Youth Theatre Music Director
Champaign Park District – Part-Time 2 (hours not to exceed 19 per week), Non-Exempt
About the Job:
Bring music, theatre, and creativity together while helping young performers ages 8–18 discover their confidence and talent! The Youth Theatre Music Director leads music instruction and supports the youth theatre productions each year, creating engaging and age-appropriate musical experiences from rehearsals through live performances. Working closely with the Theatre Director and Youth Theatre team, you’ll shape the musical vision of each production while fostering a positive, inclusive environment where young people can grow.
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Plan, organize, and lead music for assigned Youth Theatre productions.
- Teach and interpret musical material appropriate to each production, age group, and performer ability.
- Lead vocal and instrumental rehearsals and provide individual and group coaching in vocal technique, musicianship, and stage presence.
- Accompany rehearsals and performances on piano or other approved instruments.
- Conduct a small pit band or orchestra as needed.
- Select and adapt musical scores to support the production’s theme and artistic vision.
- Collaborate with the Theatre Director on casting, production meetings, and overall artistic cohesion.
- Train and supervise volunteers assisting with music-related activities.
- Provide constructive feedback that helps young performers develop their skills and confidence.
- Communicate rehearsal schedules and important production information to parents and guardians.
- Maintain accurate program records and communicate participant progress to appropriate staff.
- Help promote productions through community appearances, including live television or radio opportunities.
- Serve as Tack Master during productions.
- Maintain a clean, safe, welcoming, and inclusive rehearsal and performance environment.
- Follow all Park District policies and procedures related to youth programming, safety, equal opportunity, and harassment prevention.
- Attend required meetings and complete other duties as assigned.
Why Work With Us?
This is an opportunity to combine your passion for music and theatre with your interest in working with young people. You’ll gain valuable experience in musical direction, youth instruction, live performance, production collaboration, and recreational programming while helping performers build creativity, confidence, teamwork, and stage skills. You’ll also work alongside an experienced Park District team and contribute to productions that create meaningful experiences for youth and families in the community.
Benefits Summary:
As a Part-Time 2, Non-Exempt employee, this position is eligible for benefits provided by the Champaign Park District in accordance with applicable Park District policies and eligibility requirements. Training required for the position may be provided by the Park District, including CPR, AED and First Aid, Heads Up Concussion, mandated reporter, harassment prevention, bloodborne pathogen, recreation software, driver, and facility training.
About the Champaign Park District:
The Champaign Park District’s mission is to enhance our community’s quality of life through positive experiences in parks, recreation, and cultural arts. With 62 parks spanning more than 700 acres and 14 facilities offering diverse recreational opportunities, we provide spaces and programs that bring people together, inspire healthy living, and celebrate creativity.
Who This Position Is Ideal For:
This role is a great fit for a creative, enthusiastic music professional who enjoys working with children and teens and thrives in a collaborative theatre environment. The ideal candidate has experience teaching music and theatre, is comfortable directing vocal and instrumental rehearsals, and can adapt musical instruction to different ages, abilities, and production styles. Candidates should be dependable, professional, comfortable working evenings and weekends, and excited to help young performers develop their skills both on and off the stage.
The Champaign Park District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employees are required to comply with our equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies, and procedures.