Fall Play - Director

Waukegan School Dist 60; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 2,200 - 4,200; Full time

Job summary

Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 is seeking a Fall Play - Director at Waukegan High School to lead the season's production. The role combines creative vision, script analysis, casting, rehearsals, and collaboration with set, costume, lighting, and sound designers.

You will oversee blocking, pacing, and production management, plan rehearsals, manage budget, and guide a large team of students and staff to bring the play to life.

Qualifications

• Leadership, management, and interpersonal skills are essential for guiding a large team.
• A strong creative vision and the ability to analyze a script are fundamental.
• Must manage multiple tasks, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Solid understanding of technical aspects of production like stagecraft, lighting, and sound is necessary.
• Previous theater experience, often as an assistant director or in other roles, is highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Creative vision: interpret the script and develop the production's overall theme.
• Script analysis: thoroughly read and analyze the script to understand the characters, themes, and plot.
• Casting: lead auditions and make final casting decisions with the production team.
• Rehearsals: plan and lead rehearsals, providing actors with feedback and guidance on their performances.
• Design collaboration: work closely with designers (set, costume, lighting, sound) to ensure their work aligns with the overall vision.
• Blocking and pacing: determine and communicate blocking and ensure smooth transitions between scenes.
• Problem-solving: adapt to unforeseen circumstances and solve logistical challenges that arise during rehearsals or performances.
• Production management: oversee the production schedule and manage the budget.

Skills

Leadership and communication

Creative and analytical

Organizational skills

Technical knowledge

Experience

Job description

• Position Type: Co-Curricular/Activities/ Clubs


• Date Posted: 8/17/2026


• Location: Waukegan High School


• Closing Date: 08/27/2026

Fall Play - Director

Responsibilities:

• Creative vision: Interpret the script and develop a creative vision for the production, including its overall theme, style, and mood.


• Script analysis: Thoroughly read and analyze the script to understand the characters, themes, and plot.


• Casting: Lead auditions and make final casting decisions with the production team.


• Rehearsals: Plan and lead rehearsals, providing actors with feedback and guidance on their performances.


• Design collaboration: Work closely with designers (set, costume, lighting, sound) to ensure their work aligns with the overall vision.


• Blocking and pacing: Determine and communicate blocking (where actors move on stage) and ensure effective pacing and smooth transitions between scenes.


• Problem-solving: Adapt to unforeseen circumstances and solve logistical challenges that arise during rehearsals or performances.


• Production management: Oversee the production schedule and manage the budget.

Necessary skills and qualifications

• Leadership and communication: Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills are essential for guiding a large team.


• Creative and analytical: A strong creative vision and the ability to analyze a script are fundamental.


• Organizational skills: Must be able to manage multiple tasks, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.


• Technical knowledge: A solid understanding of technical aspects of production like stagecraft, lighting, and sound is necessary.


• Experience: Previous experience in theater, often as an assistant director or in other roles, is highly beneficial.

Application Deadline:

Candidates must submit an online application to be received by the closing date.

Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 offers employment opportunities without regard to age, gender, race, color, national origin, religion, marital or military/veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parental status, genetics or disability.