Shipwide Resident Director

Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company; Toronto; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic Shipwide Resident Director to lead a creative team in delivering enchanting entertainment experiences at sea. This role involves overseeing theatrical productions, mentoring performers, and ensuring the highest creative standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in live entertainment, a passion for storytelling, and a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Join a team dedicated to creating magical moments for families and guests, where your creativity and leadership can shine in a vibrant, fast-paced atmosphere.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in LIVE theatrical entertainment, including acting and directing.
• Experience as a Theatrical Director, preferably in family entertainment.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills in a diverse workspace.

Responsibilities

• Manage a creative team and oversee Shipwide entertainment offerings.
• Direct actors and singers in various styles of LIVE performance.
• Collaborate with Disney professionals to maintain creative standards.

Skills

LIVE theatrical entertainment

acting

vocal performance

choreographic performance

leadership

communication skills

organizational skills

interpersonal skills

mentorship

Spanish fluency

Education

High School diploma

Post-Secondary education in entertainment performance

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Keynote

Job description

Disney Cruise Line (DCL), a division of The Walt Disney Company, operates a six-ship fleet of premium class cruise liners and is the industry leader in family vacations at sea. DCL Entertainment (Toronto) is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company Canada and serves as the rehearsal headquarters for DCL’s award-winning theatrical productions. Within a state-of-the-art entertainment rehearsal facility, DCL’s production teams pride themselves on creating memorable family entertainment that is both enchanting and magical – delighting the young and young at heart with legendary Disney storytelling.

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and reporting to the Director, Artistic Operations, the Shipwide Resident Director will oversee existing “Shipwide” entertainment offerings (theatrical, sketch comedy, improvisational/immersive), leading a Disney Cruise Line Toronto creative team and partnering with the production group in accomplishing the ongoing remounts of DCL “Shipwide” entertainment product.

Responsibilities:

• Manage a creative team of Disney creative professionals, scheduling, performance feedback, coaching, growth and development
• Teaches and directs existing staging/motivation, choreography and Disney Character development to both Character and Mainstage performers involved in Disney Cruise Line Shipwide productions – including but not limited to theatrical dining, adult and family offerings, deck parties, theme nights, premium offerings, character programs and other Disney specific entertainment events and activities
• Directs actors and singers in various styles of LIVE performance, with a significant focus on sketch comedy, improvisation, interactive and immersive theatrical experiences.
• Oversees show projects from ideation through production, and provides direction on the artistic execution of approved shows or events
• May be asked to participate in various stages within a creative project including but not limited to, idea generation, development of treatments, pitch presentations, scripts and casting
• Leads rehearsals and ensures the sustainability and excellence of performances
• Contribute to fostering Disney Cruise Line’s culture of relevancy and belonging
• Works in partnership with the Production Manager on all cast related issues – both creative and operational
• Responsible for the casting, assigning, and tracking of Disney Characters and Disney principle actors and understudies for Shipwide entertainment offerings.
• Collaborates and partners with a range of Disney professionals to include:
  • WDI Creative Directors
  • DCL & WDE Show Directors
  • Production Manager
  • Vocal Directors
  • WDE Talent Casting
  • Choreographers
  • Senior Technical
  • Stage Manager
  • Character Manager
  • WDE Puppet Specialist
• Overall responsibility for maintaining Disney creative standards, including but not limited to show quality, character integrity, and Disney standards of safety
• Gives notes and performance feedback to production teams and performers
• Active participant on the DCL Toronto leadership team to ensure creative and production goals are met
• Travel for maintenance cruises and crossovers depending on rehearsal schedule in Toronto and/or operational need onboard
• Collaborate with the DCL Toronto team in the ongoing management and future planning of all DCL rehearsals

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Post-Secondary education in entertainment performance, instruction & management – or equivalent in professional experience is strongly preferred
• At least 10 years professional experience (or equivalent in education and experience) in LIVE theatrical entertainment – must include acting, vocal, and choreographic performance and direction
• 5 years leadership and supervisory experience in a fast-paced entertainment environment such as the Walt Disney Company (or similar)
• Must have at least 3 years experience as a Theatrical Director, preferably for The Walt Disney Company, or a similar Children’s or Family Theatre entertainment entity
• Accomplished and credited directorial expertise of large and small-scale musical theater performance, sketch comedy, interactive/immersive experiences, and technical theater/stage craft
• Excels at motivating and inspiring theatrical professionals, serving as a mentor to future creative and artistic leaders
• Committed to leading and working within a diverse and inclusive workspace
• Demonstrated ability to interface with all levels of management
• Thorough understanding of Disney character brand usage and how it interfaces with the Disney Cruise Line repertory theatre operation
• Clear understanding of DCL’s Mainstage and Character recruiting and casting processes
• Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Fluency in Spanish is an asset
• Computer proficiency – Excel, Word, Outlook and Keynote
• Willingness & ability to travel to the U.S. and internationally
• Agreeable to all maritime sailing and seafarer guidelines, requirements and regulations, including sailing onboard the DCL shipsstatused as“crew" and assigned to the crew manifest.
• Able to work with a flexible and fluid production schedule including weekends and long days during busy periods.

Our Company proudly provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. We welcome and encourage applications from persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in any aspect of the selection process.