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
Prepares lessons that reflect accommodations for individual student differences.
5. Produces and directs plays for school and public performances.
Selects script for production with approval from the Performing Arts Director and building principal
Secures and reserves rehearsal and performance facilities with building administration.
6. Manages a budget with the Performing Arts Director
Submits budget requests to the Performing Arts Director in accordance with established timelines and guidelines.
Sees that all royalties, rental fees, and other fees/bills associated with a production are paid and maintains an accurate record of all expenses and receipts.
7. Recognizes that tech and all crew are an equal part of the learning experience. Assigns non-performing students to backstage production tasks, such as constructing, painting, moving scenery; managing properties and costuming; operating stage lighting and sound equipment; and operating the stage counter-weight system.
9. Works with the Performing Arts Director the scheduling of high school, district, and community activities in the high school theatre dept.
Organizes and implements theatre trips in accordance with school policy and regulations as well as student interest and ability. Arranges transportation, lodging, and meals for out-of-town events. This could include the Thespian Conference in Denver.
8. Oversees proper organization and storage of stock theatrical units and school-owned equipment and material.
9. Organizes, plans, and directs the respective play including being responsible for:
a. All publicity and programs (with Marketing Director)
b. Costume and properties rental and purchase
c. Lighting and sound design and application (with the Technical Director)
d. Set design and construction
e. Securing ushers (with Box Office Team)
f. Organizing and managing ticket sales (with Box Office Team)
g. Developing a rehearsal schedule that co-exists with other extracurriculars based on their primary/secondary or shared 50/50 choice.
h. Any other duty necessary to the success of a production.
10. Meets regularly with the Performing Arts Director
Set and review goals for the theatre department productions.
Submits to the Performing Arts Director a year-end report including:
List of participants
Awards and honors received
Summary of activities
Recommendations for improvements. .
11. Other duties as assigned by the principal or other administrative staff.
DRAMA SEASON BREAK DOWN
Fall Play
Theatre Workshop mid August
Auditions end of August
Performances in mid November
Winter Student Directed Scenes
Auditions/Inerviews in early December
Performances in mid January
Spring Musical
Theatre Workshop early January
Auditions in late January
Performances in April
