Set Director NHS and Pollard Productions SY

Set Director NHS and Pollard Productions SY26-27

Starting Date: Aug 26, 2026

SET DIRECTOR / General High School and Middle School

Needham Public Schools is seeking a Set Director for the 2026‑27 school year for the High School and Middle School productions. Each show has a separate stipend, but the positions may be assigned to a single candidate with strategic scheduling.

The Set Director will collaborate closely with the Artistic Director to design the set, be fully responsible for ensuring the set is built within the production timeline, and assist with props as needed. The role requires working well with students and facilitating safe set builds with a group of students.

• Weekly set building days: 2–3 times per week per production, beginning eight weeks prior to the performance date, with the exact schedule determined collaboratively with the Theater Director. Responsibilities include supervising students, facilitating building and clean‑up, and ensuring materials are procured in advance.
• Build week:
  Two weeks prior to opening night, the Set Director is available every day after school for set building.
• Set complete:
  The set must be ready for use during rehearsals by the Monday before opening day of the school.
• Tech week:
  The week before opening day of each production.
• Show dates:
  • NHS Students Acting to Make A Difference (SAMD):
    Friday, Nov 6–Sunday, Nov 8
  • Middle School Musical:
    Friday, Feb 5–Sunday, Feb 7
  • NHS Musical:
    Friday, Mar 5–Sunday, Mar 7 (Snow Date: Monday, Mar
    8)
  • Middle School Play:
    Friday, May 6–Sunday, May 8
• Strike:
  Immediately following the last show and on the Monday after the production. The set pieces must be removed and the auditorium fully cleaned by the end of that day. The Set Director has an active role in the strike.

• Design the set in collaboration with the Artistic Director.
• Procure materials needed for set builds following NPS procurement guidelines and the production budget.
• Supervise tech students during build days, tech week, and strike.
• Ensure the set is fully functional and complete by two weeks before opening night.
• Communicate proactively with the Theatre Director and Director of Fine and Performing Arts regarding any production issues, delays, or student concerns.
• Train tech students to follow appropriate safety standards.

• SAMD Set Director: $3,017
• Set Advisor NHS Musical: $3,017
• Pollard Set Director Musical and Play: $3,017

• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, color, homelessness, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, ancestry, or veteran status in its education programs, services, activities or employment practices.

Candidates who have a strong commitment to active anti‑racism are encouraged to apply.