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Job Description:

Job Summary:

The High School Theater Director is responsible for educating and guiding students in the field of theater. This includes teaching students about the principles of acting, stagecraft, script analysis, theater history, and directing. The Theater Director should be able to create a safe and supportive learning environment that encourages students to explore their creativity and express themselves through theater.

The High School Theater Director runs classes as well as overseeing theater productions. This role will attend performances and rehearsals. The Director must also be able to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines and complete administrative tasks. The Theater Director is responsible for producing three productions over the course of the school year.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement lesson plans that align with best practice in theater education.
• Teach students about acting techniques, stagecraft, theater history, and directing.
• Organize and oversee auditions, rehearsals, and performances.
• Provide constructive feedback and evaluate student performances.
• Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes creativity, collaboration, and respect.
• Encourage students to participate in extracurricular theater activities, such as productions and competitions.
• Stay up-to-date with current theater trends and techniques, and continuously improve teaching methods and curriculum.
• Collaborate with other teachers, administrators, and theater professionals to enhance the theater program.
• Manage the theater budget and ensure that all equipment and materials are properly maintained and used.
• Provide timely communication with students and families.
• Collaborate with Middle School theater teachers as well the High School music department. 

Competencies:

• Quickly adapt to changing circumstances and flexible in work with students.
• Interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents required.
• Analytical skills required.
• Problem-solving skills required.
• Decision-making skills required.
• Attention to detail required.
• Organizational skills required.
• Computational skills required.
• Creativity required.
• Verbal and written communication skills required.
• Interpersonal skills required.
• Work independently and as part of a team required.
• Manage stressful situations required.
• Maintain confidentiality required.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required.â‹
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Inspire and motivate students to learn and participate in theater activities.
• Organizational skills to manage auditions, rehearsals, and productions.

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:    

• Bachelor's degree in theater education or related field required.
• Master's degree in theater education or related field required.

Experience:  

• 3+ years experience in teaching high school theater.
• 3+ producing, directing, managing high school theater productions.

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Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Knowledge of theater history, acting techniques, directing, and stagecraft.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
• Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.
• Strong knowledge of child development required.
• Develop innovative curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools required.
• Use standard productivity and educational software or platforms (calendar/schedule software, learning management system, etc.) required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Move in and around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the community.
• Move class-related equipment/tools, as appropriate, around school property.
• When appropriate, escort children from one classroom to another, in and out of the building during arrival and dismissal, and in an emergency situation.
• Demonstrate lessons, when appropriate.
• Flexibility to work after-school hours and attend evening and weekend events.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Professional References Contact Information (3)
• Link to Portfolio of high school student theater performances
• Observe Performances - The Theater Director is an important hire for the Laboratory Schools. This position will begin the 2024-2025 school year to give the search committee the opportunity to view productions directed by potential candidates, in person. The search committee may travel out of state for highly competitive candidates. When available, candidates should provide a schedule of productions they are directing for the 2023-2024 school year. 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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