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Assistant Theater Director Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Theater Director information

What does an assistant theater director do?

An Assistant Theater Director supports the main director throughout all stages of a theater production. Their responsibilities often include coordinating rehearsals, managing schedules, assisting with casting, and communicating between departments such as lighting, sound, and costumes. They may also help with script analysis, provide feedback to actors, and ensure that the director's vision is effectively communicated and executed. This role requires excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as a thorough understanding of theater production processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant theater director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Theater Director, you need a solid understanding of theater production, directing techniques, script analysis, and typically a degree in theater or related experience. Familiarity with stage management software, lighting/sound systems, and scheduling tools is often required. Excellent communication, organizational abilities, and creative problem-solving are essential soft skills in this collaborative role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring smooth rehearsals, effective team coordination, and the successful execution of artistic vision.

How does an assistant theater director typically collaborate with other members of the production team during a show?

An Assistant Theater Director works closely with the director, stage manager, designers, and cast to ensure the director’s vision is executed smoothly. They often attend rehearsals, take detailed notes, help coordinate scene changes, and communicate updates between departments. This role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt quickly to changes, as well as effective communication to support both creative and logistical aspects of a production. Collaborating with diverse team members is essential, as the Assistant Director often serves as a bridge between the director and the rest of the crew.

What is the difference between Assistant Theater Director vs Stage Manager?

AspectAssistant Theater DirectorStage Manager
CredentialsOften requires theater or arts-related degree; experience in directing or productionTypically needs theater production experience; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentCollaborates closely with director and cast during rehearsals and performancesManages daily operations on stage, cues, and technical aspects during shows
Employer & Industry UsageFound in theaters, production companies, educational institutionsCommon in theaters, touring productions, and live performance venues

The Assistant Theater Director supports the main director in rehearsals and production planning, focusing on artistic and creative aspects. In contrast, the Stage Manager handles logistical and technical coordination during performances. Both roles are essential in theater production but serve different functions within the production team.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Theater Director jobs in Delaware?

For Assistant Theater Director jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Theater Director jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Theater Director jobs in Delaware are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Assistant Theater Director jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Assistant Theater Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Theater Director job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Assistant Professor (Continuing Track) and Artistic Director, Department of Theatre and Dance

University of Delaware

Newark, DE • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Delaware rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

591st of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Assistant Professor (Continuing Track) and Artistic Director, Department of Theatre and Dance
Job no: 503242
College / VP Area: College of Arts & Sciences
Work type: Faculty
Location: Newark, DE
Categories: Theatre, Full Time
Assistant Professor (Continuing Track) and Artistic Director, Department of Theatre and Dance, College of Arts & Sciences
The University of Delaware's Department of Theatre and Dance in the College of Arts & Sciences invites applications for a full-time, continuing track (CT) Assistant Professor position. The selected candidate will serve as Artistic Director of the REP (Resident Ensemble Players), the University of Delaware's resident professional theatre company (AEA) housed within the department. Additional responsibilities will include teaching and service, and may include research, scholarship, or creative activities. The selected candidate will have a terminal degree (M.F.A. or Ph.D.) and will begin on August 16, 2026.
CT faculty are full-time, benefits-eligible faculty with renewable contracts. CT faculty with terminal degrees hold professorial rank and have a path to promotion to full professor. CT faculty are eligible for sabbaticals and may have opportunities to pursue research and creative activity, participate in shared governance, and hold academic leadership positions.
The REP is a professional theatre company whose actors, designers, and staff also contribute as part-time or full-time faculty, enriching the department's curriculum and productions. The individual in this role will report to the Department Chair and is expected to promote and administer the artistic direction of the REP in consultation with the Department Chair, collaborate closely with faculty in the department, and demonstrate a commitment to creating student opportunities within the REP.
Qualifications and Expectations
The ideal candidate is an accomplished professional with a background in theatre as a director, artist, designer, and/or scholar. Demonstrated experience serving as an artistic director and evidence of teaching are preferred.
The successful candidate will join a vibrant community of artist-teachers and scholars who provide dynamic learning experiences for a large community of students studying the performing arts in theatre and dance.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide visionary artistic and academic leadership, shaping the creative direction of the REP and advancing the department's mission.
  • Administer the artistic direction of the REP in consultation with the Department Chair, and with the Chair's approval.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to creating student opportunities within the REP, integrating the professional company's work with student learning and participation.
  • Develop and foster opportunities for guest artists to engage with students, faculty, and the wider community, enriching departmental and regional collaboration.
  • Curate and produce innovative and engaging seasons with the input of the faculty and consent of the department chair, advancing the department's artistic and educational missions.
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to expand programming and outreach.
  • Serve as a public ambassador for the REP and department, including participation in donor cultivation, fundraising events, and community partnerships.
  • Teach courses that are aligned with professional expertise, mentoring students in artistic practice and career development.
  • Provide oversight and monitoring of budgets for the REP, collaborating with the Department Chair (who holds full budget authority) to ensure expenditures align with established priorities and funding allocations.

About the REP and the Roselle Center for the Arts (CFA)
At the University of Delaware, you'll become part of a vibrant community devoted to artistic innovation, scholarly exploration, and creative collaboration. With the addition of the new BA programs in theatre and dance, the Department seeks to strengthen the connection between artistry, education, and the community.
The Roselle Center for the Arts is a state-of-the-art performing arts complex that includes a 450-seat proscenium theatre, a flexible studio space, and support spaces. It serves as the creative hub for professional productions, student and faculty work, and community engagement and is the home of the REP. Each season features a dynamic range of performances including REP, faculty, and student productions.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the largest college at the University of Delaware, comprising 22 academic departments, 2 academic centers, and 35 interdisciplinary centers, programs, and institutes across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. CAS serves every student at the University through foundational coursework, while also supporting over 7,000 undergraduate and 1,100 graduate students majoring in our disciplines. In 2024-2025, CAS conferred more than 1,400 BA and AA degrees and 460 graduate degrees.
Our community includes more than 540 full-time tenure-track and non-tenure contract faculty who are leaders in their fields, innovators in teaching, and advisors to nonprofit and governmental agencies at the local, regional, national, and international levels. Faculty emphasize the enduring value of an arts and sciences education and share a deep commitment to excellence in scholarship and all forms of creative and intellectual expression. With annual sponsored research expenditures totaling more than $40 million, including significant funding from the NIH and NSF, CAS houses several large, interdisciplinary grants and maintains outstanding research and teaching facilities that encourage innovation and collaboration.
Guided by a commitment to shared governance, CAS faculty serve as leaders in the University and College Faculty Senates. More than 380 staff members and 45 postdoctoral fellows and researchers further enrich the CAS community by providing essential support to students and academic units. CAS maintains annual operating expenditures of over $152 million and is a hub for interdisciplinary engagement, connecting students and faculty with local, national, and global communities through research, creative activity, and public service.
The University of Delaware (www.udel.edu) is one of the nation's oldest institutions of higher education, combining tradition and innovation. The University of Delaware is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or status as a protected veteran, as well as any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For the University's complete non-discrimination statement, please visit www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html.
TO APPLY: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and a detailed cover letter addressing the qualifications and expectations listed above. These documents are to be uploaded at http://www.udel.edu/careers. Questions may be addressed to the search committee chair, Professor Denise Murphy (djmurphy@udel.edu).
SALARY AND BENEFITS: Compensation packages are highly competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The UD benefits package is one of the best in the nation.
Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.
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