KCRep is seeking local candidates for Assistant and Associate Director positions. Applicants must reside in or have housing within Kansas City, MO, or Kansas City, KS, as travel and housing accommodations will not be provided. We strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, Global Majority, Bi-Lingual, Queer, LGBTQIA+, differently-abled, and female-identifying individuals.
Associate Director
The Associate Director position provides hands-on experience in both directing and the overall production process. The Associate Director will have various responsibilities based on their experience level and the needs of the production and director.
Responsibilities of the Associate Director:
Pre-Production Duties:
- Meet with the director early in the process to discuss:
- Production overview
- Goals and approach to the production
- The director’s expectations for the Associate Director’s responsibilities
- Collaboration between the Associate Director and Stage Manager
- Study the play and discuss interpretation and production concepts with the director, playwright (if applicable), and dramaturg (when relevant).
- Attend pre-production design meetings if invited by the director.
- Assist with auditions by taking notes and tracking casting options.
- Conduct research as requested, including historical context, playwright biography, and relevant criticism.
Duties During Rehearsals:
- Attend rehearsals as agreed upon with the director.
- Take notes and communicate regularly with the director about production progress.
- Support the director in realizing the play onstage, requiring a deep understanding of the play, characters, and setting.
- Attend design meetings as agreed upon.
- Maintain an up-to-date copy of the script and rehearsal schedule.
- Attend and manage special rehearsals, such as line-throughs or speed-throughs with understudies.
- Stand in for absent actors as needed.
- Occasionally assist with errands as assigned.
- Attend tech and dress rehearsals, as well as previews, and take notes as requested by the director.
Compensation:
- Associate Director: $1,500.
Assistant Director
The Assistant Director position is designed for individuals eager to observe and gain a deeper understanding of a director’s process. This role provides a unique opportunity to learn from an experienced director by closely watching their approach to storytelling, collaboration, and leadership throughout the production. The Assistant Director will develop insight into the creative and logistical aspects of directing by studying the rehearsal process, observing artistic decisions, and engaging with the creative team in a supportive capacity.
Responsibilities of the Assistant Director:
Pre-Production Duties:
- Meet with the director to discuss the overall vision for the production and the Assistant Director’s role as an observer.
- Read and study the script to understand the production concept and director’s approach.
- Attend pre-production design and planning meetings as invited by the director.
- Observe and assist during auditions by taking notes and tracking casting options.
- Conduct research as requested to support the director’s vision.
Duties During Rehearsals:
- Attend rehearsals as scheduled and observe the director’s process.
- Take detailed notes on the director’s approach, staging, and communication with actors and designers.
- Observe interactions between the director and the creative team to gain insight into collaboration within the production process.
- Support rehearsal needs as assigned, helping with line-throughs, or assisting with minor administrative tasks.
- Attend tech and dress rehearsals, as well as previews, to continue observing the evolution of the production.
Compensation:
- Assistant Director: $500 (responsibilities and expectations will be determined based on the candidate’s experience level, time commitment, and production needs).
If interested, please submit a resume and letter of interest to morgana.wilborn@kcrep.org.The email subject line should specify the position you are applying for: “Associate Director” or “Assistant Director.”