Madison, Wisconsin
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Posted: 01-Mar-23
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Type: Full Time
DEPARTMENT: Upper School
REPORTS TO: Upper School Principal
CDS is seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable Theatre Generalist to envision, implement and nurture their vision of a quality high school theatre program. For the last sixteen years, the program has been grounded in Viewpoints theory and practice, with the working paradigm of students as collaborators, and a commitment to developing new works for the stage. This is a one-person theatre program, so a well-rounded theatre teacher/practitioner is preferred. Additionally, the incumbent must possess an enthusiastic commitment to the importance of building and sustaining a diverse, just, inclusive, and equitable academic environment.
The Upper School Theatre Arts Teacher provides instruction and supervision primarily for students in grades 9 - 12. The individual in this position must understand and respond to the unique needs of students, fostering in each student a sense of confidence, ethics, responsibility and respect for others. The Upper School Theatre Arts Teacher performs under the general direction of the Head of School and under the daily supervision of the Upper School Principal. The individual in this position will work closely with the Upper School Principal, Assistant Principal and members of the Performing Arts Department, and other faculty members, students, and parents.
Responsibilities
- Select, direct, design, build, and produce a one-act in the fall as part of the North Carolina Theatre Conference annual one-act festival. (The one-act has traditionally been a class so that rehearsals occur during the school day. Performance space has been the Upper School Auditorium)
- Select, direct, design, build, and produce 1 mainstage show each spring - Typically a musical every other year. (The spring Mainstage Show traditionally rehearses after school and is open to all upper school students. The spring show entails weekend work – set building, lighting, painting, and technical rehearsals.)
- Teach 3-4 sections of Upper School classes per semester, managing curriculum, discipline and classroom community, and environment. Currently the curriculum includes - One-Act, Introduction to Acting, Technical Theatre, Playwriting, Stage Combat, Lighting Design, Scenic Design.
- Manage and maintain and procure all technical equipment and supplies – lighting fixtures, control consoles, tools, scenic materials, scenic units, props and costumes – for both the Auditorium and the Main stage.
- Maintain and manage the operation of the mainstage which is shared with the Lower school and Middle school and is located in one of two gyms on campus.
- Maintain and manage the operation of the Upper School Auditorium (multi-purpose space).
- Procure the services of a professional sound engineer for mainstage shows.
- Collaborate with visual arts and music faculty members to organize and produce a semi-annual Arts Day festival (Half-day of workshops and half-day of student performances.)
- Provide technical support (typically lighting and stage management) twice a year for Upper School music concerts and Salon Rouge (readings and performances of original student works) in the upper school auditorium.
- Design and execute lighting for 1 lower school musical and 1 middle school musical on the Main stage.
- Communicate with and respond to parents’ questions and concerns in an effective and timely manner through a variety of means, including email, telephone, student progress reports, and parent notices
- Complete student assessment reports (e.g., grades reports, interim comments, etc.) in accordance with school guidelines and the deadlines established by the Upper School Principal.
- Work as a team member with teaching colleagues and administrators by attending all school- wide meetings, department meetings, Upper School faculty meetings, and in-service days, as well as serving on committees as needed
- Potentially serve as a faculty advisor to upper school students.
Education and Experience:
- A Bachelor's degree, preferably in Theatre Education is required; a Master’s degree is preferred
- Theatrical performance experience is required, preferably in all genres
- Experience directing theatrical productions, including managing any adult production team members who might be needed: music director, choreographer, lighting/sound designer, and/or set designer/builder
- Experience teaching in a school setting
- Strong verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to collaborate and work effectively with students, colleagues and parents
- Educational philosophy that is consistent with that of the School
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability and willingness to participate fully in a dynamic day school located in Asheville, NC
- Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing;
- Ability to remain responsible at all times for the supervision of students during classes and generally at all times when on campus or off campus;
- Ability to learn new technology and systems commensurate with role requirements;
- Demonstrated ability to act as a role model of professionalism;
- Ability to model honesty, accountability, understanding, respect, love, and kindness for the students;
- Ability to develop and nurture an inclusive classroom environment that supports an equitable learning experience and opportunity, and ability to develop a sense of belonging;
- Ability to multitask, keep calm under pressure, and treat everyone with respect;
- Displays curiosity, a positive attitude, flexibility and a good sense of humor;
- Ability to follow all policies and procedures of Carolina Day School as written in the employee and community handbooks.
- Ability to manage, maintain, and procure all technical equipment and supplies such as lighting fixtures, control consoles, tools, scenic materials, scenic units, props, costumes, etc. for both the Auditorium and the Main Stage.
Americans with Disability Specifications
- Required to lift and carry up to a maximum of 25 lbs., in a correct manner consistent with the appropriate training provided by the School.
- Occasionally required to use hand to handle or feel objects, touch and use tools, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, bend, stoop, twist, lift, reach, push, pull, grasp, balance, kneel, crouch, crawl, grasp, talk, hear, and walk during the course of employment.
- Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and an ability to adjust focus.
- May use telephone, computer, copier, and other office equipment in the course of a day.
- Required to sit while operating word processing equipment for possibly 6-8 hours daily, repetitive motion for typing and other keystroke needs.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment:
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.