Director in Residence

From September, we are seeking a part-time or full-time Theatre Director in Residence, for one academic year, to direct a series of visionary productions, and support curricular and co-curricular drama across the senior school. The exact nature of the post holder's responsibilities, beyond this general brief, will depend on the candidate, who will be an inspirational director as well as a motivated self-starter, able to demonstrate at interview the ideas and initiatives they might bring to our work. 

This is a one-year, fixed-term post, running from 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025. General working hours are based around the school day and academic terms, although there will be some evening, weekend, and holiday working in connection with theatre productions.

The key responsibilities of this role include:

• To direct a series of productions, with different age groups, over the course of the year, potentially including the lower school production and the Studio production.
• To assist with the direction of practical examination performance pieces for GCSE, A Level and IB classes.
• To be proactively involved with the school’s partnerships and outreach work, including as a director or section leader on the Community Production, and directing the primary schools Open Doors Project in the summer.
• To deliver skill-based workshops to senior pupils studying curricular drama.
• To act as an assistant director on major productions directed by colleagues as required.
• To run a series of co-curricular drama clubs for lower school and middle school pupils.
• To provide occasional cover for academic drama lessons in the case of staff absence.
• To coach pupils for drama school or external auditions.
• To act as a Front of House manager when required.
• To contribute to the ongoing publicity work of the department.
• To attend departmental meetings.

Enrichment and outreach: 

• Developing opportunities for pupils to perform work beyond King’s, for example at national festivals.
• Creating links with the professional theatre industry by organizing talks, workshops and events.
• Visiting prep/local/partnership schools on behalf of the department to run workshops.
• Running drama workshops for members of the wider school community, potentially including parents and alumni.

The successful candidate is likely to:

•  Have a degree or conservatoire-level training in drama or a related discipline, or significant professional experience
• Be able to demonstrate experience of theatre direction in a professional, fringe or student context
• Have some experience in working with students in an educational or drama environment
• Be able to show creative, cohesive ideas and lead future productions and initiatives
• Have the flexibility and skill to deliver high-quality work within the context of a busy school calendar, and working with pupils of different ages
• Be able to cope with long working hours around productions, and regular evening and weekend work
• Have a sense of humour and a pragmatic, communicative attitude, working cohesively with a wide range of colleagues and pupils

King’s is one of the most successful schools in the world, with outstanding academic results, first-class pastoral care and a vibrant co-curriculum. Overlooking Wimbledon Common, the school is situated in one of the most attractive parts of south east England and benefits from exceptional grounds and facilities.

If you are interested in this job opportunity, please visit our website to find out more and apply.

Closing date: 9am on Tuesday 9th May 2024.

Interview date: Wednesday 15th May 2024.

Interviews may be staged and we may choose to appoint at any time during the application process.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.