Youth Theatre Directors

Northern Virginia Performing Arts (NOVAPA) is seeking experienced and student-centered Directors to lead youth musical-theatre productions at our Leesburg, Virginia location.

NOVAPA Directors are responsible for establishing the artistic vision of a production while creating a structured, educational, professional, and supportive experience for young performers.

• Develop and communicate a clear artistic vision for the assigned production.
• Plan and lead organized, productive rehearsals.
• Prepare rehearsal plans in advance and meet established production deadlines.
• Collaborate with the Musical Director, Choreographer, Production Manager, Technical Director, stage-management team, and administrative staff.
• Conduct or assist with auditions and casting when assigned.
• Teach acting, character development, storytelling, stage movement, and theatre etiquette.
• Ensure that every student receives meaningful instruction and appropriate opportunities to participate.
• Maintain classroom and rehearsal discipline while treating students respectfully.
• Provide constructive, age-appropriate feedback.
• Track blocking, scene progress, student needs, and outstanding production work.
• Communicate attendance, preparedness, behavioral, safety, or scheduling concerns to the appropriate NOVAPA administrator.
• Attend production meetings, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances.
• Follow NOVAPA's casting, parent-communication, child-safety, and professional-conduct policies.
• Refrain from making unauthorized promises concerning casting, refunds, accommodations, schedules, or policy exceptions.

• Previous directing experience in theatre, musical theatre, or educational theatre.
• Experience working with children and/or teenagers.
• Strong leadership, organization, communication, and classroom-management skills.
• Ability to plan ahead, meet deadlines, and follow through on assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to collaborate without losing accountability for the director’s assigned work.
• Knowledge of musical-theatre rehearsal and production practices.
• Degree or formal training in theatre, directing, education, or a related field is preferred but not required when supported by significant experience.
• Evening and weekend availability is required. Must have reliable transportation.

All selected candidates must complete NOVAPA's background-screening process, child-safety training, and required onboarding before beginning work.