3. Youth Theatre Directors
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.
Responsibilities:
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.
Qualifications:
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.
Location: Northern Virginia Performing Arts, Leesburg, Virginia
Productions: Frozen, Little Mermaid, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, How to Train Your Dragon, Trolls
Rehearsal dates: Depends on the show title. See website for specific dates.
Production dates: Various. See website for more dates of productions. All season long. August 2026 to July 31, 2027 www.northernvirginiaperformingarts.org
Compensation: A stipend of at no less than $1,000 but based on education, position, leadership responsibility, and any certifications you have obtained.
Position type: Part-time, seasonal, and/or production-based
To apply, submit the following to todd@novapa.org:
Résumé
Directing résumé or list of production credits
Short statement describing your approach to directing young performers
Three professional references-including last 2 supervisors
Relevant portfolio, website, or production reel, if available
Must have reliable transportation.
Northern Virginia Performing Arts develops serious young performers through high-quality training and production experiences in a safe and supportive environment.