Musical Director of Performing Arts Summer Camp

Company Overview

Established in 1981, The Centre In The Square Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation and registered charity dedicated to leading Kitchener-Waterloo Region premier live destination. With over 140 annual events, Centre In The Square showcases top local, national, and international talent, enriching the cultural and entertainment landscape with live performances of all genres. Located in Downtown Kitchener, the performing arts centre is a cultural hub that also houses the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery and partners with local groups like the Grand Philharmonic Choir. Emphasizing on multidisciplinary programming and accessibility, Centre In The Square offers diverse artistic experiences for all ages, supporting artists and major national and international touring productions with state-of-the-art facilities and technical expertise.

Job Description

Job Summary

We are looking for a Musical Director who is creative, organized and adaptable to oversee and manage all the musical elements of the Centre In The Square’s Summer Camp. Under the direction of the Camp Director, the Musical Director (MD) will oversee the musical program requirements during the planning and program delivery for the eight-to-ten-week Summer Camp programs which culminate with a fully staged musical theatre production at the end of each session. Through strategic programming choices, the MD will enable children and youth to develop skills, make friends, socialize and build self-esteem. Accountable for day-to-day operations as they relate to the position for all camp programming operations while ensuring camp activities are safe, inclusive and high quality.

The MD will assist the Camp Director to oversee program delivery with approximately 40 staff including Program Supervisors, Counsellors and Volunteers.

Detailed Job Description

·       In conjunction with the overall program objectives outlined by the Camp Director, the Musical Director will design and implement a detailed program outline as it relates to all the musical programming of camp; including preparation of musical tracks and lyrics, outlines of vocal warmups, and learning outcomes for campers and staff for Kinder Camp, Junior Stars, and CentreStage camps.

·       Participates in orientation and training sessions, supporting the Director Team and where necessary. The Musical Director will be required to develop team training as it relates to the music components for camp programs

·       Deliver daily camp programming and teaching of musical elements for campers in Junior Stars and CentreStage, as well as overseeing the musical elements of Kinder Camp

·       Work with Director team to create a costume, prop and set list that considers how to elevate the final performance

·       Prioritizes child well-being, safety and protection throughout the program. Evaluates situations for potentials risks to the safety, protections and well-being of campers and staff, pro-actively taking mitigating actions to address such risks

·       Ensures supervision of campers at all times to provide a safe and enjoyable experience by being mindful of camp attendance, ratios, and by adhering to Centre In The Square’s Camp policies and procedures.

·       Work with team of Camp Supervisors and Counsellors as well as Director Team to effectively and in a timely manner communicate in regards to all aspects related to facilities, staffing, participants, equipment, supplies or anything that would impact the quality and safe delivery of day to day operations

·       Coaches and provides daily direction/feedback to Camp Supervisors, Counsellors, and Volunteers, ensuring the program goals are met

·       Assists in the writing and delivery of mid and final staff evaluations for the Camp Supervisors and Counsellors of Junior Stars and CentreStage camps.

·       Foster a positive learning environment where people feel included as members of a team and are motivated to work towards common goals

·       Ensures programming is inclusive and that program adaptations are considerate of camper needs, health and safety and Centre In The Square camp policies and procedures

·       Support and participate in technical and dress rehearsals and final performances that will include all camp participants (excluding Kinder Camp)

·       As required, support the Camp Director in the creation of technical needs and rehearsal schedules

·       Reports all incidents promptly and thoroughly to the theatre using incident/accident report forms and records, including registration information, permission and waiver forms and timesheets

·       Serves as a liaison with parents, reinforcing Centre In The Square’s customer service, diversity and inclusion (special needs, ethno-cultural, English as second language, socio-economic)

·       Provide feedback and future recommendations to the Theatre upon conclusion of the camp