Director of Performing Arts

The Director of Performing Arts reports to the principal and leads a thriving, dynamic, performance-oriented program encompassing choral arts, drama, dance, orchestra, school liturgy, and academics. Almost half of our students participate in Visi Arts - Visitation’s performing arts program - during their high school careers. The Visi Arts community prides itself on being a family, encouraging our many talented students to discover and share their gifts within the broader context of the performing arts. Beyond acting, singing, and dancing, students design and sew costumes, build and paint sets, serve as stage managers and student directors, shine in the spotlight, and perform (and sometimes write) musical scores that bring a production to life.

This position offers a chance to spark students’ creativity and nurture their gifts; the ideal candidate has the energy, enthusiasm, and desire to communicate and work with young women at this critical time in their lives. An ideal director is creative and visionary, but also has the organizational and management skills to bring their and the students’ - vision to life, working closely with departmental colleagues in a collaborative, fluid setting.

We’re looking for a director who will inspire students to get involved in the arts and who will elevate Visi Arts’ visibility in the community. Student vocalists serve as ambassadors for the school, and in the past the Visitation Chorus and Madrigals have been invited to perform at the White House, the Capitol, and the National Cathedral.

Responsibilities:

• Theater
  • Plan, stage, and produce one play and one musical each year, to include show selection, casting, and directing
  • Supervise all technical, dramatic, and logistical aspects of each production in partnership with a production crew that includes an acting coach, technical director, choreographer, and pit orchestra director
  • Work with the school communications office and parent volunteers to produce event programs and to promote student performances
• Choral Arts
  • Lead or work in partnership with a choral director to coordinate chorus and Madrigals (auditioned choral group), including recruiting, auditioning, and rehearsing
  • Plan, stage, and produce two concerts each year (winter & spring)
  • Secure, plan, and direct public performances for our choral arts groups
• School Liturgies & Events
  • Provide musical support to school liturgies, including instructing and supporting student cantors; ensure all music supports prayer and reflection in a liturgical setting appropriate for adolescent faith development
  • Provide tech/audio support for community events held in the performing arts center
• Academic Instruction
  • May offer individual musical instruction for students
  • May teach AP Music Theory (Visitation supports professional development opportunities to ensure appropriate academic training and proficiency.)
• Management
  • Plan and manage departmental budget
  • Oversee contractors in the performing arts department

• Bachelor’s degree in performing arts or a related field; master’s degree preferred
• Strong academic and professional background in music and performance
  • Experience planning, directing, and producing stage performances preferred
  • Prior experience working with young women at the secondary level preferred
• Strong choral and keyboard skills
• Highly developed and flexible management skills, including organization, accountability, and attention to detail
• Understanding of and familiarity with the musical aspects of the Roman Catholic Mass, the order of service, and the knowledge and ability to instruct and support student cantors
• Willingness to support highly motivated students in a small, nurturing, and rigorous setting
• Must be able to work nights and weekends, particularly during performance seasons

Candidates whose experience and qualifications meet some, but not all, job requirements will be considered.

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to their age, color, disability status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or any other class protected by state or federal law. As a Catholic school, Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School reserves the right to use religion as a hiring criterion for selected positions, as permitted by law. Employment offers are contingent on the satisfactory outcome of a standard background screening.