Professional Opportunities
Artistic Director, The Gondoliers
Application Deadline: July 27th, 2025
To Apply: Email Laura Morris, Company President, at SavoyCompanyPresident@gmail.
Opportunity Overview
The Savoy Company seeks an artistic director for its 2026 production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers, or, The King of Barataria. The artistic director works closely with the music director and production manager to realize the artistic director’s vision for the production. The 2026 performances will take place in May/June 2026 with one weekend in Center City Philadelphia and one at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
About Savoy
Founded in 1901, The Savoy Company is America’s and the world’s oldest continuously performing amateur theater group solely devoted to the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. We are committed to putting on the highest quality theatrical productions and sharing the artistic, musical, and cultural influences of Gilbert and Sullivan and their wonderful comic operas.
Beyond the annual stage productions, The Savoy Company is a community united by a shared passion for storytelling, music, and camaraderie. Whether we’re perfecting a rousing finale, painting sets into the night, or toasting together at a cast party, we aim to foster a space where everyone feels valued, included, and inspired. A fully volunteer-run organization, Savoy’s membership represents a diverse group of individuals drawn from the Greater Delaware Valley area.
Job Description Summary
The Artistic Director is responsible for setting the artistic vision and direction of the Gilbert and Sullivan show chosen by the board for the season. They will collaborate with the music director, production manager, and choreographer to bring that vision to life. Working with a team of production, artistic, and company leadership, the Artistic Director will establish a rehearsal plan for the season, cast principal roles, and provide
direction and approval on set, costume, props, and lighting design.
A key aspect of the Artistic Director Role is leadership of all staging rehearsals with the chorus and leads. In addition to providing clear instructions on blocking and theatrical motivation, the Artistic Director will promote Savoy’s culture of socialization and fun. They will help create an environment where everyone is actively involved, regardless of their level of experience and ability.
Planning for Savoy’s season begins in early fall with initial designs and budget setting. Auditions take place by early November. Final production designs as well the production budget are approved in December. Chorus rehearsals take place on Tuesday and Thursdays from 7:30-9:30pm beginning in January and run through May with staging starting in late February/early March. Lead/Principal rehearsals typically take place once a week and are scheduled on an as-needed basis.
Specific Responsibilities
Specific Job Responsibilities:
- Presenting the artistic vision to the Savoy president and production manager at least one month before auditions
- Casting principal roles in conjunction with the music director and production manager, and in consultation with the president.
- Preparing and communicating and executing the rehearsal plan for the season (subject to revision and approval)
- Leading staging rehearsals for chorus/ensemble
- Scheduling and leading principal rehearsals as needed throughout the season
- Providing regular reports to the Savoy president and/or board on the status of the production
- Attending the following events through the season:
- Pre-season production meetings
- Principal auditions
- Chorus/ensemble auditions (optional)
- First company meeting and rehearsal
- Other production meetings as needed
- Music rehearsals as needed
- All staging rehearsals
- All principal rehearsals (scheduled at the discretion of the director and principals)
- Full day run-through rehearsal (usually two weeks before the show)
- Tech week for both show runs
- All performances
Qualifications
- Experience directing full-length opera, operetta, or musical theater productions.
- Knowledge of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan.
- Experience working with adult amateur singers and actors with varying levels of skill and experience.
- Ability to work in collaboration with music director, chorus master, assistant director, choreographer throughout the season
- Ability to balance setting high expectations with the social camaraderie of a volunteer organization
- Excellent public speaking skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate and bring together individuals of many different backgrounds, ages, and experiences
- Patience and an ability to stay calm and collected under pressure