Director, The Alden's 2026 Youth Production

Director, The Alden’s 2026 Youth Production

Posted On : October 23, 2025

Location : 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean VA 22101

“The Wizard of Oz” adapted by Erin Detrick, produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. When Dorothy drops into the Land of Oz, only one thing is certain : she’s got to find a way back to Kansas. A funny and fast-paced journey down the yellow brick road ensues, as Dorothy and her new friends travel to the fabled Emerald City to meet the Great Oz. When Oz demands a steep price for sending her home, a perilous new adventure begins. This imaginative adaptation captures the heart of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale.

Auditions : Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 13 and 14, 7-9 p.m.

Call Backs : Thursday, Jan. 15, 7-9 p.m.

Rehearsals : Tuesday – Thursday 7-9 p.m. February and March.

Performances : Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22, 2 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Conduct auditions & callbacks at the scheduled times by gathering sides and leading theatre games with participants. With Alden staff, cast the show.
• Attend all scheduled production meetings and provide artistic direction to all tech staff involved. A production budget will be provided, and all direction should be made with the budget in mind.
• Communicate ideas, any changes for production with Alden Staff, tech director and designers and meet scheduled deadlines for providing tech information to staff and tech director.
• Rehearse actors age 10-16 at scheduled rehearsal times. (January – March) and provide notes / prep activities at tech rehearsals and shows (safety issues only). Make any necessary modifications for youth actor skill level.
• Maintain a positive and safe class environment that reinforces basic theatre etiquette and training including, but not limited to, responding to cues like “hold”, turning out to the audience, silent “backstage”, taking turns, listening to others in the group, and taking notes from the Director.
• Prepare the participants for a adhere to the regulations and rules for the Alden Theatre and the Mclean Community Center.
• When necessary, assist the Alden Staff by enforcing the scheduling needs with parents and cast members.
• Work with The Alden staff to plan accessibility modifications for cast members.
• Provide direct supervision to participants to ensure safety, while promoting a thoughtful, encouraging and fun environment.
• Communicate with The Alden Staff immediately if there are any issues pertaining to participant behavior.
• All programs include pre-session planning. Necessary notes, schedule or instruction should be emailed to participants and Youth Theatre Program Director in a timely manner.
• Participants may also require the Director to occasionally arrive early or stay later than scheduled to provide individual coaching or small group discussions.
• Occasional planning meetings with show producers that may necessitate program changes for the remaining rehearsals. When necessary, assist The Alden Staff in communicating program details to the participants.

Minimum Qualifications

Special Requirements

The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and a check of the Child Protective Services Registry to the satisfaction of the employer.

Working Conditions

Compensation

Temp / Seasonal position from approximately mid-October through the end of the performance. Paid at an hourly rate of $29-$35, commiserate with experience. Hours include all required meeting and rehearsal time as well as some prep time.

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