High School Theatre Department Head Director - Vacancy ID: 172746

The Mukwonago Area School District, located approximately 25 miles southwest of Milwaukee, is seeking a Theatre Department Head Director for Mukwonago High School for the 2023-24 school year. The candidate should be a highly organized, resourceful, flexible, detail-oriented, and student-focused individual to help support production needs for MHS’ full-length straight play, one-act/monologue festival, and musical presented in the Greenwald Foundation Performing Arts Center. The successful director will have background in theatre production (including stage movement and acting vocal principles) alongside beginner to intermediate knowledge of theatre counterweight systems and backstage safety protocols. The director must be able to work in a creative, energetic environment with high school students and cooperate with district colleagues and community clients also using the Performing Arts Center facilities. RESPONSIBILITIES • Research productions appropriate to school, community, and family expectations and apply for production royalties according to copyright. • Discuss production titles with administration prior to securing royalties. • Spearhead any research efforts made about the production title(s) to help inform cast and crew decisions. • Create detailed production calendars which include auditions, rehearsals, tech rehearsals, and performances. • Help assign non-performing students to backstage production tasks. Provide guidance and oversight of assistants and students in managing physical areas (e.g., costume shop, props shop, green room, drama classroom, PAC stage, etc.) • Determine production requirements involving costumes, makeup, props, publicity, stage, scenery set build, scenic paint, box office, house, and live stream crews as available/as needed. • Determine stage blocking and characterization approaches for performers. • Lead or help guide weekly rehearsals, all tech rehearsals, and all performances. • Work with PAC staff to help keep student backstage crews on schedule. • Procure supplies as needed (e.g., pick up costumes, props, makeup, scenery, and other theatrical supplies) within a 75-mile radius of Mukwonago. • Provide student stage managers and other adult PAC staff with plans for simple rehearsals if director is unable to attend or needs to leave early. • Work with PAC staff to arrange for box office needs prior to each production (e.g., cash box seed money, concession sales, volunteers to sell tickets). Provide backup box office support if needed. • Oversee the MHS Thespian Troupe, including fundraising, officer elections, and Thespian points in accordance with National Thespian Society protocols. • Keep accurate budget and receipt records involving production royalties, ticket sales, and expenses. • Organize and oversee theatrical field trips when appropriate. • Manage the social media accounts representing the MHS Theatre Department and Thespian Troupe. • Track student participation (including official Thespian points), order annual awards, and organize end-of-year celebration banquet. • Communicate as needed with parent booster group: Mukwonago Fine Arts Boosters (MFAB). • Monitor students’ academic progress. • Maintain an environment focused on student learning, organization, mutual respect, and creative teamwork. • Follow the Theatre Department and school discipline program for behavior. • Ensure no unauthorized personnel are in rehearsal spaces. • Notify PAC and school health room staff when potentially serious injuries occur. • Keep neat and professional in appearance and conduct. • All other duties as assigned. PRODUCTION TIMELINES Fall Play: late August through early November • Rehearsal weeks: 4-5 days a week for 2-3 hours a day • Tech week: 5 days for 4-6 hours a day Thespian-Sponsored Winter One-Act/Monologue Festival: mid-November through early January • Rehearsal weeks: 90 minutes a day for 3 days a week • Tech week: 3 days for 4 hours a day Spring Musical: late January through late April • Rehearsal weeks: 4-5 days a week for 2.5-3.5 hours a day • Tech week: 7 days for 5-6 hours a day