Guest Director (Winter 2026-2027)

ABOUT GANN

Gann Academy is a pluralistic Jewish high school that challenges students to cultivate their talents and interests in all areas of human potential, including intellectual, artistic, spiritual, and physical pursuits. Our faculty, comprising both Jewish and non-Jewish educators, facilitates the students' journey. We seek teachers who are committed to collaborating and growing in their teaching practice; supporting diverse learners in the classroom; and connecting with students outside the classroom, both formally and informally.  

Gann Academy is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that enables talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive. We believe that the inclusion of diverse perspectives will enhance our work and yield better societal and learning outcomes for all. All employees participate in this commitment, whether internally by building a welcoming workplace culture or externally by ensuring inclusive engagement with families and other community members. 

Perhaps most of all, Gann offers a community of innovative, collaborative, and compassionate professionals who care about their work, their school, and their colleagues. We help one another learn, solve problems, and have fun.

ABOUT OUR TEAM

Our Humanities team comprises talented professionals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to instructing and engaging students in the study of the arts, English, history, and world languages. Gann’s outstanding faculty sharpens our students’ intellect, challenging them to become analytical, creative, empathetic, and out-of-the-box thinkers.

Each art teacher at Gann is a professional artist in their respective discipline, committed to inspiring our students to self-actualize through artistic expression. We believe that the arts provide a unique framework for our students to develop essential skills for success in high school and beyond, including risk-taking, critical thinking, collaboration, and iteration. Our department's guiding mission is aligned with that of the school.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Gann Academy is seeking a Guest Director to provide artistic leadership for the school’s winter musical during the 2026–2027 school year. The Guest Director is responsible for directing student performers; collaborating closely with the music director, choreographer, and technical director; and developing a clear, cohesive artistic vision for the production. The Guest Director works in partnership with the Production Manager, who oversees all operational, logistical, and administrative aspects of the production, allowing the Guest Director to focus on artistic and educational work with students. This role includes guiding rehearsals, shaping performances, and supporting students’ growth as artists and collaborators, while fostering a positive, inclusive, and professional rehearsal environment.

Key Dates:

• Auditions will take place 4:10-7:30 pm the week of December 7–10, with exact dates to be determined
• Rehearsals will run from December 13 through March 4 and take place Monday through Thursday after school (4:10-7:00 or 5:05-7:30) and Sundays 10 am-2 pm
• Additional hours are required during the week of Tech rehearsals and performances: March 7–14
• There will be no rehearsals during school breaks: Dec. 24–Jan. 3; Jan. 18; Feb. 14–21

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Artistic Vision: Develop overall creative vision for the production in collaboration with Music Director and Choreographer 
• Actor Direction: Lead all rehearsals with student performers; analysis, character work, blocking, dramatic interpretation, refining towards production 
• Script/Score Analysis, Dramaturgical Work: Analyze script and score and do appropriate dramaturgical research to inform directorial choices and guide collaborative creative team 
• Collaboration with Creative Team: Work closely with Music Director (vocal direction), Choreographer (movement), and Technical Director (design elements) to create cohesive production; attend weekly production meetings with Production Manager
• Theatre education: Provide artistic guidance, mentorship, and education to student performers; balance artistic vision with student learning goals and create opportunities for student input and creative ownership
• Rehearsal Management: Plan and execute rehearsal schedule in coordination with Production Manager, run safe and productive rehearsals 
• Tech Week Leadership: Co-lead tech week with Technical Director, integrating technical elements with performance 
• Communication: Maintain regular communication with Production Manager and Technical Director regarding artistic needs, challenges, and production progress; report safety or behavioral incidents 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Physical demands include dexterity for operating office machines and supplies, such as computers, telephones, electronic calculators, copy machines, and printers. Stooping, bending, and reaching for files or supplies, as well as sitting or standing for extended periods, are common. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

Gann Academy is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the school to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), and pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or veteran status.  

ACCOMMODATION 

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with a reasonable accommodation to be determined on a case-by-case basis by management. 

E-VERIFY 

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed Form I-9.

• Prior experience directing musical theater is required
• Prior experience directing in an educational setting is required (musical theater or other theatrical productions)
• Experience working with high school-aged students (ages 14 to 18) is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other artistic staff and respect the expertise of music directors, choreographers, and technical staff
• Commitment to inclusive casting and creating opportunities for students of varying experience levels
• Strong communication, organization, and classroom management skills suitable for a diverse group of high school students 
• Commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment that encourages student expression while maintaining standards appropriate to a school setting
• Available for the full rehearsal and performance schedule as outlined above

Salary : $8,000