About the role
JR Musical Theatre Director
Organization: I Can Do That! Performing Arts Center
Position Type: Part time
Hours: approx. 25 hours a week including prep and meetings (weekly rehearsals are Monday-Friday between 3:45-5:45pm)
Pay Rate: $25-30 per hour, commensurate with experience
Timing: February 1st, 2027-May 30th, 2027 (please see website for detailed dates)
About ICDT!
ICDT! is a youth-focused performing arts center dedicated to creating inclusive, high-quality theatre experiences for young performers and our community. We value collaboration, creativity, and hands-on learning, and we strive to create a safe, supportive environment both onstage and behind the scenes.
Position Summary
The ICDT! JR Program Director is responsible for leading the artistic and educational direction of youth musical theatre productions (including MTI Junior Productions and TWR Young@Part) within the theatre company’s junior program consisting of kids 11-14 primarily with 2 different casts of 50 kids each. This role oversees the directing process, rehearsal experience, and performance execution while fostering a positive, educational, inclusive, and supportive environment for young performers.
The JR Program Director works closely with the Music Director, Choreographer, Stage Manager, Programming Director, Artistic Director, designers, and production staff to create high-quality productions that support student growth, confidence, teamwork, and performance skills.
The JR Program Director may also take on teaching artist responsibilities, including subbing classes or leading specific classes, intensives, or training programs as needed.
Primary Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership
* Develop and communicate a clear artistic vision for each production. * Direct staging, character development, storytelling, and performance elements. * Guide students in acting technique, stage presence, ensemble work, and performance professionalism. * Create a supportive and educational rehearsal environment that encourages creativity while building strong habits and skills. * Adapt direction and instruction to accommodate varying ages, experience levels, and learning styles.
Rehearsal Management
* Plan and lead rehearsals efficiently, collaboratively, and with clear objectives. * Establish rehearsal goals and communicate weekly priorities to the production team. * Teach and reinforce blocking, staging, character work, and performance material. * Work closely with the Music Director/Assistant Director to integrate music, vocals, staging, and storytelling cohesively. * Coordinate with the Stage Manager regarding schedules, attendance, blocking notes, rehearsal needs, and production updates. * Maintain appropriate rehearsal discipline while encouraging creativity, participation, and a positive ensemble culture. * Come prepared for rehearsals with necessary materials, staging plans, and production notes.
Collaboration & Communication
* Attend production meetings and collaborate effectively with all members of the creative and production teams. * Communicate regularly with the Programming Director regarding production progress, student needs, and any concerns that arise. * Provide timely feedback, direction, and support to performers and staff. * Maintain positive and professional communication with parents, guardians, and theatre staff as appropriate. * Collaborate with costume, set, prop, lighting, projection, and sound teams to support the overall production vision.
Student Development & Safety
* Foster an inclusive, respectful, encouraging, and age-appropriate environment for all participants. * Model professionalism, preparedness, kindness, and positive leadership. * Support performers with a wide range of experience, confidence levels, and abilities. * Encourage students to develop confidence, independence, teamwork, responsibility, and performance skills. * Ensure staging, rehearsal practices, and production activities prioritize student safety and wellbeing. * Uphold all company policies related to youth programming, conduct, supervision, and safeguarding.
Production Responsibilities
* Participate in auditions and casting in collaboration with program leadership and production staff. * Prepare rehearsal materials, staging notes, and other production materials as needed. * Attend all technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and scheduled performances. * Work with the Stage Manager to maintain consistency, continuity, and production quality throughout the run. * Assist with load-in, strike, cast party, and post-show wrap-up as requested.
Teaching Artist Responsibilities
* Sub classes or rehearsals when needed. * Lead designated classes, intensives, workshops, or training programs based on program needs and individual expertise. * Support the broader educational goals of the junior program. * Provide age-appropriate instruction that encourages skill development, confidence, and a love of musical theatre.
Qualifications
* Experience directing musical theatre productions, preferably with youth performers. * Strong understanding of musical theatre performance, storytelling, and the rehearsal process. * Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills. * Ability to effectively lead and manage rehearsals with young performers. * Ability to collaborate effectively within a creative and production team. * Experience working with children and teens in educational, theatrical, or arts settings preferred. * Ability to create a positive, structured, and inclusive environment for young performers. * CPR/First Aid certification and/or background check may be required based on company policy.
Desired Qualities
* Energetic, patient, and encouraging leadership style. * Passion for arts education and youth development. * Strong rehearsal management and problem-solving skills. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. * Commitment to inclusivity, creativity, collaboration, and teamwork. * Ability to balance high artistic standards with age-appropriate expectations. * Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced production environment. * Genuine enthusiasm for working with young performers and helping students grow both onstage and offstage.
Time Commitment
The JR Program Director should be available to attend:
* Auditions and callbacks * Scheduled rehearsals * Production meetings * Technical rehearsals * Dress rehearsals * Performances * Load-In, Strike, and post-show wrap-up, as requested
Rehearsal schedules may include evenings and weekends. Additional planning and preparation outside of scheduled rehearsal hours may be required.
Teaching artist hours and preparation time will vary based on individual classes, sessions, intensives, and program needs.
Reports To
* Programming Director * Artistic Director
Works Closely With
* JR Music Director * Choreographer * JR Stage Manager * Programming Director & Artistic Director * Designers, including Technical Director, Costumer, Lighting, and Projections * Production Staff * Teaching Artists and Volunteers * Parents/Guardians, as appropriate
Compensation & Benefits
* $25-$30 an hour depending on experience and qualifications.
Equal Opportunity Statement
ICDT! is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and families. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
Compensation: $25-30 per hour, commensurate with experience