Academic​/Instructor Choreographers Productions! Willie Wilson Theatre Arts Group Hawthorne, NJ

Willie Wilson Theatre Arts Group
Hawthorne, NJ
US

The perfect candidate aligns with Willie Wilson’s Theatre Arts Group/TAG's mission which is to lead with LOVE and KINDNESS to create a SAFE and BRAVE space for theatre kids. TAG is committed to provide an environment where theatre kids are accepted, can flourish and will increase their self-confidence. Like one school principal claims, “TAG kids hold their heads a bit higher when walking through the hallway”.

Being true to himself since he was a 16-year-old singer and guitar player, Willie was formally recognized when he won the JO ANNE FOX AWARD in 2023. Willie is also a two-time TONY-nominee for Excellence in Theatre Education which claims, “Behind every great performance is inspiration, and behind inspiration is a great teacher.”

The CHOREOGRAPHER’s responsibilities include working alongside the director, attending auditions and rehearsals on schedule, collaborating with music, design, and costume departments, and providing training and support to all students. This contractor is vital in ensuring the smooth running of this production, helping to create a positive, well-run and fun experience for our students and their families.

• Participate in auditions, evaluate the dance abilities & grade individuals on performance
• Lead regular physical warm-ups with the cast before rehearsals and shows
• Collaborating with the Director, as well as music, and costume staff to ensure dance routines are completed to a high standard.
• Creating dance steps that fit with the mood, music, theme, and that are audience-appropriate.
• Supporting, guiding, and explaining all steps and formations to dancers.
• Ensuring space for rehearsal is adequate.
• Continually conducting research by watching/attending musical performances, attending performances, and reading up on different techniques.
• Notifying the Director and other stakeholders about potential issues and drawing up contingency plans.
• Scheduling one-on-one sessions and providing extra support where required.
• Showing up on time for all rehearsals, performances, and meetings.
• Handling various other duties and paperwork and any/all other assigned tasks as needed.
• Participating as a backstage crew member for show week.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma, bachelor’s degree preferred (or current college student)
• Relevant work or performance experience in theater or dance
• Extensive dancing skills and experience.
• Passion for musical theater and working with other creatives.
• Strong interpretive and creative thinking skills.
• Proficient in Google Workspace
• Strong attention to service excellence, detail, time management and organizational skills
• Proactive and responsive with excellent client-facing communication
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• A quick learner who can problem-solve and is not afraid to ask questions
• A people-oriented approach with the ability to work effectively with parents, children, and staff
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Superb interpersonal, collaborative, and communication abilities.
• Appropriate behaviors among young children are required
• Complies with TAG’s Policy & Procedure Manual

Contract Details:

• This is a 1099 independent contractor role
• This is an in-person role based in Bergen County, New Jersey.

Attendance at all rehearsals, tech week, and shows is required. (There will be additional work hours of scheduled rehearsal hours, especially during tech and show week). Please review the below requirements carefully to ensure you are available before submitting your resume.

13 the Musical Jr:
Spring I 2027
- Weekly rehearsals on Thursdays, beginning December 17th
- Additional rehearsals:
Saturday, 04/03 9am-3pm and two Tuesday rehearsals on 03/30 and 04/06
- Performances:
Week of April 12-18

Footloose Jr:
Summer I
- 6/21/27 to 7/9/2027
- Week 1 = Monday through Friday 3pm-7pm plus Saturday 9am-3pm
- Week 2 = Monday through Friday 9am-3pm
- Week 3 = Monday through Wednesday 9am-3pm and show nights Wednesday through Friday with call time 4pm