Director, The SpongeBob Musical : Youth Edition

Director, The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition Position: Director, The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition Reports to: Director of Education Location: Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples, FL Employment Type: Contract Gulfshore Playhouse is a professional regional theatre in beautiful Naples, Florida, dedicated to creating exceptional theatrical and educational experiences that inspire, connect, and enrich our community. We are passionate about artistic excellence, collaboration, and providing meaningful opportunities for artists, students, and audiences. As a growing organization, we value creativity, professionalism, and the contributions of talented individuals who share our commitment to bringing extraordinary theatrical experiences to life. Position Summary The Conservatory at Gulfshore Playhouse is seeking a high-energy, collaborative, communicative, and student-focused Director for The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition. Working under the artistic direction of the Director of Education, the contracted Director will collaborate with an independently contracted Music Director, Choreographer, and a full professional design and production team. The production will include a three-week rehearsal and technical process, culminating in a weekend of performances on the Moran Mainstage, Gulfshore Playhouse's 358-seat proscenium theatre. The ideal candidate will bring a strong artistic vision, experience directing youth musical theatre, and the ability to create an engaging, supportive, and inspiring experience for young performers. Key Dates  Auditions*: April 3, 2027  Callbacks: April 10, 2027  Rehearsals: July 12–23, 2027 | Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM  Technical Rehearsals: July 26–30, 2027 | 9 AM–5 PM  Performances: July 30–August 1, 2027 | Four performances Production Details Full-Day Program  Student ages: Rising 4th grade through recent high school graduates  Cast size: approximately 45 students Half-Day Program** Student ages: Rising 1st–3rd grade Cast size: Approximately 10 students *Auditions and callbacks will focus on casting as many students as possible in principal and featured roles. Afterward, general admission will open to the public to fill the remaining ensemble positions, up to the approximate cast sizes listed above. **The Half-Day Program is primarily facilitated by the Education team. The Director will collaborate with the team to identify appropriate opportunities within the production to feature the younger performers. Duties and Responsibilities  Communicate effectively and consistently with the professional design and production team to maintain production schedules and meet key deadlines.  Collaborate with the Education team throughout the casting process and pre- production.  Develop and provide a detailed rehearsal schedule in advance of the first rehearsal to allow for effective planning and support from the Education department.  Attend weekly production meetings, transitioning to daily meetings during technical rehearsals. Qualifications and Requirements  Demonstrated directing experience with substantial production support, including collaboration with designers and production teams to establish and execute a unified artistic vision.  Bachelor's degree in Theatre, Musical Theatre, Directing, Theatre Education, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.  Knowledge of best practices in performing arts education, particularly youth and teen musical theatre programs.  Commitment to the mission and values of Gulfshore Playhouse and its Education department, including a thoughtful balance of process- and product-based arts education.  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster a positive, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment.  Strong organizational and time-management skills.  Proficiency in Google Workspace. Compensation: $3,000, guest artist housing and a rental car available for non-local artists. How to Apply: Interested directors should submit a resume and portfolio to: John Perine Director of Education [email protected]