Shipwide Resident Director

The Walt Disney Company; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Shipwide Resident Director to lead creative teams and oversee entertainment offerings for a renowned cruise line. This role involves managing performances, directing actors, and ensuring high-quality productions that delight audiences. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in live theatrical entertainment, with a strong focus on leadership and collaboration within a diverse team. Join a vibrant and inclusive environment where you can inspire and motivate professionals while contributing to the magic of family entertainment at sea.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in live theatrical entertainment and direction.
• Strong leadership and supervisory experience in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct a creative team for Disney Cruise Line productions.
• Oversee show projects from ideation to production.

Skills

Theatrical Direction

Performance Feedback

Choreography

Communication Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Fluency in Spanish

Education

High School Diploma

Post-Secondary Education in Entertainment

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Keynote

Job description

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Shipwide Resident Director

Job ID: 10119434
Location: Toronto, Canada
Business: Disney Cruise Line
Date posted: April 22, 2025

Job Summary:

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) 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 create memorable family entertainment that delights audiences 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, leading a Disney Cruise Line Toronto creative team and partnering with the production group in accomplishing ongoing remounts of DCL “Shipwide” entertainment product.

Responsibilities:

• Manage a creative team of Disney professionals, including scheduling, performance feedback, coaching, growth, and development.
• Teach and direct existing staging/motivation, choreography, and Disney Character development to performers involved in Disney Cruise Line Shipwide productions.
• Direct actors and singers in various styles of LIVE performance, focusing on sketch comedy, improvisation, and immersive theatrical experiences.
• Oversee show projects from ideation through production and provide direction on the artistic execution of approved shows or events.
• Participate in various stages of creative projects, including idea generation, development of treatments, pitch presentations, scripts, and casting.
• Lead rehearsals and ensure the sustainability and excellence of performances.
• Contribute to fostering Disney Cruise Line’s culture of relevancy and belonging.
• Work in partnership with the Production Manager on all cast-related issues.
• Responsible for the casting, assigning, and tracking of Disney Characters and Disney principal actors for Shipwide entertainment offerings.
• Collaborate with various Disney professionals, including:
  • WDI Creative Directors
  • DCL & WDE Show Directors
  • Production Manager
  • Vocal Directors
  • WDE Talent Casting
  • Choreographers
  • Senior Technical
  • Stage Manager
  • Character Manager
  • WDE Puppet Specialist
• Maintain Disney creative standards, including show quality, character integrity, and safety.
• Provide notes and performance feedback to production teams and performers.
• Participate actively on the DCL Toronto leadership team to ensure creative and production goals are met.
• Travel for maintenance cruises and crossovers depending on rehearsal schedule and operational needs.
• Collaborate with the DCL Toronto team in managing and planning all DCL rehearsals.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Post-Secondary education in entertainment performance, instruction & management, or equivalent professional experience is strongly preferred.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in LIVE theatrical entertainment, including acting, vocal, and choreographic performance and direction.
• 5 years of leadership and supervisory experience in a fast-paced entertainment environment.
• Must have at least 3 years of 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 in musical theater performance, sketch comedy, and interactive/immersive experiences.
• Excels at motivating and inspiring theatrical professionals.
• 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 its interface 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 in Excel, Word, Outlook, and Keynote.
• Willingness to travel to the U.S. and internationally.
• Able to agree to maritime sailing and seafarer guidelines, including sailing onboard the DCL ships as “crew” and assigned to the crew manifest.
• Able to work with a flexible 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.

About Disney Cruise Line:

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family.