Play Director- Murder on the Orient Express- Wolf Theatre Academy Grades 7-12

Pay Rate: $1500.00 

Please email Resume and/or CV to theatreproduction@jccdenver.org

Subject Line: LASTNAME-Winter 2027 Director App

The Wolf Theatre Academy Winter Production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is an audition-based production for students in grades 7–12. The production includes a five-week rehearsal process culminating in four performances. Click here to see a more detailed production calendar. 

The Winter Play Director is responsible for creating and executing a clear artistic vision for the production while providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for student actors. The Director will guide students through the rehearsal and performance process, teach appropriate rehearsal etiquette and professional theatre practices, and support students in developing their characters and performance skills. 

The Director will communicate clear expectations to student actors and technicians, arrive prepared for all rehearsals and production meetings, and maintain positive and consistent communication with the Stage Manager, designers, and WTA staff regarding the production’s vision, expectations, and needs. 

Responsibilities 

• Create and execute a clear artistic vision for the production that is appropriate for the age and experience level of the students.
• Create a safe, inclusive, respectful, and positive rehearsal environment while upholding WTA and JCC Denver expectations for student safety and conduct.
• Lead auditions, callbacks, and all scheduled rehearsals; develop and maintain a clear rehearsal plan to ensure the production is performance ready.
• Block production and direct character development, adapting blocking, coaching, and directing techniques to accommodate different learning styles, abilities, and experience levels.
• Teach students appropriate rehearsal etiquette, collaboration, professionalism, and theatre practices while communicating clear expectations for attendance, preparation, and behavior.
• Provide constructive, age-appropriate feedback and notes that support students in developing their acting skills, confidence, and ownership of their work.
• Collaborate with the Stage Manager, designers, and WTA staff to communicate and execute the production’s artistic vision, rehearsal needs, and production requirements.
• Work with the production team during technical and dress rehearsals to integrate scenic, costume, lighting, sound, and other technical elements and make necessary adjustments.
• Maintain clear and timely communication with WTA staff regarding student concerns, production needs, and any issues that may affect the rehearsal or performance process.
• Attend production meetings, technical and dress rehearsals, and performances as scheduled, providing appropriate direction and support through the final performance.

Helpful Skills & Qualifications 

• Experience directing youth or educational theatre productions. 
  Strong communication, leadership, and teaching skills.
• Ability to adapt blocking, directing techniques, and character development for students with varying skill and experience levels.
• Experience working with middle and high school students.
• Comfort communicating and collaborating with students, families, designers, stage managers, and other theatre professionals.
• Strong understanding of the theatre rehearsal, technical, and performance processes.
• Ability to work effectively within a short rehearsal period and meet production deadlines.
• Patience, creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm for working with young performers.
• Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for young artists.