Middle and Upper School Theater Program Director (2024-2025) - KEY SCHOOL

Full-Time, 10 months, Faculty Exempt

Key School seeks a full-time Theater Program Director and Drama Teacher (Grades 5-12) for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Reporting to the Upper School and Middle School Division Heads, the position includes working in the Performing Arts Department to produce three annual productions for students in Grades 5-12 (two productions for Upper School and one for Middle School) and teaching drama courses.

Job Responsibilities:

• Teach four Upper School Theater elective classes (two in the fall semester and two in the spring semester) as well as a year-long Theater elective class for Middle School students in grades 7 and 8
• Advise a group of approximately 10 Upper School students
• Proctor a club/activity and oversee duties such as study halls
• Oversee the budgetary needs of the productions, procure licensing rights
• Schedule and run rehearsals for students after-school
• Plan day field trips to see student matinee productions at area professional theaters
• Collaborate with other Performing Arts colleagues on performances throughout the year, notably working with a choreographer and music director to produce the Upper School spring musical.

The Ideal Candidate Possesses the Following Characteristics:

• Educational background in drama, literature, movement, or other areas pertaining to the Performing Arts
• Commitment to culturally responsive teaching, including looking at curriculum through a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) lens
• Prior experience working with adolescents in performance and full-length productions (both musical and non-musical)
• A self-starter who can build relationships and engage students, families, staff, and colleagues
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish trust and credibility
• Culturally competent and nurturing teacher with the versatility to work with a diverse group of students.
• Experience managing multiple facets of the production process and willingness to delegate tasks and engage community volunteers.
• Ability to coach students through the creative process and positively reinforce their aspirations to explore the Performing Arts
• Familiarity with learning management systems such as Google Classroom and ability to create and deliver engaging multimedia content using various digital tools

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred
• Three years of classroom teaching experience; two years of experience directing children and adolescents.

Physical Requirements:

The demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The ability to navigate stairs as part of daily routines; mobility around a mid-sized campus with uneven pavement. The ability to maneuver as necessary within a regular classroom; and the ability to rearrange furniture for activities is occasionally required.

Compensation/Benefits:

Key School offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, a generous 403(b) Plan, and much more.

Technical Competencies:

All candidates for teaching positions should be familiar with learning management systems (i.e. Google Classroom) and have the ability to create and deliver engaging multimedia content using a variety of digital tools. Key is a Google Workspace for Education school. Candidates should be proficient in using Google applications, have a solid understanding of cloud-based storage and file-sharing platforms, and efficiently manage email and scheduling using Gmail and Google Calendar. They should be proficient in virtual communication tools such as Zoom or Google meet and have basic troubleshooting skills to resolve common technical issues that may arise in the classroom.

Work Schedule/Travel:

The Director of the Theater Program is required to create a rehearsal schedule for all productions that utilizes time outside of the standard school day, including afternoons, evenings, and/or weekends as the Director deems necessary. Occasionally, there may be business and school functions that will require your presence to work flexible hours, including nights and/or weekends and travel outside of Annapolis.

About the School

Founded in 1958 by professors from St. John's College, Key School engages children from 2.5 years of age through grade 12 in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory program on its picturesque 15-acre campus 4 miles from downtown Annapolis.

Key School is a dynamic, tight-knit community deeply committed to ensuring students are supported and challenged to excel educationally and personally and be confident, courageous, critical thinkers prepared to engage with the world. Our Community is as diverse as it is warm and welcoming.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging:

Key is particularly interested in candidates with experience in creating inclusive school settings and who are culturally responsive. We are seeking candidates with a commitment to educational equity and justice. We learn and grow both as individuals and as a school community when students and adults of diverse backgrounds, abilities and identities develop an understanding of and respect for our commonalities and differences. Together, we have created a community that reflects diversity across a broad spectrum and will help fulfill Key’s promise to prepare our students for the challenges and responsibilities they will assume in an increasingly connected yet diverse and pluralistic world. The diverse student body is 39% students of color, and 32% of our students receive financial aid to create a socioeconomically diverse community. Learn more about our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Key.