Theater Department Head (Summer Camp Management)

Camp Tapawingo is a traditional, all-girls summer camp in Sweden, Maine. Our 200 acres of woods, fields and sandy beaches overlook Mt. Washington and the White Mountains in the Lakes Region of Maine. Each summer, over 100 staff members come from all over the world to teach new skills, grow campers, and make lifelong friends. As a Department Head, you will live in your own room in our Main Lodge and oversee 4-10 staff members in a Department Area (Theater). You'll train and schedule college-aged staff, give formal bi-weekly feedback on staff performance, and help develop and improve the program area throughout the summer. You'll direct bunk shows with a group of Theater Staff (ranging from 30 minutes to full length shows depending on the age groups).

Theater Department Head

Minimum Qualifications

• 21 years of age or older with a four year degree in theater or related field, or equivalent experience 
• Experience teaching children in acting and directing children’s theatre productions, including technical aspects of productions
• Ability to supervise staff, manage camper schedules, organize all-camp programming, and order supplies and equipment
• Ability to train staff in, and provide, theater education
• Good character, integrity, and ability to adapt to a camp setting 
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision
• Ability to maintain self-control, be flexible, and display a sense of humor and enthusiasm

Responsible To

• A designated member of the Leadership Team

General Responsibilities*

• Plan, organize, and supervise camp's theater program
• Foster campers’ development of theater skills
• Empower young girls to take responsible risks 

Pre-Camp Responsibilities*

• With the theater counselor team, set up the theater department
• Organize the bunk show schedule for the season
• Teach theater counselors about their responsibilities
• Test any equipment for functionality and safety; discuss and practice all emergency and safety procedures with theater counselors
• In consultation with a member of the Leadership Team, review the schedule for camper participation
• In consultation with the Arts and Crafts Department Head, coordinate the theater stagecraft curriculum with the arts curriculum

Season Responsibilities*

• Assign theater counselors to the appropriate skill level activities with campers
• Teach theater program activities
• Oversee proper use of equipment and report needed repairs or replacement needs to the Director immediately
• Confer with, and provide guidance to, theater counselors on teaching techniques and strategies
• Keep records on children's participation and attendance
• Complete bi-weekly evaluations on each counselor teaching in the program
• Attend daily scheduling meetings 
• Work with the Department Head team to plan evening activities, rainy day programming, and special Sunday events

End of Season Responsibilities*

• Work with your team of theater counselors to complete reports on each campers progress and accomplishments
• Update the departmental report with information on the season (program set up, training, daily scheduling, programming, inventory, recommendations, and equipment needs)
• Work with your team to take down the theater area and pack/store all materials and equipment

Essential Functions

• Ability to enforce appropriate safety and program procedures
• Ability to use appropriate behavior management techniques when necessary 
• Ability to plan and conduct activities to achieve program goals for campers and counselors
• Ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring emergency procedures
• Ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activities
• Ability to lift and move equipment and supplies to maintain operation of the program

Pay & Benefits

• Salary varies based on experience
• Room and board provided
• Uniform, linens, towels and laundry provided
• Reduced tuition for your daughter provided
• Partial travel reimbursement provided
• Access to full camp facilities for personal enjoyment provided

*These are not the only duties to be performed.  Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be assigned as required.