Theater Teacher

Position Summary The School seeks a dynamic and creative educator to join our community in this unique opportunity to develop a thriving upper school theater program. The Theater Teacher will bring passion to staging seasonal after-school theater productions and to developing the performing arts program overall — directing compelling theatrical productions that challenge and inspire students in grades 7 through 12 and offering engaging performing arts elective classes for students in grades 7‑8 as well as in grades 9‑12. This role reflects our belief that the performing arts is an essential component of a Ross education. The ideal candidate is an experienced theater educator who also possesses a sophisticated understanding of integrated, interdisciplinary teaching and learning. Duties and Responsibilities Theater Arts Program — Grades 7–12 Plan, develop, and deliver a dynamic theater arts curriculum for grades 7–12, encompassing acting techniques, voice, movement, script analysis, stagecraft, and production design. Direct and produce two full-scale school productions per academic year, including a musical in collaboration with performing arts faculty colleagues. The Theater teacher is responsible for effectively engaging students through auditions and casting, in rehearsals, with technical design, and in performance. Build and sustain a positive, inclusive, and creatively challenging theater program that fosters student growth, confidence, and ensemble work. Supervise and mentor student stagehands, technical crew, and production assistants, providing meaningful learning opportunities for students in lighting, sound, set construction, and costume management. Collaborate with visual and performing arts departments, and other departments to integrate the performing arts across disciplines and support interdisciplinary programming. Maintain inventory and oversee the care of all theater equipment, props, costumes, and technical resources; coordinate facility scheduling with school administration. Communicate proactively, in coordination with the Head of the Upper School, with parents and guardians regarding production calendars, rehearsal schedules, and student progress. Assess student growth using both formative and summative tools; maintain grade records and provide timely, constructive feedback. Support and encourage student participation in regional and national theater competitions, festivals, and workshops. Assist with after-school theater clubs, improv groups, enrichment programming, and Field Academies as appropriate. Other Faculty Duties— Grades 7-12 Sustain school culture through routine faculty duties in professional development, study hall and other supervisory duties, occasional residential life duties, field academy, grade-level projects, and senior projects. Above additional duties could be modified or replaced with program assignments mutually agreed upon between the Teacher and Division Head. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts, Theater Education, Performance, Communications, or a closely related field; Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of three (3) years of classroom or professional theater teaching and/or directing experience, ideally in a middle or high school setting. Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly in a dynamic school environment. High degree of personal integrity; demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment. Enthusiasm for working with adolescents (grades 7–12) and a genuine commitment to student-centered education. Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours as required for performances, productions, and school events. Preferred Qualifications Experience in independent or private school environments. Experience leading or developing school theater programs. Active involvement in professional theater or performing arts communities. Work Environment The position requires on-campus presence during school hours with regular evening and weekend commitments for rehearsals, performances, school events, and time-sensitive social media coverage. Some flexibility in daily scheduling may be negotiated with supervisors to accommodate production and event demands. Occasional travel for theater festivals or professional development may be required. Compensation and Benefits Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; employer-sponsored life insurance; voluntary life and AD&D insurance; supplemental insurance plans; voluntary short and long term disability plan; flexible spending accounts; pet insurance; and an Employee Assistance Program. 403(b) Retirement plan with employer contribution. Tuition remission benefit for eligible dependent children enrolled in the school. Professional development support including relevant certifications and conference attendance. Paid time off and school holiday schedule. Application Deadline: Open until filled; priority review begins upon receipt Start Date: Flexible; ideally prior to the start of the next school year Contact: Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the role and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, or responsibilities. The school reserves the right to modify responsibilities as organizational needs evolve. The Ross School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation or marital status, veteran status, or genetic information. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Association of Independent Schools