The Erie Playhouse

Founded in 1916, the Erie Playhouse’s mission is to enrich the greater Erie region by providing life-long opportunities to participate in quality theatre. With an annual budget of $1.3M, a historic 434 seat theatre, and an outstanding reputation for quality performances, the Erie Playhouse is a leader on stage and in the greater community. The Erie Playhouse is a proud partner to Erie Arts & Culture, a grantee of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and an Erie County Lead Asset as designated by the Erie County Gaming Revenue.

Position Description: Youtheatre Director

Reporting to the Executive Director, the full-time, exempt, Youtheatre Director oversees the daily operations of the Erie Playhouse’s Youtheatre program, which annually produces productions on the Playhouse stage, as well as satellite productions as a part of the Youtheatre Play Series, provides on-site education opportunities for students aged three-adult, operates three weeks of Youtheatre summer camps, and features a traveling song-and-dance troupe of Youtheatre performers, the Showstoppers.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

  • Organize and manage all aspects of Youtheatre Productions, Youtheatre Summer Play Series, & Showstoppers, most importantly, serving as the director of the productions or as producer in the case of a guest director (secured at the Youtheatre Director’s discretion), ensuring high quality productions and experiences for participating students and families.
  • Coordinate and plan on-site classes during the school year and three weeks of Youtheatre Summer Camp, as well as creating new workshop opportunities for students based on community needs, including hiring and managing supplemental teaching staff and volunteers, overseeing the development of curriculum, and coordinating daily operations.
  • Create and maintain annual budgets for the Youtheatre & Showstopper programs
  • Collaborate with the Education/Outreach Coordinator on all off-site education opportunities to assist with maintaining current and building new programming
  • Manage all interns and serve as contact for all intern inquiries for all departments
  • Collect and maintain background checks and clearances for all Youtheatre staff and volunteers
  • Work with community partners to plan Sensory Friendly performances and other special opportunities for groups such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters and others

Skills Required:

This multi-faceted role will require the following professional skills:

  • A creative and collaborative thinking individual who is willing to take on tasks necessary to achieve the organization’s objectives
  • Working knowledge of theatre arts, theatre history, and experience in casting and production of shows
  • Ability to create a positive and constructive learning environment for students, families, and volunteers
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to work with students, families, and volunteers
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a flexible environment, while adhering to completion of tasks in a timely fashion, meeting all deadlines
  • Ability to solve problems with a rational, calm, and consistent approach
  • Proven history of successful direction of theatrical productions, working with children and other volunteers of all ages

Qualifications:

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited university in Theatre, Education, Arts Management, or similar field
  • Prior experience in directing or training in a theatre setting, additional experience as a choreographer is desirable, but not required
  • Prior experience working with children in an educational setting

Salary commensurate with qualifications, paid health care, 401k packages, and paid vacation are included. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, professional resume or CV, and an artistic/directing resume to Kate Neubert-Lechner at or mail to 13 W. 10th Street, Erie, PA 16501, attention Kate. All submissions must be received by May 19, 2017 and position will remain open until filled.

If contacted for an interview, candidate must provide copies of the following background checks: State Police Criminal History Record (Act 34 Background Check), Department of public Welfare Child Abuse Report (Act 151), and Federal Criminal History Record Information (FBI Report).