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Theatre Directing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adjunct Instructors of Theatre

PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Musical Theatre * Directing/Dramaturgy * Playwriting * Performance * Tech Theatre and Design Qualifications * Education: A minimum of a Master's Degree (M.A. or M.F.A.) or a Ph.D. in Theatre, ...

Adjunct, Theatre

PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In addition to teaching foundational acting, The Department of Theatre would be interested in expertise to teach in other areas, including Musical Theatre, Directing, Playwriting, Cultural Diversity ...

Showing results 21-40

Theatre Directing information

What is theatre directing?

Theatre directing is the process of leading and shaping a theatrical production. A theatre director interprets the script, guides the actors’ performances, collaborates with designers, and oversees the overall vision of the show. Directors make creative decisions about staging, pacing, and visual style, ensuring that all elements work together to deliver a cohesive performance. Their role is essential in bringing a playwright's script to life on stage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a theatre director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Theatre Director, a deep understanding of dramatic theory, stagecraft, and production management is typically required, often supported by a degree in theatre or extensive experience in performing arts. Familiarity with lighting and sound design systems, script analysis software, and rehearsal management tools is crucial. Strong leadership, creative vision, and excellent communication skills help a director inspire cast and crew and resolve challenges throughout the production process. These abilities ensure cohesive artistic direction, effective collaboration, and a compelling theatrical experience for audiences.

What are some common challenges faced by theatre directors during the production process?

Theatre directors often encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with practical constraints like budget, time, and available resources. Coordinating and communicating effectively with a diverse team—including actors, designers, stage managers, and technical crew—can also be complex, requiring strong leadership and adaptability. Additionally, directors must navigate the process of interpreting scripts, making artistic decisions, and ensuring that the final production resonates with both cast and audience. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming unexpected obstacles that arise during rehearsals and performances.

What is the difference between Theatre Directing vs Theatre Producing?

AspectTheatre DirectingTheatre Producing
Primary RoleOversees artistic vision and actor performancesManages overall production, budgeting, and logistics
Required SkillsCreative vision, leadership, communicationProject management, budgeting, organization
Work EnvironmentTheatre stage, rehearsal spacesOffice, theatre management offices
Industry UsageFocuses on artistic directionFocuses on production management

While both roles are essential in theatre productions, theatre directing primarily focuses on the artistic and performance aspects, guiding actors and shaping the creative vision. Theatre producing involves managing the business side, including budgeting, scheduling, and overall production logistics. Understanding these differences helps aspiring professionals choose their career path in theatre.

More about Theatre Directing jobs

What cities are hiring for Theatre Directing jobs?

Cities with the most Theatre Directing job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Theatre Directing jobs?

The most popular types of Theatre Directing jobs are:

What states have the most Theatre Directing jobs?

States with the most job openings for Theatre Directing jobs include:

Infographic showing various Theatre Directing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Theatre Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Theatre and Dance

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$5.6K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description
In addition to its regular, full-time faculty, Columbia College Chicago hires scholars, creative professionals and other industry-experienced Adjunct Faculty to teach courses on a part-time basis. These positions are not available every semester and are contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding.
Qualifications
T o be qualified to teach at the college, candidates must possess a degree at least one level above the level at which they teach, with a terminal degree in the relevant discipline as the preferred credential. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In occasional cases, demonstrated currency in a specialized discipline and a sustained history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree.
The School of Theatre and Dance offers courses in disciplines including Acting, Comedy Writing and Performance, Dance, Musical Theatre, Theatre History and Analysis, Theatre Design and Technology, Devising and Collaborative Performance, Hip-Hop Studies, Playwriting, Stage Combat, and Theatre Directing.
Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references. Further materials, such as official transcripts sent from the degree-granting institution, may be requested at a later date.
Entry level compensation rate for teaching one 3-credit course as of Fall 2026 is $5,635.00. Compensation for courses that carry fewer or more than three credits will be prorated down or up accordingly.
At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.
Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college's mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty.
We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information, please visit: colum.edu/academic-access-and-excellence.
Additional Information:
  • Position subject to a background screening.
  • This is a union position.
  • This position is overtime ineligible.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.