Position Type:
High School Teaching/Drama
Date Posted:
7/8/2026
Location:
HARDIN-JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL
Here is a comprehensive template for a
Theatre Arts Teacher / Director position in Texas.
In Texas public schools, a theatre job almost always carries two major responsibilities that unique to the state: aligning curriculum to the
Texas TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) and directing/managing the
UIL (University Interscholastic League) One-Act Play competition.
Job Description: Theatre Arts Teacher & Director
Position Title: Theatre Arts Teacher / Director (Secondary EC-12)
Reports To: Campus Principal & District Director of Fine Arts
Department: Fine Arts
Terms of Employment: 187 Days (Standard Teacher Contract) + Extracurricular Stipend
Exemption Status: Exempt
Primary Purpose
To direct, manage, and implement a comprehensive, high-quality Theatre Arts program. The ideal candidate will provide students with instructional learning experiences aligned with state standards, foster an inclusive and creative classroom environment, and oversee all extracurricular theatrical productions, including University Interscholastic League (UIL) competitions.
Major Responsibilities & Duties
1. Instructional Strategies & Classroom Environment
- Teach campus courses in Theatre Arts (Acting, Theatre History, Playwriting) and Technical Theatre (Set Design, Lighting, Sound, Costuming) aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
- Develop engaging, differentiated lesson plans that accommodate individual student differences, learning styles, and special education requirements (IEPs/504 plans).
- Maintain positive, active classroom management that ensures student safety, especially when using technical stage equipment and construction tools.
2. Production & Extracurricular Management
- Plan, coordinate, and direct all mainstage campus productions (plays, musicals, and showcases).
- Oversee all aspects of theatrical design and execution, including stage management, scenery building, lighting, sound, costumes, and props.
- Manage the selection, audition, and rehearsal processes for all student performances.
- Establish performance and academic eligibility requirements for participating students in accordance with district policies.
3. UIL & Competitive Events
- Direct and prepare students for successful participation in the UIL One-Act Play (OAP) competition, ensuring strict compliance with all state, regional, and district UIL rules.
- Coordinate student participation in alternative competitive and workshop tracks, such as the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA) and Texas Thespians festivals.
4. Department Operations & Administration
- Manage the theatre department budget, track expenditures, and oversee fundraising efforts or booster club relationships with complete fidelity.
- Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all department property, including costumes, tech equipment, scripts, and tools.
- Coordinate the schedule, safety protocols, and general logistics of the campus auditorium or Performing Arts Center (PAC).
Qualifications & Skills
Education & Certification
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university (Theatre, Fine Arts, or Education preferred).
- Valid Texas Educator Certificate in Theatre (Grades EC-12).
- Supplemental ESL (English as a Second Language) certification preferred.
Special Knowledge & Skills
- Strong working knowledge of theatrical production methodologies (acting techniques, staging, technical design, and tech safety regulations).
- Deep understanding of Texas UIL One-Act Play rules, handbook guidelines, and eligibility requirements.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills to effectively collaborate with students, administrators, parents, and community members.
- Ability to maintain emotional control under stress and manage the irregular hours inherent to production tech weeks.
Experience
- Completed student teaching or an approved alternative certification program (ACP) internship in Theatre Arts.
- Preferred: 2+ years of successful experience directing or assistant-directing high school or middle school theatre productions in Texas.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
- Tools/Equipment Used: Stage lighting boards, sound mixing consoles, basic hand/power tools for set construction, rigging systems, personal computers, and standard classroom technology.
- Posture & Motion: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing ladders, and twisting. Frequent walking across campus and stage areas.
- Lifting: Regular medium-to-heavy lifting (up to 30 50 pounds) of set pieces, flats, props, or equipment.
- Environment: Works primarily indoors in standard classrooms and dark auditorium environments; exposure to dust, stage paint fumes, and moderate-to-high noise levels during construction and rehearsals.
- Mental/Time Demands: Must maintain high emotional control under deadline-driven production stress. Requires frequent prolonged and irregular hours for after-school rehearsals, technical weekends, and evening performances.
Salary & Benefits
- Placed on the standard District Teacher Salary Schedule based on years of experience.
