Drama Director- South Meadow School

Contoocook Valley School District; Peterborough (NH); On-site; USD 3,000 - 4,000; Part time

Job summary

Contoocook Valley School District seeks a Drama Director for South Meadow Middle School in Peterborough, NH. This 3,000 USD stipend position runs from October through early April, with extended hours for rehearsals and tech week, and no benefits.

The director oversees all aspects of the middle school drama program, ensuring safety, inclusivity, and educational value, while coordinating staff and productions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to organize, supervise, and execute a comprehensive middle school drama program.
• Previous successful experience in directing theatrical productions (musical and/or plays).
• Substantial knowledge of the technical aspects of theater - including lighting, sound, set design, and stage management - and a commitment to staying current with modern theater practices and safety standards.
• Must serve as an appropriate role model for students through professional conduct, inclusive instructions, and artistic integrity.
• Trained in compliance with the American Heart Association or other nationally recognized organization focusing on emergency cardiovascular care, in first aid, CPR, and the use of AEDs.

Responsibilities

• Maintains knowledge of all school policies and implements them within the drama program.
• Has knowledge of copyright laws and licensing requirements; ensures scripts and royalties are handled legally.
• Follows administrative lines of command and attends required staff meetings.
• Establishes artistic vision and techniques to be taught by production staff.
• Leads production meetings to align staff with program goals.
• Delegates duties to assistants and evaluates production team effectiveness.
• Maintains ensemble discipline and fosters a cooperative, high-morale environment.
• Coordinates rehearsal and performance schedules and books facility use.
• Manages front-of-house duties including ticket sales and programs.
• Coordinates with maintenance and custodial staff for set construction and access.
• Maintains participant documentation and safety forms.
• Safeguards theater equipment and power tools.
• Mentors students and stage managers, and explores future opportunities in the arts.
• Participates in budgeting for scripts, royalties, costumes, and sets.
• Generates promotional efforts to recruit participants and celebrate student achievements.

Skills

Organize drama program

Direct theatrical productions

Theater technical knowledge

Professional conduct

CPR/AED trained

Job description

• Location:
  South Meadow Middle School - Peterborough, NH
  

POSITION: DRAMA DIRECTOR (South Meadow School)

Position Type: $3,000 Stipend (No benefits associated with this position)

Drama Program: Runs from October through early April

Benefits: None associated with this position

QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated ability to organize, supervise, and execute a comprehensive middle school drama program.

Previous successful experience in directing theatrical productions (musical and/or plays).

Substantial knowledge of the technical aspects of theater - including lighting, sound, set design, and stage management - and a commitment to staying current with modern theater practices and safety standards.

Must serve as an appropriate role model for students through professional conduct, inclusive instructions, and artistic integrity.

Trained in compliance with the American Heart Association or other nationally recognized organization or association focused on emergency cardiovascular care, in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

REPORTS TO

The Building Principal

The Drama Director advises, coordinates, and supports all production staff, including assistant directors, choreographers, technical assistants, and student stage crews.

JOB GOAL

To instruct students in the fundamental skills of acting, stagecraft, and theater etiquette necessary for a successful production. The Director must foster an environment that builds character, self-discipline, self-confidence, and a sense of ensemble (teamwork). The Director is expected to maintain professional growth through workshops, theater attendance, and consultation with peers in the arts.

GENERAL

Community Impact: The quality of theatrical productions has a significant influence on the community's image of the school. The Director must manage public exposure and production pressures while prioritizing student well-being and the educational process over "perfection."

Commitment: The position involves extended hours (rehearsals and "tech week") and requires diligent oversight of student safety during set construction and performance.

Professional Judgment: This description provides a framework for the role; in instances not specifically covered, the Director is expected to exercise common sense and sound professional judgment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintains thorough knowledge of all school and district policies and is responsible for their implementation within the drama program.

Has knowledge of copyright laws and licensing requirements; ensures all scripts and royalties are handled legally and consistently.

Follows the proper administrative line of command and attends all required staff or departmental meetings.

STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

Establishes the artistic vision and fundamental techniques to be taught by the production staff.

Leads production meetings to ensure the staff (costumes, sets, sound, lights) is unified in the program's goals.

Delegates specific duties to assistants and evaluates the effectiveness of the production team at the conclusion of the show.

Maintains ensemble discipline, resolves internal grievances, and fosters a cooperative, high-morale environment.

ADMINISTRATIVE & TECHNICAL DUTIES

Coordinates the rehearsal and performance schedule, ensuring facility use (auditorium/stage) is booked through the proper channels.

Manages the "front of house" requirements, including ticket sales, programs, and ushering.

Coordinates with maintenance and custodial staff regarding set construction, stage cleaning, and facility access.

Maintains documentation for student participation, including permission slips and emergency contact forms.

Provides proper safeguards for the maintenance and protection of all theater equipment, including microphones, lighting boards, and power tools.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Serves as a mentor to promote character traits of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, and citizenship.

Monitors student academic eligibility and conduct, ensuring theater remains a positive component of the student's education.

Provides constant supervision at all rehearsals, performances, and during any program-related travel.

Establishes and communicates clear "Stage Rules" regarding safety, attendance, and backstage behavior.

Initiates safety protocols for stage work, including proper use of ladders, tools, and heavy scenery.

Directs and mentors student stage managers, tech crews, and assistants.

Assists students in exploring future opportunities in the performing arts (e.g., high school program transitions).

FINANCE AND EQUIPMENT

Participates in the budgeting process with the Principal, establishing requirements for scripts, royalties, costumes, and sets. Operates strictly within the allocated budget.

Accountable for all school-owned theatrical equipment; manages the inventory of costumes, props, and technical gear.

Ensures the stage, backstage areas, and dressing rooms are clean and secure after every rehearsal and performance.

Secures all doors, lights, and equipment before leaving the building if custodians are not on duty.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Organizes and leads parent/student meetings prior to the start of the production season.

Promotes the drama program within the school to recruit a diverse range of student participants.

Coordinates with the school office and local media to promote performance dates and celebrate student achievements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The Contoocook Valley School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The District is committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment based on age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. The District will provide reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants with disabilities who otherwise meet the education, training and experience requirements specified in the pertinent job description(s).