Theatre Fellowships

Join our team and help bring an unforgettable season of youth musical theatre to life!

The Gateway Regional Arts Center is excited to announce openings for PAID Theatre Fellowships for our 2025 youth musical theatre season. We are hiring Resident Directors, Music Directors, Stage Managers, and Choreographers for four incredible productions. These are contracted positions on a per-show basis. Auditions and rehearsals will be scheduled with the directing team’s availability in mind.

Theatre Fellowships Available:

  • Resident Director

  • Music Director

  • Stage Manager

  • Choreographer

2025 Season Lineup & Schedule:

MEAN GIRLS JR.

  • Auditions: TBD Dates during week of March 18–22, 2025

  • Rehearsals: TBD Dates during March 23 – June 26, 2025

  • Performances: June 27–29, 2025

SIX: TEEN EDITION

  • Auditions: TBD Dates during week of May 13–17, 2025

  • Rehearsals: TBD Dates during May 18 – August 14, 2025

  • Performances: August 15–17, 2025

ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL

  • Auditions: TBD Dates during week of July 29–August 2, 2025

  • Rehearsals: TBD Dates during August 3 – October 23, 2025

  • Performances: October 24–26, 2025

ELF JR. THE MUSICAL

  • Auditions: TBD Dates during week of August 26–30, 2025

  • Rehearsals: TBD Dates during August 31 – December 11, 2025

  • Performances: December 12–14, 2025

Role Descriptions & Responsibilities:

1. Resident Director

Reports to: Executive Director
Role Overview: The Resident Director will lead the artistic vision of each production, working directly with the cast and creative team to stage an engaging, youth-centered musical.

Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the entire rehearsal process from auditions to opening night.

  • Collaborate with the Music Director, Choreographer, and Stage Manager to ensure a cohesive production.

  • Attend all rehearsals, production meetings, and creative team meetings.

  • Notate blocking, entrances/exits, and maintain up-to-date paperwork.

  • Support cast development through constructive feedback and artistic direction.

Qualifications:

  • Experience directing youth musical theatre.

  • Strong leadership and organizational skills.

  • Practical directing, choreography, dramaturgy, or assistant directing experience preferred.

  • Energetic self-starter with attention to detail and strong communication skills.

2. Music Director

Reports to: Executive Director
Role Overview: The Music Director will guide all musical aspects of the production, from teaching vocal parts to working with accompanists and ensuring musical excellence.

Responsibilities:

  • Teach vocal music to cast members and lead music rehearsals.

  • Collaborate with the Director and Choreographer to ensure musical alignment.

  • Adjust orchestrations and vocal arrangements as needed.

  • Conduct performances and work closely with accompanists and musicians.

Qualifications:

  • Ability to read music; proficiency in Finale or Sibelius preferred.

  • Piano skills strongly preferred.

  • Strong leadership and teaching abilities, especially with youth.

  • Experience arranging, transposing, and preparing musical scores.

3. Stage Manager

Reports to: Executive Director
Role Overview: The Stage Manager will serve as the organizational hub of the production, ensuring smooth operations during rehearsals and performances while supporting the creative team and cast.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist in running rehearsals, including setup, breakdown, and documentation.

  • Maintain rehearsal schedules, line notes, and cue sheets.

  • Oversee backstage operations during performances, ensuring smooth transitions.

  • Track props, costumes, and technical elements.

  • Support youth cast members, helping them stay organized and confident.

Qualifications:

  • Experience in stage management, preferably in youth theatre.

  • Strong organizational and communication skills.

  • Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage multiple moving parts.

  • Familiarity with basic technical theatre (lighting, sound, props) is a plus.

4. Choreographer

Reports to: Executive Director
Role Overview: The Choreographer will design and teach dance routines that align with the Director’s vision and support the musical storytelling, ensuring that all skill levels are accommodated.

Responsibilities:

  • Create choreography for all musical numbers.

  • Teach and rehearse choreography with youth cast members.

  • Collaborate with the Director and Music Director to integrate movement seamlessly.

  • Adapt choreography to fit the needs and abilities of the cast.

Qualifications:

  • Experience choreographing for musical theatre, preferably youth-focused.

  • Strong teaching skills and patience when working with young performers.

  • Creative, flexible, and collaborative approach to movement design.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • All positions are paid and rates will be determined based on experience and the number of shows contracted.

  • Fellows will also receive a certificate from the Eastern Kentucky Academy for Visual, Performing, and Literary Arts. This certificate can be used for educational credit or internship hours required by degree-granting programs.

To Apply:

Send your resume, cover letter, and two professional references to director@grackentucky.org by March 1, 2025. Applications without references and a cover letter will not be considered.