Job Summary:

Disney Cruise Line (DCL), a division of The Walt Disney Company, operates a six-ship fleet of premium class cruise liners and is the industry leader in family vacations at sea. DCL Entertainment (Toronto) is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company Canada and serves as the rehearsal headquarters for DCL’s award-winning theatrical productions. Within a state-of-the-art entertainment rehearsal facility, DCL’s production teams pride themselves on creating memorable family entertainment that is both enchanting and magical – delighting the young and young at heart with legendary Disney storytelling.

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and reporting to the Shipwide Resident Director, the Shipwide Show Director will direct existing “Shipwide” entertainment offerings (theatrical, sketch comedy, improvisational/immersive), partnering with Disney Cruise Line artistic, creative and production teams in the ongoing remounts of DCL “Shipwide” entertainment product.

Status: Fixed Term Contract

Responsibilities:

Teaches and directs existing staging/motivation, choreography and Disney Character development to both Character and Mainstage performers involved in Disney Cruise Line Shipwide productions – including but not limited to theatrical dining, adult and family offerings, deck parties, theme nights, premium offerings, character programs and other Disney specific entertainment events and activitiesDirects actors and singers in various styles of LIVE performance, with a significant focus on sketch comedy, Improvisation, Interactive and Immersive theatrical experiences. May be asked to participate in various stages within a creative project including but not limited to, idea generation, development of treatments, pitch presentations, scripts and castingLeads rehearsals and ensures the sustainability and excellence of performancesContribute to fostering Disney Cruise Line’s culture of relevancy and belongingWorks in partnership with the Production Manager on all cast related issues – both creative and operationalResponsible for the casting, assigning, and tracking of Disney Characters and Disney principle actors and understudies for Shipwide entertainment offerings.Collaborates and partners with a range of Disney professionals to include:WDI Creative DirectorsDCL & WDE Show DirectorsProduction ManagerVocal DirectorsWDE Talent CastingChoreographersSenior TechnicalStage ManagerCharacter ManagerWDE Puppet SpecialistOverall responsibility for maintaining Disney creative standards, including but not limited to show quality, character integrity, and Disney standards of safetyGives notes and performance feedback to performersTravel for maintenance cruises and crossovers depending on rehearsal schedule in Toronto and/or operational need onboardCollaborate with the DCL Toronto team in the ongoing management and future planning of all DCL rehearsals

Qualifications:

At least 10 years professional experience (or equivalent in education and experience) in LIVE theatrical entertainment – must include acting, vocal, and choreographic performance and direction5 years leadership and supervisory experience in a fast-paced entertainment environment such as the Walt Disney Company (or similar)Must have at least 3 years experience as a Theatrical Director, preferably for The Walt Disney Company, or a similar Children’s or Family Theatre entertainment entityAccomplished and credited directorial expertise of large and small-scale musical theater performance, sketch comedy, interactive/immersive experiences, and technical theater/stage craftExcels at motivating and inspiring theatrical professionals, serving as a mentor to future creative and artistic leadersCommitted to leading and working within a diverse and inclusive workspaceDemonstrated ability to interface with all levels of managementGood understanding of Disney character brand usage and how it interfaces with the Disney Cruise Line repertory theatre operationClear understanding of DCL’s Mainstage and Character recruiting and casting processesExcellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skillsFluency in Spanish is an assetComputer proficiency – Excel, Word, Outlook and KeynoteWilling and able to travel to the U.S. and internationallyAgreeable to all maritime sailing and seafarer guidelines, requirements and regulations, including sailing onboard the DCL ships statused as “crew" and assigned to the crew manifest.Able to work with a flexible and fluid rehearsal schedule including weekends and long days during busy periods. 

Required Education:

High School diploma or equivalentPost-Secondary education in entertainment performance, instruction & management – or equivalent in professional experience is strongly preferred

Our Company proudly provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants.  We welcome and encourage applications from persons with disabilities.  Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in any aspect of the selection process.