TITLE: HS Assistant Drama Director

POSTION TYPE: INST

STIPEND AMOUNT: $3585.00 full year or $1792.50 semester

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS: 

Required:

1. Musical or theatrical production skills substantiated by training and/or work experience.
2. Knowledge of the facilities and the maintenance of technical crew work and demands.
3. Technical work - sewing, construction, painting, computer skills.
4. Ability to establish working relationships with co-workers and function as part of a cohesive team.
5. Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills. 

Desired:

1. Degree in field of theater (technical production or performance) 

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Drama Assistant supports the head drama director in carrying out the tasks related to maintaining a high school drama program. Including, assisting with musical and theatrical productions including but not limited to: lighting design, set construction, costuming, rehearsing and providing direction under the leadership of the head director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Support the head director to build and maintain a successful drama program.
2. Teach performance techniques, including but not limited to: acting, improvisation, style and staging.
3. Assist with rehearsals, set production, or tech elements as directed.
4. Supervise and help students design the area of tech theatre for the needs of the production.
5. Supervise the operation of all lighting and electrical sound equipment for all theatrical performances.
6. Assist with registration of events, securing of performance rights and filling ballots for each event.
7. Select materials and students appropriate for the IHSSA or Thespian Festival IE’s.
8. Foster leadership with the designated crew heads and student leaders.
9. Keep accurate attendance records and assessment results.
10. Ensure that all theatre equipment is in good condition and make arrangements for repair, if needed.
11. Assist the director to coordinate efforts of parents to assist with publicity, program ad sales, costumes, etc.
12. Submit reports and activity checklists to building and district administration as requested.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

1. Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.

2. Maintain confidentiality.

3. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.

4. Assist with other duties as may be assigned

DEPARTMENT: Activities Department

REPORTS TO: Activities Director

EVALUATES: N/A 

BARGAINING GROUP: N/A

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

FT/PT: Part time 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, pulling, pushing, climbing, stairs

WORKING CONDITIONS: Inside

The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.  If you have questions, concerns or a complaint related to this policy, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 901 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309; phone: 515-242-7709; email: carol.wynngreen@dmschools.org. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121, or Region VII Office for Civil Rights, Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661-4544.

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check.  Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check. 

Approved By: Lillie Noland

Date: 5/28/2026