Fall Musical Director

Overview: The High School Musical Director is responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of the school’s musical productions, including selecting appropriate musicals, auditioning and casting performers, directing rehearsals, coordinating technical elements, and ensuring the overall success of the productions.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Musical Selection: Collaborate with school administrators, faculty, and students to choose suitable musicals that align with the school’s resources, values, and audience preferences. Consider factors such as cast size, music style, and production complexity.
2. Auditions and Casting: Organize and conduct auditions, providing guidance and feedback to performers. Make casting decisions based on talent, suitability for roles, and overall production needs. Ensure a fair and inclusive audition process for all interested students.
3. Rehearsal Planning and Management: Develop a rehearsal schedule that accommodates the availability of students and staff. Lead rehearsals effectively, providing direction to actors, singers, dancers, and other participants to ensure progress and quality performances.
4. Music Direction: Work closely with vocal coaches, accompanists, and musicians to prepare performers for musical numbers. Teach vocal techniques, harmonies, and musical interpretations to enhance performances.
5. Choreography: Collaborate with choreographers or create choreography yourself for dance numbers and ensemble routines. Provide instruction and guidance to performers to ensure proper execution and synchronization.
6. Production Coordination: Oversee all aspects of production, including set design, costume selection, prop acquisition, and technical elements such as lighting, sound, and special effects. Coordinate with faculty, staff, and volunteers to manage logistics and ensure smooth operation of all production activities.
7. Student Engagement and Development: Foster a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages student participation, creativity, and growth. Provide mentorship and support to students in their acting, singing, dancing, and technical roles.
8. Communication and Collaboration: Maintain open and clear communication channels with students, parents, school administration, and other stakeholders regarding rehearsal schedules, production updates, and other relevant information. Collaborate with school staff and community members to promote the musical and maximize attendance.
9. Performance Management: Oversee final preparations for performances, including dress rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and preview shows. Ensure that performances run smoothly and address any issues or emergencies that may arise during shows.
10. Evaluation and Reflection: Conduct post-production evaluations to assess the success of the musical and identify areas for improvement. Solicit feedback from students, staff, and audience members to inform future productions and enhance the overall theater program.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Music, Performing Arts, Education, or related field (preferred but not required).
• Previous experience directing musical productions, particularly at the high school level.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with a collaborative and supportive approach to working with students and colleagues.
• Musical proficiency and knowledge of vocal techniques, harmonies, and musical interpretation.
• Experience in choreography or working with choreographers to create dance routines.
• Creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges and enhance the quality of productions.
• Commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and promotes student development and success.

Working Conditions: The High School Musical Director primarily works in a school theater or auditorium setting, with frequent evening and weekend hours required during rehearsals and performances. This role may involve physical tasks such as lifting and moving set pieces, as well as standing for extended periods during rehearsals and shows.

Our Mission: To ensure individual academic, social and emotional growth that leads to engaged citizens and lifelong learners