Summary
Description
Artistic Director
Performing Arts Academy of Colorado (PAA)
Location: Highlands Ranch, CO
About PAA
The Performing Arts Academy of Colorado (PAA) is a premier youth theater organization serving more than 2,000 students each year. Through accessible classes, summer camps, and theatrical productions, PAA promotes both artistic and personal growth for diverse youth. Our mission is to create community, build character, and inspire excellence through comprehensive performing arts education.
Position Summary
The Artistic Director is the chief artistic leader of the Performing Arts Academy of Colorado (PAA), driving the creative vision, programmatic strategy, and quality standards for all theatrical programming. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this pivotal leader provides overarching direction for PAA’s productions, ensuring rigorous artistic excellence while maintaining deep alignment with the Academy’s educational mission and values.
The Artistic Director inspires students, faculty, and the broader community through an innovative approach to youth theater. This leader champions diverse populations and is deeply passionate about mentoring and cultivating mission-based values to the next generation of performing artists and theater-makers.
Key Responsibilities
Artistic Vision & Programming
- Develop, articulate and coordinate a compelling artistic vision that aligns with PAA’s mission and values.
- Curate, schedule and oversee 20+ productions throughout the year for upper elementary through high school students including play/musical selection, casting, and artistic staffing.
- Collaborate with the Production Manager on scheduling, budget and all production programming.
- Work together with the Operations Manager to plan rehearsal spaces and build schedules.
- Collaborate with Education and Outreach Manager to ensure consistent program alignment across all ages.
- Ensure programming reflects a diversity of voices, stories, and artistic practices that engage and inspire students of all backgrounds.
- Maintain high standards of artistic quality across all performances while engaging educational principles and deliverables.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Serve as a member of the leadership team, collaborating closely with all members of the team
- Hire, supervise, and mentor directors, music directors choreographers, and other artistic support personnel.
- Inspire and lead staff, faculty and volunteers to achieve excellence and uphold PAA’s values of creativity, confidence, and community.
- Foster and advocate a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation within the artistic and production teams.
Community Engagement
- Act as an ambassador for PAA in the broader arts and education communities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with students, families, artists, and community partners.
- Represent PAA publicly at performances, events, and community functions.
Administrative & Fiscal Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and staff to align artistic programming with organizational goals and financial sustainability.
- Develop and manage artistic budgets in coordination with production staff.
- Support fundraising efforts by engaging donors, participating in cultivation events, and contributing to grant proposals when appropriate.
Qualifications
- Significant experience in theater direction, production, or artistic leadership, preferably in youth or educational theater.
- Strong understanding of theater for young audiences, youth development, and arts education best practices.
- Proven ability to manage, inspire, mentor, and lead diverse artistic teams and staff members.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the arts.
- Bachelor’s degree in theater, performing arts, or related field required; advanced degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: Exempt Full Time – Salary Range is $60,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, 401K plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
Background checks are performed on all hired employees.
Please note, due to the volume of applications, we will contact only those selected for an interview.
