Overview
We’re seeking a highly organized, dependable, and proactive Assistant Director / Project Coordinator to join the team for an upcoming live theatrical production in Durham, North Carolina.
This fall, we’re producing a new adaptation of John Van Druten’s classic play Bell, Book and Candle at the historic Hayti Heritage Center. Our production reimagines from 1950s Manhattan to 1950s Black Durham.
Rehearsals will begin in late August, with performances scheduled for October.
This role will work closely with the Director throughout the rehearsal and production process and serve as an important organizational bridge between the creative vision and the practical work required to get the production onstage.
Previous theater experience is welcomed, but not required. We’re also interested in candidates with strong backgrounds in project coordination, administrative or executive assistance, event production, operations, or similar fields who are excited about working in a creative environment. We can teach many of the theater-specific aspects of the position.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Director to help plan, organize, and execute the rehearsal and production process.
- Attend scheduled rehearsals and assist the Director in maintaining an organized and productive rehearsal room.
- Take detailed rehearsal and Director’s notes and help track changes throughout the process.
- Assist with tracking blocking, staging decisions, script changes, and other rehearsal information.
- Maintain rehearsal schedules, production documents, contact information, and other organizational materials.
- Use tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, and Google Sheets to organize and maintain production information.
- Track deadlines, assignments, outstanding needs, and action items across the production.
- Help communicate rehearsal information, schedule changes, deadlines, and other updates to cast and production team members.
- Follow up with team members regarding outstanding information or assignments when necessary.
- Coordinate with the Stage Manager, designers, technical staff, performers, venue personnel, and other members of the production team.
- Help identify potential scheduling, communication, or logistical problems before they become larger issues.
- Support the Director during technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and opening week.
- Assist with troubleshooting and problem-solving as the production approaches opening.
- Provide general organizational and administrative support throughout the production process.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re particularly interested in someone who is:
- Highly organized and detail-oriented.
- Dependable and able to follow through on commitments.
- Proactive and comfortable taking initiative.
- A strong written and verbal communicator.
- Comfortable working with multiple personalities in a collaborative environment.
- Able to manage multiple priorities and keep track of many moving pieces at once.
- Comfortable using Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace.
- Able to remain calm and solutions-oriented when plans change.
- Interested in theater, live events, arts administration, project management, or creative production.
- Comfortable asking questions when clarification is needed and making independent decisions when appropriate.
We’re not simply looking for someone who waits to receive a list of tasks. We’re looking for a collaborative partner who can recognize when something needs attention, help determine the next step, and keep the Director informed without requiring constant supervision.
Experience
Relevant experience may include—but is not limited to—theater production, stage management, assistant directing, project coordination, executive or administrative assistance, event production, operations, arts administration, or production coordination.
Professional theater experience is not required.
Candidates who have never worked in theater but have strong organizational and project-management skills are encouraged to apply.
Schedule & Commitment
This is a temporary, paid, project-based position running approximately from late August through late October 2026.
Most rehearsals will take place during weekday evenings, with some weekend rehearsals. The time commitment will increase as we approach technical rehearsals and opening week.
We currently anticipate approximately 90–110 total hours over the course of the project. Attendance will not necessarily be required at every rehearsal.
Because rehearsals and performances take place in Durham, this is primarily an in-person position, and candidates should have reliable transportation to rehearsal and performance locations.
About the Production
Bell, Book and Candle is a classic American romantic comedy originally written by John Van Druten. Our production uses the original play as the foundation for a culturally specific reimagining set in 1950s Durham, North Carolina, centering Black characters, Black history, and African American folk traditions.
The production will be presented at the Hayti Heritage Center, one of Durham’s most significant Black cultural institutions.
We’re building a collaborative production environment that takes the work seriously while remaining creative, welcoming, organized, and enjoyable. This position is an opportunity for someone interested in theater or creative project management to play a meaningful role in bringing an ambitious local production from the rehearsal room to opening night.
Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
