Position Title Director – College Musical

Campus Yirramboi Campus

Reports to Head of Co-Curriculum

Time Fraction To be discussed individually 

Tenure Fixed-term contract for Terms 1, 2 and 3, 2024

Effective date February, 2024

Overnewton College is seeking a talented, experienced and inspiring Theatrical Director to lead the College’s major musical production in 2024. Mentoring a cast of Middle and Senior school students, this role requires someone who fosters a creative atmosphere, enjoys collaboration and is committed to helping students reach new heights in the performing arts. The Director will oversee all of the creative elements of the production to establish a child-safe learning environment which maximises student engagement, fosters development, promotes excellence and delivers an entertaining, live performance. The successful applicant should demonstrate exemplary attention to work detail, outstanding organisational abilities and communication skills. The Director will need to work collaboratively with the Producer, support staff, theatre staff, parents and students in achieving the position objectives. 

Position Relationships

• Deputy Principal/Head of Yirramboi Campus
• Head of Co-Curriculum
• College Musical Producer
• College Co-Curricular Administrator
• College Musical support staff
• Director – 5/6 Musical
• Performing Arts Staff

Key Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership

• Select a production that will be engaging for a coeducational cast of students in Middle to Senior years, with wide audience appeal and can be resourced within budget;
• Create the artistic vision for the production (e.g. directorial vision, movement direction, set design, lighting design, costume design, etc);
• Examine the theatre rights and musical scores to determine suitability.

Production planning and rehearsals

• Assemble and oversee the production team; provide design directives; run auditions, lead rehearsals; and manage the production schedule;
• Collaborate with the production team and facilitate production meetings to ensure all aspects of rehearsal, production and performance meet the standard required for excellence;
• Lead productive and inspiring rehearsals with the cast and production team, ensuring the schedule is considered for maximum efficiency in the use of student time. Note that College Musical rehearsals take place outside of regular school hours from March to mid-August. The rehearsal schedule includes after-school rehearsals (Monday and Tuesdays from 4pm – 6pm) as well as select lunchtime, weekend and school holiday rehearsals. During Production Week, there will be three evening performances (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) and a Sunday matinee;
• Support the Producer with the administration associated with auditions and rehearsals for the productions (rehearsal schedule and communication with staff, students, families, theatre technicians and other key stakeholders);
• Demonstrate and inspire an enthusiastic and committed approach from the students and production team;
• Create a preliminary prop list and requirements for rehearsal;
• Liaise with the parent support group for the sewing and resourcing of costumes.

Performance Nights

• Attend all live performances, providing mentoring and artistic direction to cast and crew;
• Support the Producer to ensure that all health and safety precautions and guidelines are being met throughout the rehearsal process and across performances, including ensuring that all supervision, risk assessments and first aid requirements are met;
• Promote engagement and set a benchmark for inclusivity.

Administration

• Work with the Producer on venue selection, arrangements, bump-in and clean-up as required;
• Author a report for College publication, in collaboration with the Producer;
• Work with our Community Relations staff on scheduling photographs for the production.

Key Selection Criteria

• Outstanding expertise in directing musical and dramatic productions with children and young people
• Experience with co-curricular programming in a school environment, and an appreciation for how these experiences compliment the academic program and contribute the development of the whole child 
• Exemplary teaching and learning skills with students across a multitude of age groups. 
• Whilst a teaching qualification is not mandatory, expertise in working with large groups of young people (eg 50 - 70 students) will be essential
• Ability to manage and establish effective team relationships with the production team, students, parents, and community members
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with stakeholders and understand and deliver on their requirements; 
• Commitment to the Overnewton College Values. 

Relevant Skills, Knowledge and Experience 

• Previous experience in Theatre productions, ideally in a Director role.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. 
• Ability to stimulate motivation, confidence, and enthusiasm in students.
• Knowledge of set design, lighting and the operation of a theatre. 
• A sound knowledge of, or experience in a comparable independent school setting will be highly regarded.

Conditions of Employment 

• All teachers will hold current registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
• All education support staff will have a current Working with Children’s Card (Employee).
• It is expected that all staff will support the Christian ethos of the College.
• Overnewton is an equal opportunity employer and enforces nondiscrimination and safe working policies. All staff must be aware of and able to work within Occupational Health and Safety and Equal Employment Opportunity Legislation. The College’s campuses are smoke free.

Application and Selection Process 

Application Process

Written applications should be emailed to [email protected] and should include: 

• A brief cover letter of no more than one page outlining your interest in the role;
• A CV, of no more than five pages, documenting all qualifications plus key responsibilities and achievements in previous roles;
• A candidate statement, of no more than two pages, which summarises your educational and wellbeing philosophy and significant experience relevant to the key responsibilities;
• The contact details of three referees, one of whom should be your current, or most recent, line manager. 

Note that referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

Selection Process

A preliminary short list of applicants will be prepared, and first and subsequent rounds of interviews will be conducted by a panel. Final appointments are made by the Principal or delegate. 

Details of employment conditions, including salary, will be negotiated with the preferred candidate.

Applications will be processed as received.

Final date for applications: 17 November 2023