This position is responsible for the overall artistic vision for the JCHS theater department and the successful implementation of that vision.  The Theater Director is supported by the Technical Director, Theater Operations Manager, and Musical Director.  The role of the Theater Director is to oversee and manage this team in coordinating and administering our well-developed high school theater program through classroom teaching, clubs, and oversight of all theater productions and programs.

As our lead Theater Arts Educator you will:

• Direct and produce two main stage productions and one Theater workshop each year (currently a Fall musical, Winter Workshop, and Spring comedy/drama). In some prior years, there have been three main stage productions without a theater workshop. Returning to that format is a possibility. 
• Teach two  Theater Arts classes (like Acting, Playwriting, or Theater Production) with the ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. Partner with college advising to prepare students for college auditions/college portfolios; write recommendations for awards, college applications, and scholarships
• Be directly involved in creating and maintaining a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive environment
• Be supported by an engaged Dean of Student Learning, support staff, and School Counselor to help you focus on your teaching
• Work alongside colleagues who will both push you to be a better teacher and welcome your help in improving their teaching
• Work with supportive administrators who encourage innovative teaching, expect professional growth, and embrace research-based pedagogy
• Support students and the JCHS community by engaging in life outside the classroom through activities such as club advising, student mentoring, and attending school events and trips
• Collaborate with fellow art teachers and different departments to enhance the student’s JCHS experience.

As the Artistic Director/Producer of our theater productions, you will:

• Promote an inclusive vision for the theater program at the school
• Serve as the direct supervisor of the Technical Director, Theater Operations Manager, and Musical Director.
• Recruit and supervise outside freelance experts as needed, like Musical Directors, Choreographers, Musicians, Sound Technicians, and Customer
• Propose scripts/productions appropriate for our diverse community (students, parents, alums, faculty/staff, and neighbors), with plentiful opportunities to grow, develop & stretch our student performers, and align with the mission and values of our school. Selection of theater material will be largely in your hands, with input from others, taking into account the school’s Jewish educational mission and final approval by the head of school
• Recruit students to participate to ensure inclusive and diverse programs
• Manage production budgets, expenses, and marketing in collaboration with the Theater Operations Manager
• Develop a rehearsal calendar, including personnel, space, and equipment needs. This calendar will be built with the understanding that JCHS prioritizes a holistic educational experience
• Select, train, and supervise student Assistant Directors, work closely with Technical Director, Musical Director, and student Stage Manager to manage the company calendar, and rehearsals and disseminate information
• Foster the development of good relations with other cultural organizations by participating in meetings and joint activities where appropriate
• Attend technical rehearsals preparing and disseminating detailed production/rehearsal notes for the cast and for the creative and production teams, oversee all marketing materials for productions and department in coordination with the Director of Marketing and the Theater Operations Manager
• Perform weekend (Sunday) and night responsibilities as required for productions, and events like Open Houses and JCHS Arts Review. 

As Director:

• Develop an inclusive vision for the show which supports the JCHS mission and community
• Attend all performances – preparing and disseminating performance notes to both cast and crew
• Lead and attend production meetings.
• Interpret the script
• Cut script as needed
• Cast the production
• Collaborate with designers (sometimes student designers)
• Plan the rehearsals carefully to ensure student’s time is used effectively; make sure rehearsal schedules work with the greater JCHS calendar
• Guide the actors in their work during rehearsals.
• Confers with Technical Director and student Stage Manager to coordinate production plans, script changes, and overall production design, and secures production space.
• Along with the Technical Director, mentor the student stage manager.
• Designs actors’ blocking, entrances, and exits.
• Rehearse cast in individual roles to elicit the best possible performance. 
• Approve scenic and costume designs, sound, special effects, and choreography.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds regularly, using proper lifting techniques
• Ability to lift/carry between 25 and 50 pounds occasionally, using proper lifting techniques
• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, walk, bend, twist, use hands to finger, reach with hands and arms, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, twist, push, balance, and climb a ladder (or other similar stepping aid) as needed
• Ability to travel comfortably and safely around our campus as needed
• Ability to read information in printed material and/or on a mobile device/laptop/computer screen

As a pluralistic Jewish high school, JCHS’ students represent the diversity of Jewish practice and identity in the Bay Area. Faculty commitment to the mission of the school is essential, but religious affiliation is not a factor in hiring. We believe our students learn best from a diverse faculty and extended professional community and we welcome people of any race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, and marital status to come work with our students.

Compensation: At JCHS salaries are one component of a compensation package that includes retirement contributions, daily lunch, and on-site parking. We also provide health, dental, vision, and life/AD&D insurance. The full-time annual base salary range the school expects to pay candidates for full-time teachers is $60,000-$100,000 depending on factors such as the candidate’s years of professional experience, with additional stipends available for advanced degrees and certain supplemental duties.

If this sounds like a community of learners you would like to join, email a cover letter and resume as one PDF document to:  jobs@jchsofthebay.org