Middle/Upper School Director of Drama

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School•Columbia, SC

About The Position

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School seeks a dynamic, energetic, and experienced Upper School Drama teacher to instruct 7th through 12th grade students. The Middle & Upper School Drama Teacher is responsible for introducing Upper and Middle school students to the fundamentals of theatre through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. This role fosters creativity, collaboration, confidence, and self-expression by teaching acting skills, voice and movement, improvisation, and basic stagecraft. The teacher designs and delivers lessons aligned with curriculum standards, integrates literacy and social-emotional learning, and creates a supportive, inclusive classroom environment. The Middle & Upper School Drama teacher also plans and directs student performances or showcases - both curricular and extracurricular - collaborating with classroom teachers and staff, and assessing student progress while encouraging a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.

Requirements

Have thorough knowledge of theatrical pedagogy and educational and/or professional directing experience.
Possess strong administrative skills, specifically related to crafting rehearsal schedules that meets the needs of the students, composing regular communications and updates to families and students, designing costume plots, organizing and planning student trips to festivals.
Remain adaptable in the face of any budgetary or space constraints.
Enjoy working with, and have a thorough understanding of, the specific developmental needs of adolescents and teenagers.
Use a variety of assessment techniques and possess strong instructional and classroom management skills.
Demonstrate energy, empathy, flexibility, and a collaborative mindset.
Communicate effectively and maintain an organized classroom.
Support the School by upholding policies and procedures as outlined in the school's handbooks.
Support the School's Episcopal identity and practices.
Bachelor's degree required

Nice To Haves

master's degree preferred
Experience in Middle and Upper school education preferred

Responsibilities

Teach Drama to Upper School students as assigned and help design, refine, and implement a developmentally-appropriate curriculum.
Work in a Director capacity with the Lower School Drama Teacher, overseeing the Kindergarten play, LS Talent Show, and directing a fourth grade play.
Auditioning, rehearsing and directing an extracurricular Middle School Play in the fall, and auditioning, rehearsing, and co-directing MS Ensemble in the Spring musical with the other Drama teacher.
Possess a working knowledge of theatre facilities operation or be willing to learn (Element 2 lightboard, soundboard operation, Qlab software).
Assist with set, prop and costume storage organization.
Maintain a classroom environment that supports engaging instruction.
Write daily/weekly lesson plans that align with the curricular learning objectives and national arts standards.
Collaborate with the other Fine Arts Teachers and as a member of the Fine Arts Department to provide a cohesive learning experience.
Assess and document student work.
Be willing to help plan and chaperone theatre festival trips - at least once per year.
Maintain open lines of communication with parents via email, phone calls, and face-to-face interactions.
Attend and support school events related to admissions, athletics, and related arts (e.g. concerts, theater, and class programs).
Support the School's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts.
Participate in professional development activities related to Theater instruction, general pedagogy, social-emotional topics, and instructional technology.
Supervise and direct students during times of transition, in the classroom and hallways, during recess/lunch duties.
Complete required Human Resources training each year (CPR, AED, first aid, mandatory reporting, handling of hazardous materials, etc.).
Support the School's Mission and culture.