We’re Hiring: Director of Drama

Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) seeks a visionary and highly experienced Director of Drama to lead and grow the theater department across all programs, including General Enrichment classes and Pre-Professional Programs (Prep). This individual will be responsible for providing strategic oversight, creative leadership, and administrative management for HSA’s theater, gala and internal and external performance/presentation-based initiatives, while ensuring the excellence and expansion of its artistic offerings. The Director of Drama will also serve as the speech and presentation coach working with staff and students across departments. This role will also lead the collaboration of producing multidisciplinary performances across departments at HSA working with faculty, staff, and external partners to elevate the department’s presence within the broader arts community.

General Responsibilities:

Leadership and Department Oversight:

● Lead and manage the entire Theatre and Musical Theatre Departments, overseeing the full spectrum of programming, including Enrichment Classes, College Preparatory Training, and Pre-Professional Programs (Prep).

● Develop, implement, and continually refine the department’s curriculum, catering to a range of age groups and skill levels (General Enrichment, Prep, and Summer Programming).

● Oversee departmental budgets and faculty payroll, ensuring adherence to financial constraints and funding allocations.

● Actively recruit for the department to increase enrollment numbers across general enrollment and Prep.

● Supervise, train, and mentor theatre faculty, providing ongoing professional development, ensuring high standards of teaching and mentoring; schedule departmental staff meetings at least twice per year.

● Teach within the department and ensure class coverage across the department at all times.

● Create a healthy community among theatre faculty, simultaneously advocating for them as well as mobilizing them in support of the school.

● Coordinate class schedules, manage class sizes, and communicate adjustments with Student Services.

● Foster meaningful relationships with community organizations, schools, and arts industry partners, creating opportunities for students to grow and showcase their talents. ● Address student issues related to behavior, health, and wellbeing, ensuring a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.

Artistic Vision and Production Leadership:

● Provide creative and artistic direction for all theatrical and musical theatre productions, with a focus on collaborating closely across all departments and with choreographers, musical directors, and designers to ensure seamless performances.

● Lead and support the artistic vision for each production, including script interpretation, musical direction, choreography integration, and thematic development.

● Oversee casting processes and auditions, ensuring the selection of strong performers and balanced ensembles.

● Manage rehearsals, guiding students through character development, musical and dance integration, and technical aspects of production.

● Collaborate with design teams on set, costume, lighting, and sound elements to ensure cohesive and impactful staging.

● Supervise technical rehearsals and ensure production milestones are met on time and within budget.

● Provide performance feedback and adjustments as necessary, attending all performances to ensure high-quality productions.

● Facilitate post-production evaluations and help plan future productions, tours, or remounts.

● Work with marketing to develop marketing and promotional materials for program recruitment /enrollment and the promotion of the performance season.

● Work with the other departments on the annual Performance Schedule, including but not limited to:

• HSA Annual Holiday Show – December
• Black History Month Program – February
• HSA Annual Gala – April/May
• Spring Musical -May
• Spring Theatrical Production – May/June
• Summer Theater & Musical Theater Programming – July/August/September
• Citywide Performance Opportunities on Rolling Basis

*All dates subject to change

Student Engagement and Development:

● Mentor and guide General Education and Prep students in their artistic, academic, and career paths, providing support for class schedules, college planning, and industry exposure.

● Develop and implement sequential programs that ensure student retention and create a well-rounded, enriching artistic experience.

● Serve as the primary point of contact for students and parents, addressing concerns, providing guidance, and fostering positive relationships.

● Conduct assessments, provide constructive feedback, and track student progress to support growth.

● Facilitate the recruitment efforts for the theatre & musical theatre program, conduct auditions, and cultivate students who demonstrate potential for theatre & musical theatre excellence.

● Take students to professional on and off-Broadway theatrical productions.

● Serve as co-facilitator for the annual Student Planning Committee for the Gala.

● Teach theatre and musical theatre workshops as needed.

Program Management and Development:

● Lead the creation and enforcement of policies and procedures for the theatre & musical theatre program, ensuring that students and faculty adhere to established guidelines.

● Manage theatre & musical theatre program logistics, including ordering costumes, materials, and dress code merchandise.

● Conduct research on industry trends, competitive programs, and best practices to maintain the innovative and competitive edge of the department.

● Contribute content to HSA’s website, social media, and marketing materials to raise awareness of the department’s initiatives and achievements.

● Generate comprehensive reports detailing the progress, achievements, and challenges of the theatre program. Collaborate closely with the Sr. Director of Education to align programmatic goals with the institution’s overarching educational objectives.

● Continue to foster the annual growth of the theatre & musical theatre departments at HSA.

Additional Responsibilities:

● Oversee orientations, staff meetings, and student showcases to ensure smooth departmental operations and promote student engagement.

● Coordinate logistics for workshops, recitals, performances, and other departmental events.

● Handle additional duties as requested by senior leadership to support the institution’s goals.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

● Extensive experience in theatre and musical theatre, with a strong background in teaching and artistic direction, and demonstrated expertise in theatre history, production, and performance pedagogy.

● Proven ability to provide leadership, strategic direction, and oversight to a diverse team of faculty, staff, and students.

● Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders.

● Expertise in managing a department or program, including budgets, scheduling, enrollment, staffing, productions, and program planning.

● A strong commitment to youth development, with the ability to create rigorous, joyful, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments.

● In-depth knowledge of theatre & musical theatre production, including rehearsal processes, casting, and performance management.

● Strong understanding of curriculum development and student assessment, with a track record of promoting student success and retention.

● An understanding of both artistic excellence and enrollment/recruitment/program growth—someone who can build a compelling department that attracts and retains students.

● Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners to enhance program offerings and provide career-building opportunities for students.

Schedule:

*The schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday On-site.

Location:

Harlem School of the Arts is located at 645 Saint Nicholas Avenue in Harlem. It is easily accessible via the A, C, B, and D subway trains.

To Apply:

Please send resume and cover letter to employment@hsanyc.org. Please indicate Drama Director in the subject line.

About Harlem School of the Arts, The Herb Alpert Center:

Harlem School of the Arts, The Herb Alpert Center (HSA) is a cultural institution uniquely positioned at the intersection of arts, education, and social justice. Founded in 1964, HSA offers world class training in music, dance, theater, musical theater, and media & design to both children and adults, by encouraging students to reach their full potential through interdisciplinary arts training that celebrates the rich complexity of the African American community. To learn more about the Harlem School of the Arts, please visit www.HSAnyc.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person