Visiting Director of Musical Theatre (Part-Time)

Job Title: Visiting Director of Musical Theatre (Part-Time)

Reporting Relationship: Chair, Division of Music and Theatre

Unit: IWU-Marion

Department: Music and Theatre-IWU Marion

Campus Location: Phillippe Performing Arts Center, Marion, IN

Summary of Position:    The Visiting Director of Musical Theatre serves as the primary artistic leader for the Division of Music and Theatre’s spring 2027 musical production. Working collaboratively with the Division Chair, faculty, technical staff, and guest artists, the Visiting Director provides creative vision and models Christ-like professionalism, ensuring that the production reflects high artistic standards and supports the educational mission of Indiana Wesleyan University.

Successful candidates will show evidence of personal faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to liberal arts learning and the integration of Christian faith and learning.

Duties and Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership:

• Provide artistic leadership by directing and overseeing all creative aspects of the spring 2027 musical production from pre-production through final performances.
• Collaborate with the Chair of the Division of Music and Theatre and other appropriate faculty and staff to select the spring 2027 musical title, giving thoughtful consideration to educational value, artistic merit, production feasibility, student opportunities, and institutional mission.
• Work with the Technical Director of theatre throughout the design, planning, construction, rehearsal, and production processes to ensure a successful realization of the artistic vision while maintaining appropriate budgetary, scheduling, and safety considerations.
• Foster a collaborative, professional, and Christ-centered rehearsal environment that encourages student learning, artistic growth, and mutual respect among all participants.
• Mentor students throughout the rehearsal and production process, modeling professional artistic practices while cultivating excellence and collaboration. 

Organization and Administration:

• Plan, organize, and lead auditions for the spring 2027 musical including coordinating audition materials, evaluating performers, and recommending casting decisions in consultation with appropriate faculty.
• In partnership with the Division Chair, assist in identifying, assigning and supervising artistic and production personnel, including Music Director, Choreographer, designers, and other production staff supporting the musical production.
• Develop and facilitate effective and clear rehearsals and a rehearsal schedule that balances artistic excellence, student thriving, and institutional expectations.
• Coordinate and lead production meetings and communicate regularly with faculty, staff, and student leaders to ensure timely coordination of all production elements.
• Work with the production budget established by the Division Chair and obtain approval for expenditures as required. 

Other:

• In collaboration with the Chair, administrative assistant, and student leaders, promote and advertise the production on and off campus to engage a wide audience.
• Perform other duties related to the successful execution of the spring 2027 musical as mutually agreed upon with the Division Chair. 

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred in theatre, musical theatre, directing, or a closely related field

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in directing musical theatre productions at the collegiate, semi-professional, or professional level
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with Music Director(s), Choreographer(s), Designer(s), and other technical personnel

Required Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Strong interpersonal skills for relating effectively to faculty, staff, and students within a multidisciplinary academic environment
• Commitment to mentoring undergraduate students in an academic setting
• Attention to detail
• Familiarity with collegiate musical theatre production processes

IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement

IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan