Director of Summer Musical Theatre Production for Students Aged 10-17 Years

Director of Summer Musical Theatre Production for Students Aged 10-17 Years

Hours: August 10-21, 2026, from 9am-5pm with additional planning meetings leading up to the program

Pay: $2,500 planning stipend and $48-50/hr during the program

Location: Groton Hill Music Center, 122 Old Ayer Road, Groton, MA 01450

Start date: Spring 2026 (planning)

Groton Hill Music Center is the region's premier nonprofit center for outstanding music education, professional performances, and community engagement programs. This role is a seasonal director for Groton Hill’s Musical Theatre summer program.

PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The Director is the artistic and organizational lead responsible for the overall creative vision and successful execution of the selected musical production, tasked with fostering a safe and nurturing environment for the young performers. Key responsibilities include the following:

Pre-Production (Spring/Early Summer)

● Creative Planning: Collaborate with the Summer Programs Manager to finalize the creative vision, program schedule, and production logistics.

● Staff Collaboration: Participate in planning meetings with the Music Director, Choreographer, Stage Manager, and Summer Programs Manager to establish clear communication and a unified artistic approach.

● Auditions: Plan, organize, and lead auditions and callbacks (paid @ $45/hr), working with the rest of the artistic team to cast the show.

● Resource Development: Oversee the creation and distribution of scripts, rehearsal materials, and a detailed daily rehearsal schedule.

Program Execution (Two Weeks in Summer)

● Creative Leadership: Serve as the lead artistic authority, defining the staging, acting, and overall dramatic interpretation of the musical.

● Student Focus: Cultivate an encouraging, safe, and professional rehearsal environment that prioritizes the learning and well-being of youth ages 11-18.

● Daily Schedule: Direct daily rehearsals from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday, managing time effectively to meet production deadlines.

● Team Management: Provide clear direction and supervision to the entire artistic and production team (Music Director, Choreographer, Stage Manager, and interns).

● Technical Integration: Work closely with the Stage Manager and technical staff on set design, lighting, sound, and costumes to realize the production vision.

● Lighting Cues: Spend hours on 1-2 evenings during the production on finalizing the lighting cues with a member of Groton Hill’s professional production team.

● Performance Day: Manage the final performance day, which will require longer hours for dress rehearsals and performances at 2pm and 6pm in the Concert Hall, with strike concluding between 9pm-10pm.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ideal candidates will have: a minimum of three years of experience directing musical theatre, with a focus on working with youth aged 10-17; a demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive, supportive, and disciplined environment for students to take creative risks; excellent organizational skills, including a proven track record of managing an intensive rehearsal schedule under a tight timeline; and strong collaborative and communication skills to work effectively with students, staff, parents, and the Summer Programs Manager.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and references to Julie DeBenedictis, Interim Community Engagement and Summer Programs Manager, at jdebenedictis@grotonhill.org with “Musical Theatre Director” listed in the subject line by January 16, 2026.

Non-Discrimination Policy: Groton Hill Music Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other category protected under applicable law in its admissions, education programs, activities, hiring practices, or employment policies.