Resident Director

Overview

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

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and reporting to the Director, Artistic Operations, the Resident Director will direct and oversee existing entertainment offerings. They will lead a Disney Cruise Line (Toronto) Artistic team and partner with both the onboard entertainment operations team, as well as the Disney Live Entertainment creative and production teams, in the ongoing remounts and sustainment of DCL entertainment product.

• Lead a team of Disney creative professionals and consultants, prioritizing the Disney values of:
  The 5 Keys (Safety, Courtesy, Inclusion, Efficiency & Show); a positive and respectful workplace culture; relevancy & belonging; inspiration & aspiration; performance recognition & feedback; team growth & development.
• Direct existing staging, motivation, choreography, and Disney Character development to Mainstage, Character and Shipboard performers in Disney Cruise Line productions, including but not limited to:
  Walt Disney Theatre productions, theatrical dining experiences, adult and family offerings, deck party spectaculars, theme nights, premium offerings, character programs, and other Disney specific entertainment events and activities.
• Direct actors, singers, dancers and related artists in various styles of live performance.
• Develop, drive and oversee the rehearsal process, providing leadership and direction that maintain the original creative intent and supports longstanding Disney character integrity.
• Lead rehearsals with a motivating and inspiring approach, and ensure the sustainability, authenticity and excellence of all performances.
• Work in partnership with the Production Manager on cast-related issues – both artistic and operational.
• Partner with Disney Live Entertainment Talent Casting to support the casting, assigning, and tracking of Disney principal actors, Characters and understudies for entertainment offerings.
• Formulate a high-level plan for both short and long-term rehearsal periods, strategically adhering to rehearsal day allocation.
• Collaborate with a range of Disney professionals, including Disney Cruise Line Resident Directors, Shipwide Directors, Production Managers, Production Supervisors, Puppet Specialists, Character Managers, Dance Supervisors, Vocal Directors;
  Shipboard Leadership, Cruise Directors, Assistant Cruise Directors, and onboard staff;
  Disney Live Entertainment Creative Directors, Show Directors, Choreographers, Production Teams and Costuming Teams;
  Disney Live Entertainment Talent Casting;
  Disney Character Programs & Development.
• Maintain overall responsibility for Disney creative standards, including show quality, character integrity, and safety standards.
• Give notes and performance feedback to production teams, shipboard teams, and performers.
• Actively participate on the DCL Toronto leadership team to ensure artistic and operational goals are met.
• Travel for auditions, Show Quality Sustainment cruises and crossovers depending on rehearsal schedule in Toronto and/or operational needs onboard.
• Collaborate with the DCL Toronto team in the ongoing execution and future planning of all DCL Toronto rehearsals.

• Post-secondary education or equivalent experience in entertainment performance, instruction & management, or equivalent related position
• At least 10 years professional experience (or equivalent in education and experience) in theatrical entertainment – must include acting, vocal, and choreographic performance and direction
• 5 years leadership and supervisory experience in a fast-paced…