Musical Choreographer (#1421) Hays High School

Hays USD 489; Kansas; On-site; USD 3,000 - 5,000; Part time

Job summary

Hays Unified School District 489 seeks a dynamic High School Musical Choreographer for Hays High School’s upcoming production. The choreographer creates, teaches, and polishes dance and movement numbers to elevate storytelling while fostering an inclusive, high-energy environment for students of all skill levels.

The role involves teaching leads and ensembles, assisting during auditions, leading warm-ups, and coordinating with the Vocal Director and production crew to ensure seamless integration

Qualifications

• Experience in dance instruction, musical theatre choreography, or performance.
• Experience coaching or teaching high-school-aged students preferred.
• Strong ability to break down movements for learners of all levels.

Responsibilities

• Design original dances and staging transitions tailored to the musical and student cast.
• Teach choreography to leads, small groups, and full ensemble during after-school, evening, and weekend rehearsals.
• Assist with auditions and casting, evaluating movement, rhythm, and staging adaptability.
• Lead warm-ups and teach safe movement, adapting routines for costumes or props.
• Attend production meetings and coordinate with Vocal Director, Stage Manager, and Technical Crew.
• Support tech week and performances by refining spacing and ensuring performance quality.

Skills

Dance instruction

Choreography

Musical theatre

High school experience

Communication

Job description

Musical Choreographer (#1421) Hays High School

Job Information

Position Type

Supplemental / Seasonal Contract (Extracurricular)

Location

Hays High School, USD 489

Reports To

HHS Music Director / Building Principal

Position Overview

Hays Unified School District 489 is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and student-centered High School Musical Choreographer for Hays High School’s upcoming musical production.

The Choreographer is responsible for creating, teaching, and polishing all dance and movement numbers for the production. This role works closely with the Director and Vocal Music Director to elevate the storytelling through movement, while fostering an inclusive, high-energy environment where students of all skill levels can succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Choreography Design: Develop original dances and staging transitions tailored to the musical, the capabilities of the student cast, and the physical layout of the stage.
• Instruction & Coaching: Teach choreography to individual leads, small groups, and the full ensemble during scheduled after-school, evening, and weekend rehearsals.
• Auditions & Casting: Assist the creative team during the audition process to evaluate students’ movement, rhythm, and staging adaptability.
• Student Safety: Lead appropriate physical warm-ups, teach safe movement practices, and modify routines to prevent injury and accommodate costume or prop constraints.
• Production Collaboration: Attend production meetings and work in tandem with the Vocal Director, Stage Manager, and Technical Crew to ensure dance elements integrate seamlessly with live vocals, lighting, and set designs.
• Tech Week & Performance Support: Attend technical and dress rehearsals to refine spacing, clean dance numbers, and ensure students maintain performance quality under show conditions.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: Demonstrated background in dance instruction, musical theatre choreography, or performance. Experience coaching or teaching high-school-aged students is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of multiple dance styles (e.g., jazz, musical theater, tap, contemporary) and the ability to break down complex movements for beginners.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate teenagers, manage rehearsal schedules efficiently, and collaborate productively with a creative team.
• Availability: Must be able to work a flexible schedule including late afternoons, evenings, and weekend rehearsals as dictated by the production calendar.
• District Requirements: Must pass a comprehensive background check and complete all mandatory USD 489 district safety compliance training before working with students.

Compensation

• Compensation is paid as a fixed, seasonal stipend in accordance with the USD 489 Supplemental Salary Schedule for non-athletic extracurricular positions.

USD 489 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Auditions are the first week of January and the production is the first week of March. Ideally, we would like to have a choreographer in place by the middle of November.

Non-KPERS Eligible