Job Description
Drama Coach - East - 26-27
SY High School Operations East High Minimum Compensation:
$1,853 (25-26 Salary Schedule) Employment Type:
Exempt Purpose of the Position:
The Producing Director is the professional leader of the high school drama program. This role is a dual responsibility, encompassing both the artistic direction and the financial/administrative production oversight of the program's annual theatrical performances. The Director is responsible for delivering a high-quality, educationally enriching theater experience, and must maintain a hands-on approach to every aspect of the production, from initial concept through final strike. The ultimate goal is to mentor students in all facets of theater while successfully managing the complexities of production Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Direct and Produce Main Stage Productions:
Function as both the Producer and Director for the annual main stage production(s). Responsibilities include artistic direction, casting, rehearsal scheduling, and managing all production timelines and logistics. End-to-End Production Management:
Personally manage or closely supervise all non-artistic production elements. This involves highly practical tasks such as graphic design, set construction, painting, costuming, and technical needs based on student capacity and engagement (as highlighted in feedback). Budget and Financial Oversight:
Develop, present, and strictly manage the production budget, including ticket revenue, vendor payments, and resource allocation. Secure and manage all necessary performance rights and contracts. Student Mentorship and Technical Instruction:
Instruct and mentor students in technical theater, stagecraft, and design, ensuring they learn practical skills in addition to performance techniques. Safety and Facility Management:
Ensure a safe working environment for all rehearsals, construction, and performances. Oversee the proper use and maintenance of stage equipment, tools, and the performance facility. Communication and Program Development:
Maintain clear and consistent communication with administration, faculty, parents, and support organizations. Strategically choose productions that are engaging and appropriate for the school and community. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Dual Expertise:
Deep knowledge and proven ability in both artistic stage direction and hands-on production management (scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, marketing). Organizational Mastery:
Exceptional skills in scheduling and managing a complex rehearsal schedule that accounts for high school student availability and minimizes conflicts. Student-Centered Approach:
Proven ability to work effectively with young adults, managing actors and crew with experience levels ranging from absolute novice to several years. Design Communication:
Ability to articulate and communicate complex design and production needs clearly to student crews, external contractors, and assistant personnel. Artistic Vision:
Ability to conceive a production concept/vision for a work and manage the entire creative team to execute it cohesively. Requirements:
Successful clearance of a background check and fingerprinting as required by the school district. Ability to commit to a flexible, extended schedule including frequent evenings and weekends for rehearsals, set construction, and performances. Willingness to adhere to all school and district policies, codes of conduct, and safety guidelines. Physical capacity to engage in hands-on production work (e.g., painting, lifting, basic construction). Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Theater Arts, Education, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience). Demonstrated experience directing a fully staged production (suggested minimum of 5 shows under belt OR a relevant degree/directing classes). Proven experience working specifically with minors/young adults; this position is not suited for an experienced director who has never worked with minors. Preferred Qualifications:
Experience directing or working in a high school educational setting. Experience in a secondary area of production such as scenery construction, lighting, costuming, or choreography. BFA in Theater Arts or equivalent professional production experience. Physical Requirements:
The role involves periods of high physical activity: Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods during rehearsals and performances. Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds (e.g., props, tools, equipment). Comfort working in various stage environments, including climbing stairs or ladders to access technical areas and engaging in construction/painting tasks. Working Conditions:
Work is performed in various environments, including a school auditorium, classrooms, scene shops, and technical booths. The work atmosphere is high-energy with a large number of students. The Director must be prepared to manage students with varying needs that may require accommodations (e.g., breaks, sensory overstimulation). Rehearsals will typically require instructional scaffolding, as many students may not be familiar with basic theater terminology (e.g., upstage, blocking, calling line). The schedule is intense and demanding, with heavy evening and weekend commitments during the production cycle. The Madison Metropolitan School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to seek a diverse and talented workforce. We encourage veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities to apply. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Apply Now Share Save Job
