Middle School Play Director

New York, NY

The Browning School is a K-12 boys school located on 62nd Street in midtown Manhattan, New York. Founded by scholar and teacher John A. Browning, The Browning School has been a leader in fostering the intellectual and personal growth of boys and young men since 1888. Serving roughly 400 students in kindergarten through grade 12, Browning strives to combine the best of a traditional prep school environment and curriculum with imaginative teaching and a strong value system – all in a single-sex setting.

MISSION STATEMENT AND VALUES

The Browning School fosters growth of courageous and compassionate men of intellect and integrity who aspire to contribute meaningfully to our world.

The Browning gentleman develops amid a community that upholds these values…

HONESTY
We speak the truth, act with integrity, and take responsibility for our actions.

DIGNITY
We honor and celebrate the dignity of all people and support the power of a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community.

CURIOSITY
We encourage and celebrate open-minded inquiry about our world and the perspectives of those around us.

PURPOSE
We believe that education encourages exploration and discovery in pursuit of meaning and enduring fulfillment.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

The Browning School strives to create a diverse community in which all members are safe, respected and valued. We believe that in actively promoting a diverse learning environment, we are fostering intellectual, social, and emotional growth for all. Recognizing and pursuing diversity, however, are not enough; we seek to transcend mere tolerance of differences and aspire to a celebration of the varied appearances, abilities, perspectives, and values that characterize our community.

BROWNING PHILOSOPHY OF LEARNING

Boys come to Browning to be known, challenged, and inspired.  When a boy’s capacities and aspirations are known and understood by his teachers, that boy can be guided, year after year, to take increasing ownership of his learning.  He will develop the disposition not only to respond to others’ questions, but also the ability to craft questions of his own, questions that will drive his class’s process of inquiry.  Through this activity, the boys are likewise challenged to ask similar searching questions of themselves.  It is through this questioning that they come to understand their identities as intellectual and moral agents, and recognize the opportunities they have to develop and refine their senses of self and character.  In reflecting upon the bigger, essential questions that arise from their self-examination and academic work alike, Browning boys are inspired to seek a deeper level of understanding and to build a sense of purpose that will engage their passions and skills in the service of the world beyond themselves.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Browning is seeking an experienced drama educator to direct our Middle School Shakespeare play this spring. This teacher will work with the English Department Chair to choose one of Shakespeare’s plays, plan the rehearsal process, and then work with the cast (15-25 students depending on the play chosen) and a team of designers to bring that production to the stage, culminating in three performances with a 7 p.m. curtain on May 7, 8, 9. The expected annual salary range for this position is $8,000-10,000, commensurate with experience. A bachelor’s degree or considerable experience in the role is required. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Work with the English Department Chair to choose and edit one of Shakespeare’s plays during the winter and spring of 2025.
2. Hold auditions and cast the play with students in grades 5-8 from both; coordinate with the Brearley School to recruit additional cast members.
3. Develop and implement an educational and inspiring rehearsal process that gives students a deep appreciation of the language, an opportunity for creative  expression, and a profoundly collaborative experience. 
4. Create a rehearsal schedule that meets from 3:30-5pm on weekdays from February to May, taking into account the students’ other commitments. 
5. Direct and produce a full production with approximate run time of 70-80 minutes. 
6. Manage a production budget of $11,000. 
7. Hire and supervise a team of designers (lighting, set, costume), choreographer, and musicians.
8. Coordinate with the Browning administration on various logistical, communication, and financial arrangements. 
9. Create strong relationships with students built on Browning’s core values of honesty, dignity, curiosity, and purpose.
10. Communicate with families about rehearsals, the production, and student matters.
11. Collaborate as a professional, collegial, and inspirational member of the school. 

Key Competencies

In general, successful members of the Browning faculty are: 

• Champions of boys -- They believe in and love the expansive potential in boys. 
• Relationship-oriented -- They actively build meaningful relationships with students and families.
• Purpose-driven -- They are inquiry-minded, curious and resourceful in finding solutions and growth opportunities.
• Justice-seeking -- They seek to address students and their needs with an equity-oriented and antiracist lens and engage in the deep work of equity in the classroom and school community.
• Can-do collaborators -- They seek collaboration and listen deeply to others, and they believe that a can-do attitude allows a team to accomplish more.

Those interested in the position should address their résumé and cover letter to Lydon Vonnegut, English Department Chair,, and submit their application via this link.