Artistic Director

About PAAThe Performing Arts Academy of Colorado (PAA) is a premier youth theater organizationserving more than 2,000 students each year. Through accessible classes, summer camps, andtheatrical productions, PAA promotes both artistic and personal growth for diverse youth. Ourmission is to create community, build character, and inspire excellence through comprehensiveperforming arts education. Position SummaryThe 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 theatricalprogramming. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this pivotal leader providesoverarching direction for PAA’s productions, ensuring rigorous artistic excellence whilemaintaining deep alignment with the Academy’s educational mission and values.The Artistic Director inspires students, faculty, and the broader community through aninnovative approach to youth theater. This leader champions diverse populations and is deeplypassionate about mentoring and cultivating mission-based values to the next generation ofperforming artists and theater-makers. Key Responsibilities Artistic Vision & Programming• Develop, articulate and coordinate a compelling artistic vision that aligns with PAA’smission and values.• Curate, schedule and oversee 20+ productions throughout the year for upper elementarythrough high school students including play/musical selection, casting, and artisticstaffing.• Collaborate with the Production Manager on scheduling, budget and all productionprogramming.• Work together with the Operations Manager to plan rehearsal spaces and build schedules.• Collaborate with Education and Outreach Manager to ensure consistent programalignment across all ages.• Ensure programming reflects a diversity of voices, stories, and artistic practices thatengage and inspire students of all backgrounds. • Maintain high standards of artistic quality across all performances while engagingeducational principles and deliverables. Leadership & Collaboration• Serve as a member of the leadership team, collaborating closely with all members of theteam• Hire, supervise, and mentor directors, music directors choreographers, and other artisticsupport personnel.• Inspire and lead staff, faculty and volunteers to achieve excellence and uphold PAA’svalues of creativity, confidence, and community.• Foster and advocate a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation within theartistic 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 communitypartners.• Represent PAA publicly at performances, events, and community functions. Administrative & Fiscal Responsibilities• Collaborate with the Executive Director and staff to align artistic programming withorganizational goals and financial sustainability.• Develop and manage artistic budgets in coordination with production staff.• Support fundraising efforts by engaging donors, participating in cultivation events, andcontributing to grant proposals when appropriate. Qualifications• Significant experience in theater direction, production, or artistic leadership, preferably inyouth or educational theater.• Strong understanding of theater for young audiences, youth development, and artseducation best practices.• Proven ability to manage, inspire, mentor, and lead diverse artistic teams and staffmembers.• 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 degreeor equivalent professional experience preferred. Compensation & Benefits• Salary: Exempt Full Time - Salary Range is $60,000-$75,000, commensurate withexperience.• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, 401K plan, paid time off,and professional development opportunities. Background checks are performed on all hired employees. Applicants apply at https://paacolorado.org/careers/ Please note, due to the volume of applications, we will contact only those selected for aninterview.