Middle School Play/Musical Director

Illinois School District U-46; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Illinois School District U-46 seeks a Middle School Play/Musical Director to build a high-quality theatre program. You will implement engaging instructional strategies and manage all production aspects from auditions to performances.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Education or equivalent experience, with strong communication skills. This role involves a stipend position aligning with the school year calendar, providing opportunities for student engagement in the arts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Education preferred.
• Appropriate Professional Educators License (PEL) preferred.
• High School Diploma required with coursework/experience.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a high-quality theatre program.
• Implement instructional strategies to engage all students.
• Communicate effectively with parents and community leaders.
• Manage stage blocking and overall show design.
• Coordinate auditions and oversee production logistics.

Skills

Acting experience

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Position Type: Appendix F - Extra Duty/ Non-Coaching

Date Posted: 5/21/2026

Date Available: 08/27/2026

Position / Title

M iddle School Play/Musical Director

Bargaining Unit

ETA

Department/Location

MS Activities

Calendar Days

N/A

Reports To

MS Athletic Director/Building Administrator

JD Revision Date

4/24/2024

Supervises

N/A

Function / Position Summary

To build and maintain a high-quality theatre program, focusing on best-practice, student-focused instruction and coordinating with the Fine Arts department to provide opportunities for students.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Implement researched-based instructional strategies that engage all students, differentiating to accommodate a range of ability levels, and acknowledging a variety of cultural backgrounds in order to support student learning and growth.
• Communicate effectively with parents, students, administrators, teacher colleagues, and community leaders.
• Maintain high expectations for student achievement and behavior and motivate students to work to their highest potential.
• Maintain equipment associated with the activity.
• Demonstrate prompt and regular attendance.
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Cultivate a positive, harassment free, instructional culture which motivates students through the use of effective communication and constructive feedback.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Apply and enforce student discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and appropriate student handbook.
• Create stage blocking and general show design.
• Train student performers in areas of acting and stage blocking.
• Procure production rights with the rental company.
• Secure show and rehearsal dates and spaces.
• 1 public performance.
• Ensure that all student paperwork is completed and on file, including liability waiver, media release, etc.
• Create/arrange publicity and graphic design needs (programs, posters, etc.).
• Arrange and coordinate parent volunteers and staff workers as needed.
• 25 hours of rehearsal.
• Manage and maintain records of the finances for the production.
• Coordinate and oversee lighting, sound, props, costumes, make-up, and set needs.
• Coordinate auditions. Communicate casting/personnel needs, making cuts as needed.
• Supervise students while waiting for rides.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Education preferred
• Appropriate Professional Educators License (PEL) preferred

-OR-

• High School Diploma required
• Related coursework and/or previous related experience required

Experience / Knowledge

• Previous acting experience required.
• Knowledge of show production preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback, and to conduct conferences as needed with parents, students, administrators, or other teachers.
• Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, inquiries, and/or complaints.
• Display courtesy, tact, and respect when dealing with others.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships; demonstrate a commitment to teamwork.
• Ability and willingness to learn and refresh job skills through professional development in order to meet the changing needs of this position.
• Ability to react well under pressure, handle and balance multiple demands at one time, work with frequent unscheduled interruptions, and perform duties and tasks at expected levels of professionalism.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, or carry heavy materials or equipment.
• Must work in noisy and crowded environments.
• Public contact requiring appropriate business-like apparel.

Terms of Employment

• This is an Appendix F stipend position in accordance with the school year calendar.
• For Non-ETA Coaches: this position is for this year only.
• Terms of employment will be determined in collaboration with the middle school athletic/activity director and building administration