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Theatre Directing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eastern University

Adjunct, Theatre

PA · On-site

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 ...

Eastern University

Adjunct Instructors of Theatre

PA · On-site

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, ...

Waco ISD

Theater - Director

Waco, TX

Job Title: Theatre Arts - HS Wage/Hour Status: Exempt/Contracted Reports To: Principal/Fine Arts ... Assume responsibility for directing plays, scenes and performances, along with any extracurricular ...

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How much do theatre directing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for theatre directing in the United States is $25.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.
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Theatre Directing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theatre Directing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,771 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Theatre Director / Temporary Assignment

Theatre Director / Temporary Assignment

Chapman University

Orange, CA

$46.85/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 536 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Theatre Director / Temporary Assignment Position Type Temporary Job Number SA80624 Full or Part Time part-time 0-19 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Non-Exempt Anticipated Pay Range $46.85 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Under the supervision of the CoPA Production Manager, the stage director sets the vision for the production for everyone involved. The stage director will interpret the script, collaborate in casting the production and with designers for aesthetic and artistic decisions, plan and lead acting/blocking rehearsals, and generally guide the actors in their work during rehearsals.
The director will be expected to do many careful readings of the script, from which they will provide a detailed study and analysis of the script to be produced, including an individual vision of the playwright's intentions, which will form the core of his or her interpretation. The director's choices will be vetted by CoPA Production Management for feasibility and Department Chair/Artistic Director for the artistic content. The Dean of CoPA retains the final say in production matters.
Responsibilities
DIRECTING/REHEARSING
  • Follow the CoPA Production SOPs
  • Adhere to all legal and copyright laws
  • Collaborate with CoPA Artistic Operations Manager and Chair of Theatre to audition and select the cast
  • Collaborate with all designers
  • Collaborate with the musical director, choreographer, and video director as needed
  • Supervise the Student Stage Manager and Student Assistant Director (if one is assigned), delegating notes and identifying needs
  • Rehearse the actors, giving notes and direction as needed
  • Participate in technical and dress rehearsals, and collaborate with Technical Director, Staff, and Crew

ATTEND PRODUCTION MEETINGS
  • Provide progress reports on acting/blocking rehearsals and request production needs
  • Give guiding input to artistic team to maintain vision
  • Schedule and lead "side-bar" meetings with designers, other artistic staff, and CoPA production staff to keep aesthetic choices and plans on track and on time
  • Attend Paper Tech
  • Attend Post-Mortem
  • Planning
  • Read the script thoroughly, culminating in an artistic vision
  • Create a rehearsal schedule with the SM, and submit to CoPA Production Management for review and input into scheduling

This position will be the instructor on record for the student actors associated with the assigned show. This position will transfer from a staff position to a faculty contract at the start of the academic term. The rate and terms will remain the same at the time of that transfer.
Required Qualifications
  • A degree in theatre directing or demonstrated relevant experience
  • Ability to clearly and cogently express a cohesive artistic vision based on an intentional interpretation of the script
Desired Qualifications
  • Exerience directing in a college or university setting
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position will be the instructor on record for the student actors associated with the assigned show. This position will transfer from a staff position to a faculty contract at the start of the academic term. The rate and terms will remain the same at the time of that transfer.
Work schedule changes from project to project requiring flexibility to facilitate productions including nights, weekends, and occasionally, holidays.
Some evening and weekend work hours.
Work location varies depending on Production Management work assignments.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Minimum Number of References Maximum Number of References

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