What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lower School Play Director position at Miami Valley School?
Title: Lower School Play Director
Show Dates: March 12-14, 2027, with position starting in December 2026
Direction from: Production Manager
Stipend: $2200
The Miami Valley School (MVS). Our mission is to challenge young people of promise to become self-sustaining learners and compassionate global citizens. For almost 60 years, MVS has provided a unique learning option for families in the Dayton, Ohio, community. Here, faculty are educators who are ready to help refine a truly differentiated educational opportunity as MVS becomes a nationally-recognized leader in experience-based learning. Here, every member of the MVS community is committed to transformative immersive learning in the classroom and during our Immersion term. Equally important is our commitment to Social Emotional Learning (SEL), through which our students learn the skills and competencies necessary to navigate an ever-shifting world with confidence and curiosity. Here, we learn because we do.
The Role. MVS is seeking an innovative and culturally inclusive Director for our performing lower school play. The ideal candidate is passionate about the performing arts and is eager to invest their talents in working with our lower school students to produce the fall/spring play. They should establish a supportive and engaging environment for students that fosters growth in their performance skills. The Play Director works collaboratively with colleagues and parents, has excellent communication skills, and possesses strong leadership skills, creativity, and flexibility.
The Opportunity. All members of MVS’ vibrant faculty bring the school’s mission and vision to life each day for students and families in the Dayton community. Each day we live out our mission through our core values: integrity, celebration, grit, and kindness. As a part of our dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to:
Expand Global Leadership. MVS is known for its academic and extracurricular programming, and with you on our team, we will continue to grow with our students as leaders of Global Citizenship and stewards of civil discourse.
Enhance Cultural Experiences. Through your contribution to the development of an inspiring extracurricular performing arts program each year, you and your students will experience the world and its cultures through theater.
Develop Character and Wellness. To support the overall wellness of our vibrant community, you’ll have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with students and families meaningfully.
Innovate. As we continue to develop our Immersive Learning programming, you will be part of a team that is enhancing professional learning nationwide and becoming a thought leader for immersive learning experiences that stretch beyond the traditional school experience. Here, you and your team will integrate academics, hands-on activities, and scholarly habits via cross-curricular designs and models of learning.
Couple Academic Rigor with Increased Accessibility. Through your intentional planning and development of the lower school play, our students will explore their theatrical talents and build an enjoyment of the arts.
Collaborate as part of a World-Class Team. In your role teaching at MVS, you will work alongside dedicated faculty who have taught and learned all over the world and in a variety of school contexts. Your colleagues are artists, researchers, entrepreneurs, published authors, professional musicians, armed services veterans, and thespians. Most importantly, they are compassionate and caring educators committed to lifelong learning.
And, of course, you will get to make an impact! As the MS play director, you will get to join young people on their journey by discovering their sense of self and growing both personally and socially. You will have the privilege of being a supportive resource and guidepost for students, families, faculty, and staff.
Expectations:
Develop and facilitate culturally inclusive extracurricular performing arts program;
Establish a supportive and engaging performing arts environment for students;
Demonstrate a deep belief that teachers, coaches, directors, etc. have a unique role in empowering students to become passionately inquisitive;
Foster the belief in each of our students that students can and will change the world;
Demonstrate a commitment to reflection and innovation as MVS continues to build the performing arts program;
Build collaborative partnerships with students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni;
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide a creative vision to a theatrical production
Have clear and consistent communication with parents, students, and other stakeholders
Establish a safe and inviting environment for students to grow in their theatrical comforts and skills
Select an appropriate show
Work closely with the Production Manager to ensure that all duties and responsibilities are completed in a timely manner
Create a consistent schedule for rehearsals (working in tandem with athletics, academics, and other school events/requirements
Qualifications:
Work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and parents;
Possess excellent management and communication skills;
Possess a working knowledge of theatrical direction
Flexibility
Ideal candidates have directing experience with young actors
Benefits. This is a stipend opportunity without additional benefits.
Take the Next Step. Share this opportunity with your network! Learn more about our school by clicking on the embedded links. Interested and qualified applicants should submit a completed MVS employment application, cover letter, resume, outlining your suitability for the position and interest in the mission of the school to lisa.garvic@mvschool.com. Please do not call the school directly. The position will be open until filled.
Bring Your Whole Self. MVS is committed to the Dayton community and to our mission and vision. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and will not discriminate on any basis. We seek qualified candidates from a myriad of backgrounds to join our dynamic team.