Drama Festival Play Director

Cambridge Public Schools; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 69,000; Part time

Job summary

Cambridge Public Schools invites applications for a Drama Festival Play Director in the Visual & Performing Arts program in Cambridge, MA. The position runs Jan 4, 2027 to Apr 23, 2027 and is part-time.

Responsibilities include producing and directing school productions, coordinating with the VPA department, auditioning students, casting with an equity lens, managing budgets, and arranging facilities. Massachusetts Theater Education certification is required.

Qualifications

• Must have Massachusetts Theater Education certification.
• Experience teaching dramatics and theatre education preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of experience and training accepted.

Responsibilities

• Produces and directs plays or musicals for school and public performances.
• Works with VPA department to secure support staff and facilities.
• Auditions students, casts roles with an equity lens, and rehearses thoroughly.
• Oversees budget, royalties, rentals, and related payments.
• Organizes costumes, props, lighting and sound coordination.

Skills

Dramatics teaching

Theatre education

Education

Massachusetts Theater Education certification

Job description

Cambridge Public Schools Visual & Performing Arts - Cambridge, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Drama Festival Play Director

Cambridge Public Schools Visual & Performing Arts - Cambridge, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Cambridge Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5936203
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Sep 22, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Description of Service Opportunity:

Produces and directs play or musical for school and public performances, adhering to safety guidelines and creating the production calendar in collaboration with school and VPA department.
Applies a social justice approach and equity lens in all aspects of casting and process.
Designs and conducts recruitment/outreach programs to attract theater participants.
Teaches acting principles and techniques to students
Teaches enunciation, diction, voice development, using voice exercises, speech drills, explanation, lectures, and improvisation.
Discusses and demonstrates vocal and body expression to teach acting styles, character development, and personality projection.
Auditions students to select cast and assign parts, employing an equity lens.
Rehearses and drills students to ensure they master parts.
Coordinates with VPA department for necessary support staff such as choreographers, design teams, tech teams. Must adhere to formal process before anyone is permitted to begin work.
Works with tech/costume teams to assign non-performing students to backstage production tasks, such as constructing, painting, moving scenery; managing properties and costuming; operating stage lighting and sound equipment; and operating the stage counter-weight system.
Selects script for production and coordinates with VPA department so that all royalties, rental fees, and other fees/bills associated with a production are submitted on time and paid. Maintains an accurate record of all expenses and receipts. Presents budget to VPA department. Secures and reserves rehearsal and performance facilities with building administration.
Oversees proper organization and storage of stock theatrical units, props, and school-owned equipment and material on the school stage, in the auditorium, and in the theater classroom.
Organizes, plans, and directs the respective play.
Ensures process for costume and properties rental and purchase, work with staff for lighting and sound design and application and set design and construction.
Develops a rehearsal schedule
Any other duty necessary to the success of a production.

Requirements:

Valid Massachusetts Theater Education certification
Current district staff member (preferred)
Demonstrates expertise in knowledge and teaching of dramatics.
Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Length of Contract

Janurary 04, 2027 through April 23, 2027

Contract Amount

Flat Rate $5700.00

Position Type: Part-Time

Job Requirements

Contact Information

• Cambridge Public Schools
• 135 Berkshire Street
• Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141
• Email: [e-mail]