Program Director - Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater

Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater, founded in 1975 and based in Middletown, Connecticut, is committed to youth development and social justice through the performing arts. Through after-school programs, productions, residencies, neighborhood troupes, and community events over 1500 young people are engaged annually in a broad spectrum of arts and community-building activities.

We believe that access to high-quality arts experiences is a fundamental right. Throughout its history, Oddfellows has remained committed to artistic excellence and social change. The Playhouse’s mission has three parts: 1) an artistic dimension to provide high-quality theater by and for young people; 2) an educational dimension to promote the growth of young people--in skills, knowledge, and self-confidence--through the performing arts; and 3) a social action dimension to offer opportunities especially to underserved and at-risk youngsters to promote the development of a genuinely multiracial, multicultural society. Individual Playhouse programs must address at least one of these broad goals; Playhouse activities as a whole must address all three.

The Program Director is responsible for overseeing day to day programming for Oddfellows Playhouse. Programs include afterschool & Saturday classes, 3 – 4 mainstage productions each season, the Summer Children’s Circus of Middletown, Neighborhood-based Troupes, and partnerships and contracts with other organizations, including the Connecticut Office of the Arts, the Middletown Arts and Culture Office, the Middletown Public Schools and the YMCA. This position reports directly to the Executive Artistic Director, and works with all staff, contracted artists, interns and volunteers to realize the vision of the organization.



As 1 of 3 full-time positions at the Playhouse, the Program Director is central to putting our mission into practice and steering the organization into the future.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Arts Education:

Supervising curriculum and programs throughout the year.

Planning and developing programs in consultation with the Artistic Director, Managing Director, teaching staff, and Program committee.

Teaching/directing and/or designing productions and programs across age-groups.

Continuing your own professional development and growth



Communications:

Ensure clear, consistent communications to families and participants.

Marketing of programs & productions.

Lead Recruitment & Outreach efforts for all programs.

Ensure that website and social media are up-to-date and active.



Program Administration:

Maintain building use schedule and schedule of off-site and contracted activities.

In partnership with Artistic and Managing Director, contract & supervise Teaching Artists, Directors, Designers and other staff for all programs.

Ensure consistent implementation & evaluation of all programs, and maintain records of all programs.

Recruit & Manage work-study teaching assistants, interns & program volunteers.

Coordinate with Middletown bus company (DATTCO) on after school bussing to OP.

Coordinate orientation and training for teaching artists and other after-school staff.

Coordinate programming for the Artist’s Hub, a partnership with the CT Office of the Arts to provide resources to teaching artists in the State.



Organizational:

Help maintain the building/spaces in a neat, organized & fun state.

Assist with Special Events and productions as needed.

Support Board Committees as needed.

Contribute to planning & implementation of new programs.



The ideal candidate:

*Has an attention to detail coupled with an ability to see the big picture.

*Is completely reliable.

*Communicates clearly and compassionately with families, students and staff.

*Understands the unique attributes of teaching performing arts.

*Finds joy in nurturing an environment that is creative, fun and safe.

*Has administrative skills and understands current technology like Google Drive etc.

*Has experience as a teacher and an artistic practice and training in the performing arts.

*Ideally, has run successful theater education programs and has management experience.

*Is comfortable maintaining safety protocols and managing children’s behavior.

*Enjoys working in a fluid, diverse environment.

*Is imaginative, self-motivated and expressive of your opinions.

*Has a positive attitude and will represent the organization well.

*Is committed to social justice and believes that access to high-quality arts experiences and training should be available to everyone.



People of color are encouraged to apply. Spanish a plus.

Must be available to work by August 30, 2021.

Oddfellows Playhouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Playhouse will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Please send a cover letter and resume to info@oddfellows.org by July 15.

Full-Time position: General hours are 10am-6pm, with some nights and weekends when needed and during productions and events. Starting salary $45000 plus HRA Health Benefit.



www.oddfellows.org




Salary: $45,000