Elevate Co-Director

The Elevate Theatre Artistic Director is responsible for leading and overseeing all artistic and production elements involved in preparing adults with disabilities for a full-length musical theatre production. The Artistic Director guides the overall creative vision of the production through script analysis, casting, staging, character development, and artistic interpretation while fostering a supportive and engaging rehearsal environment for performers of varying levels of independence. Working collaboratively with the choreographer, music director, assistant director, and technical director, the Artistic Director helps participants develop skills in acting, music, choreography, memorization, blocking, and performance while ensuring each production reflects both artistic excellence and meaningful participant growth.

In addition to directing rehearsals and performances, the Artistic Director coordinates major aspects of production planning including licensing, rehearsal scheduling, production meetings, marketing collaboration, technical preparation, venue communication, and coordination of sets, props, costumes, and backstage operations. Weekly classes are held Saturdays from 9:00-11:30 AM, with additional paid preparation time throughout the week (up to 20 hours per week) dedicated to meetings, production planning, communication, and artistic development. Hours increase during the spring production season as rehearsals, technical week, and performances intensify. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong leadership in theatre arts education, experience working with adults with disabilities, knowledge of technical theatre production, and the ability to collaborate effectively with creative staff, volunteers, parents, and Tanner Dance administration. A passion for arts programming and musical theatre performance is essential.

The Artistic Director is responsible for leading and facilitating a four-day summer camp where auditions and casting for the annual production take place. Weekly Saturday rehearsals begin in August and continue through April, with the program observing the same holidays and academic breaks as the University of Utah academic calendar.