The Drama Experience Job Description
Artistic Director Job Objective: to provide acting direction of a one-act or a full-length play Job Type: Volunteer Duration: For one production; renewable upon mutual agreement between Mr. Orth and the person accepting this position Application: An essay detailing how the candidate meets the criteria below; include personal contact information and relevant experience. Submission: via email to Mr. Orth (
[email protected]) Closing Date: TBD This includes selection of a script, casting, overseeing rehearsals, and maintaining the tradition of excellence and personal accountability this program represents. The Technical Director and the Director will assist the Artistic Director with the sound, lighting, set design and construction for this show. The Artistic Director will have direct oversight of the props, costumes, and make-up for her or his show. Criteria used in considering applicants will include but are not limited to the following: Identity/History Participation in at least one Metcalf Drama Experience production under the direction of Mr. Orth; Having exited the program by finishing 9th grade; Experience in both the artistic (acting) side of theatre and the technical (crew) side of theatre; Directing or student-directing experience, if any; and Age (being 18 years and older, if possible, provides more flexibility for scheduling and supervisory responsibilities). Qualities/Characteristics The ability to effectively lead others by developing relationships that further the cause of the show; The maturity to distinguish oneself from current participants as an authority figure, not a peer or a friend; The creativity and expressiveness to provide direction to young or inexperienced actors; Effective and direct communication--spoken, written, and non-verbal--skills; The ability to positively motivate others through public praise and private correction; The assertiveness to provide specific, detailed, feedback--both positive and critical; The willingness to gather information from multiple sources before demonstrating the capacity to make final decisions; The ability to interpret and infer actions from a printed script; The composure to address concerns with other directors when not in front of participants; The discretion to maintain the integrity of conversations among the directing team and not share with others; Availability for the duration of the rehearsal and performance schedule; Strong academic performance so that grades do not suffer as a result of participation; and , Support (transportation, time management, encouragement) from parent(s) to take on this role. Other Considerations: Like a teacher prepares for class, the Artistic Director must prepare for each rehearsal by envisioning the vocal expression, movement, blocking, props, and set requirements for each scene while evaluating the realistic potential for the actors/crew to fulfill that vision. Though she/he was once a peer with some of the current program participants, the Artistic Director is now in an exclusively leadership role with a great deal of responsibility: thus, alumni volunteers must draw and walk a very clear line between friendship and directorship. Obligations to the show come before personal relationships with others in the show. If you accept, there is no quitting until the last performance finishes, at the earliest: commit first or don’t bother expressing interest.
