Junior High Musical Director

Junior High School Musical Director

Cooperstown Central School is seeking a passionate and organized Junior High School Musical Director to lead our annual junior high musical production and support the spring Hawkeye Revue. The Director will be responsible for guiding students through the full process of staging a musical—from auditions to final performance—fostering a love of theater, teamwork, and self-expression among 7th and 8th grade students.
Key Responsibilities:
Direct a full-scale junior high school musical each winter, including planning, auditions, rehearsals, and performance.
Collaborate with the CCS Thespians Advisor and other staff on music direction, choreography, costumes, sets, lighting, and sound.
Encourage student involvement across performance and technical roles (acting, singing, stagecraft, tech, etc.).
Prepare students for participation in the Hawkeye Revue, including rehearsing a junior high group number.
Schedule and lead rehearsals, primarily in afternoons/evenings with occasional Saturday commitments.
Maintain a positive, inclusive, and safe environment for all participants.
Promote high standards of stagecraft, performance, and artistic expression consistent with the CCS Thespians' mission and vision.
Qualifications:
Experience directing or assisting in school, community, or youth theater productions.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a theatrical production from start to finish.
Experience working with middle school-aged students in an educational or extracurricular setting.
Knowledge of musical theatre, including basic music, acting, and movement direction.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to collaborate with colleagues, volunteers, and families.
Commitment to artistic excellence, creativity, and student development.
Bachelor's degree in theatre, music, education, or a related field.
Familiarity with technical aspects of stage production (lights, sound, set design, etc.).
Piano or musical accompaniment skills.
Experience choreographing or staging musical numbers.
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Previous experience managing youth performances and large-group rehearsals.