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Dakota Stage is seeking creative, skilled, committed and independently motivated individuals to direct and stage manage for our upcoming 2026 Shade Tree season!  Previous experience with children’s theatre and/or education is preferred, but all applicants will be considered.

Directors will work closely with a Stage Manager, technical crew, and Artistic Director to develop and implement an overall artistic vision, schedule and maintain fun, educational and productive rehearsals, work with young actors on developing acting skills such as character development, stage presence and vocal projection, work with the Artistic Director and volunteers to create a set, props or costumes using DSL’s available materials, responsibly manage a minimal technical budget, involve families in creating production aspects such as sets and props, and oversee a production process while taking an active role in promoting their show, to ensure artistic and educational excellence and overall success of their assigned production.

Music Directors will oversee music placement, vocal arrangements and music education/vocal development for a production, and work closely with the director to accomplish the Director’s overall artistic vision.  This position requires the ability to read music and play multiple vocal parts on the piano (though not necessarily full piano accompaniment), as well as the ability to navigate accompaniment tracks and instruct actors on how to follow them. Music Directors must be versatile, and must work cohesively with Directors on a variety of vocal arrangements, from solos to large company numbers, or may be asked to incorporate their own minimal creative movement.

Stage Managers will assist directors throughout the production process, as well as manage a stage crew. They are responsible for taking rehearsal notes, assisting the Director with tasks as the Director needs, submitting program information to an admin assistant, developing and implementing stage crew responsibilities, setting the stage, and running dress rehearsals and performances from either backstage or booth.

All Directors and Stage Managers must be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills with each other, their participants’ families, Shade Tree Parent Liaison and Dakota Stage staff, as well as be adaptable and maintain professionalism and leadership in challenging situations.

These positions receive a stipend upon satisfactory completion of their production. Dakota Stage is actively interested in developing and mentoring new and emerging theatre artists!

How to Apply

Interested individuals should submit a request for consideration, with a brief resume of any relevant education and experience in theatre with a particular focus on directing and/or stage management, and a statement describing interest, expertise, and artistic ideas for these particular productions. Conservatory Directors must have 2 years of experience directing at the Academy level. Please include your availability for any of the productions below. **Consideration may not be given to applicants who have conflicts with auditions, rehearsals or performances.

Application Deadline

February 20, 2026

Shade Tree 2026 Production Dates

Conservatory Auditions (Required for all Conservatory staff):

March 8, 2026
March 13, 2026
March 22, 2026

Academy Play:  Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook!

Session A Rehearsals: May 26-June 24, 9am-12pm (M-F)
Session A Performances: June 25-27, 7pm, June 28, 2pm
Session B Rehearsals:  June 1-July 8, 1-4pm (M-TH)
Session B Performances: July 9-11, 7pm, July 12, 2pm

Academy Musical: Rock Bottom

Session A Rehearsals: June 15-July 22, 9am-12pm (M-TH)
Session A Performances: July 23-25, 7pm, July 26, 2pm
Session B Rehearsals:  June 22-July 29, 1-4pm (M-TH)
Session B Performances: July 30-Aug 1, 7pm, August 2, 2pm

Conservatory Musical: Beetlejuice, Jr.

Rehearsals: June 1-July 14, 4:30-8:30pm (M-TH)
Performances: July 15-18, 7pm, July 19, 2pm

Conservatory Play: A Wrinkle in Time

Rehearsals:  June 22-Aug 4, 1-5pm (M-TH)
Performances: August 5-8, 7pm, August 9, 2pm

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