Musical Director - WHS

WATERTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

VACANCY NOTICE

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL DIRECTOR

JOB LOCATION: Watertown High School

DATES: During the 2027-2028 school year, Part-time Assignment

SALARY: Extra-Curricular Compensation Schedule (Category 8 - $2,725 - $3,575)

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Watertown High School Musical Director is responsible for leading, coordinating, and overseeing the school's musical theater production from initial planning through final performances. The director provides artistic leadership while creating a positive educational environment in which students can develop their skills in acting, singing, dancing, teamwork, and stagecraft.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Select or collaborate in selecting an appropriate musical that aligns with the school's educational goals, student abilities, resources, and community standards.
• Assemble a qualified team of advisors and assistants.
• Develop and communicate a production schedule, including auditions, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances.
• Conduct auditions and cast students in appropriate roles while promoting a fair, positive process.
• Direct students in acting, character development, stage movement, musical interpretation, and ensemble work.
• Collaborate with the vocal music director, choreographer, accompanist/orchestra director, technical director, stage manager, designers, and other production staff.
• Lead and organize rehearsals effectively, maintaining a productive and respectful learning environment.
• Teach students professional rehearsal practices, performance etiquette, responsibility, collaboration, and backstage procedures.
• Work with production staff to coordinate sets, costumes, props, lighting, sound, makeup, and other technical elements.
• Monitor student participation, attendance, conduct, and overall well-being throughout the production process.
• Communicate regularly with students, families, school administrators, and production staff regarding schedules, expectations, and important production information.
• Ensure that rehearsals and performances follow school policies and appropriate safety procedures.
• Prepare students for performances and provide constructive feedback that supports artistic and personal growth.
• Supervise technical and dress rehearsals and performances as assigned.
• Assist with production budgeting, purchasing, fundraising, and use of production resources as needed.
• Evaluate the production process after performances and make recommendations for future productions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience directing or assisting with musical theater productions.
• Strong knowledge of theater production, acting, music, choreography, and rehearsal practices.
• Experience working with high school-aged students preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, families, volunteers, and production staff.
• Commitment to creating a safe, respectful educational environment for students.

THE DISTRICT

The selected candidate will help further the WUSD mission to serve students by providing educational opportunities that promote academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning, while supporting our vision of inspired learners through student-centered education strengthened by community involvement.

TRADITION. INNOVATION. TRANSFORMATION.

The Watertown Unified School District serves approximately 3,000 students across seven buildings. Watertown High School serves approximately 950 students on a 150-acre campus that includes Endeavor Charter School and eCampus Charter School. WHS offers excellent athletic facilities, including a Fitness Center, and is a member of the Badger Conference.

The Watertown Unified School District does not discriminate in its education program, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or disability status.