POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of the KAS School Musical leads the artistic vision, planning, rehearsal process, and execution of the annual High School musical production. Working within an independent international school environment, the Director creates an inclusive, challenging, and high-quality theatrical experience that supports student growth, collaboration, creativity, and confidence.

The Director is responsible for the final production, and for providing consistent leadership, guidance, and support to students throughout the entire rehearsal and performance process.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Artistic Direction & Production

• Deliver a production in collaboration with the Performing Arts Department Chair, ensuring that the musical is culturally sensitive, age-appropriate, appropriate for the school community, and realistic within the available budget and resources.
• Establish and communicate a clear artistic vision for the production, including staging, characterization, blocking, pacing, and overall performance.
• Conduct an equitable and transparent audition and casting process that provides opportunities for both experienced performers and students who are new to musical theater.
• Lead acting rehearsals, blocking sessions, scene work, and ensemble development.
• Attend and actively lead all scheduled rehearsals, providing consistent direction and ensuring continuity in the artistic vision of the production.
• Provide students with clear expectations, constructive feedback, and ongoing guidance as they develop their performances.
• Be present and actively engaged during technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances, providing direction and making appropriate adjustments as the production develops.
• Take responsibility for the overall artistic quality and readiness of the production.

Rehearsal Leadership & Student Support

• Establish an organized and purposeful rehearsal process that makes effective use of students’ time and supports steady progress toward the production.
• Be a consistent, visible, and approachable presence for students throughout the rehearsal process.
• Provide individual and group feedback that helps students develop their theatrical skills while building confidence and independence.
• Support students in navigating the challenges of the production process, including performance anxiety, interpersonal dynamics, time management, and the demands of balancing rehearsals with academic responsibilities.
• Foster a rehearsal environment that is respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and appropriately challenging.
• Communicate clearly with students regarding rehearsal expectations, preparation, attendance, deadlines, and performance responsibilities.
• Recognize and address concerns that arise during the rehearsal process and communicate significant concerns to the appropriate school personnel.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Partner closely with the Music Director and Choreographer to integrate acting, music, and choreography into a cohesive production.
• Collaborate with technical staff, including the Set Designer, Lighting and Sound Technicians, Costume Designer, and Stage Manager, to ensure that technical and design elements support the artistic vision.
• Maintain regular communication with the Performing Arts Department Chair regarding the progress of the production, student needs, rehearsal schedules, and significant challenges.
• Coordinate with school administration regarding rehearsal schedules, facility use, performances, communications, and other operational requirements.
• Collaborate with the PTA to coordinate resources and support for the production.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the school community involved in the production.

Student Mentorship & Environment

• Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that respects the diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences of an international student body.
• Model professionalism, respect, collaboration, resilience, and a positive approach to problem-solving.
• Mentor students in theatrical disciplines as well as transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, responsibility, and perseverance.
• Provide opportunities for students to take meaningful responsibility for both performance and production elements.
• Integrate student crew members into the production process, providing hands-on learning opportunities in areas such as stage management, props, costumes, set construction, lighting, sound, and backstage operations.
• Ensure that student wellbeing and appropriate safeguarding practices remain central to the rehearsal and production process.

Administrative & Production Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the production budget in collaboration with the Performing Arts Department Chair and appropriate school personnel.
• Track expenses related to licensing, costumes, props, sets, technical requirements, and other production needs.
• Ensure compliance with copyright and performance licensing requirements.
• Oversee production-related communication and promotion, including program information, posters, ticketing, and other appropriate publicity.
• Maintain accurate production schedules and communicate rehearsal and performance expectations in a timely manner.
• Identify production needs and potential challenges early and work collaboratively to develop solutions.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Drama, Performing Arts, Music Education, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience directing musical theater productions, preferably in a high school, youth theater, or international school setting.
• Student Experience: Experience working effectively with adolescents and a demonstrated commitment to student development.
• Cultural Competency: Experience working in a multicultural environment and an understanding of the perspectives and needs of students from diverse backgrounds.
• Leadership: Strong leadership, organization, project management, and collaborative skills.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills in English. Additional languages are an asset.
• Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to establish positive relationships with students and colleagues while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Working Conditions & Time Commitment

• This is a seasonal, contract-based, or stipend position tied to the annual production calendar.