Journey of the Brown Tights Director
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Job Location:
Chicago, IL - USA
Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
6 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
The Chicago High School for the Arts is seeking aDirector / Producer / Choreographerin the Dance/Theatre Department.
Journey of the Brown Tights
Journey of the Brown Tightsis seeking an exceptionalDirector/Producer/Choreographerwhose artistic practice is firmly rooted in the principles aesthetics and philosophies ofBlack Dance Traditions. The ideal candidate is a visionary artist-scholar with deep historical knowledge choreographic integrity and the ability to honor legacy while pushing the work forward.
This project requires a leader with a nuanced understanding of the foundational contributions ofAlvin Ailey Arthur Mitchell Carmen de Lavallade Geoffrey Holder and other iconic artists whose work shaped the canon of modern Black concert dance. A significant component of this role includes the ability toset stage and coach excerpts of AileysRevelationswith emphasis on the White Section(also known asPilgrim of Sorrow). Experience dancing the role is a plus.
Qualifications
Key Responsibilities
Artistic Vision & Direction
- Lead the artistic direction ofJourney of the Brown Tightswith cultural sensitivity historical awareness and innovative storytelling.
- Develop a cohesive narrative and visual language aligning with the mission and aesthetic of the production.
- Collaborate with the producer/creative team to shape arc pacing casting design and creative integration across disciplines.
Choreography & Staging
- Create original choreography deeply informed by Black Dance lineages aesthetics and embodied experiences.
- Stage and coachRevelations-inspired vocabulary specifically:
- White Section(Pilgrim of Sorrow) phrasing weight intention and community-driven ensemble work.
- Spiritual and gospel movement qualities release technique torso-driven articulation and groundedness.
- Coach dancers toward emotional honesty cultural understanding and technical integrity.
Rehearsal Direction & Coaching
- Lead rehearsals with rigor clarity and cultural context.
- Provide individualized coaching rooted in somatic awareness gesture meaning and the spiritual/communal intent of the work.
- Maintain rehearsal notes documentation and artistic standards consistent with Black concert dance traditions.
Production & Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with costume lighting music and dramaturgy teams to maintain aesthetic cohesion.
- Contribute to conceptual development mood boards and design elements that honor the legacy of Black artistic expression.
- Communicate effectively with stage management administrators and technical staff.
Qualifications
- A strong background in Black Dance Traditions with demonstrated understanding of the philosophies of:
- Alvin Ailey(spiritual grounding Horton technique integration narrative storytelling)
- Carmen de Lavallade(dramatic clarity fluidity theatricality)
- Geoffrey Holder(cultural depth visual imagination multidisciplinary artistry)
- and other contemporary and historical Black dance innovators
- Ability to set teach and coach choreography in the style ofRevelations with specific expertise in the White Section.
- Minimum 57 years professional experience as a choreographer director or rehearsal director; experience with modern contemporary and spiritually-based concert dance forms.
- Demonstrated success in producing or coordinating dance-centered artistic projects.
- Exceptional communication skills; ability to lead with cultural humility empathy and professionalism.
Additional Desirable Skills
- Experience mentoring emerging dancers and artists.
- Background in dramaturgy dance history or Black arts scholarship.
- Capacity to blend traditional techniques with contemporary and experimental practices.
- Musicality and understanding of spirituals gospel traditions and Black storytelling forms.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary or narrative-driven performance environments.
Working Conditions:
Job Hazards: This position requires a fingerprint and background check conducted by Chicago Public Schools.
Job Tasks:Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs.
Travel Requirements:This position does not require travel as part of the job responsibilities; however travel may be required to attend professional development/conferences.
Salary and Benefits:
Part-time position.
Pay will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Application Process
Qualified applicants should apply online atand upload the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Contact Information for 3-5 Professional References; do not include letters of recommendation.
Applicants who do not follow the submission directions will not be considered. Please be aware that every item listed on a resume is subject to verification and that any offer of employment is contingent on a successful background check.
ChiArts has a commitment to diversity inclusion and cultural competency. Our aim is to maintain an inclusive respectful and equitable workplace in order to most effectively achieve our mission and secure the best possible outcomes for our students.
Please visitfor more information.
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- Crisis Management
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Fundraising
- Media Relations
- Constant Contact
- Strategic Planning
- Social Media Management
- Team Management
- Public Speaking
- Wordpress
- Writing Skills
About Company
Creative Writing Instructor - Writer's Studio II The Chicago High School for the Arts seeks a part-time Creative...
