Assistant Directors 2026-2027 Season

Description

Reports to: Director for respective production and Associate Producer, Mainstage
Compensation: $4,000 per production  

NOTE: Applicants must submit a resume to be considered for the position. Cover letter optional. The deadline to submit applications is April 1, 2026.  

THE POSITION 

The Guthrie Theater seeks one Assistant Director per mainstage production of the 2026-2027 Season. These positions serve to support the Director of their assigned production. This role requires attendance at every production meeting and rehearsal, where they are responsible for careful observation, notetaking, and flexibility to meet the requests of the Director. All staff members are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.  

This position is contracted. Rehearsal schedules typically span daytime hours from Tuesday-Sunday with evenings during tech week and preview performances. However, the schedule will vary based on the specifics for each production. Assistant Directors will be paid a total of $4,000.  Half will be paid upon signing and the remainder paid upon show opening.  

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams which are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Before rehearsal 

• Ensure familiarity with the play before design meetings begin.  
• Establish working relationship with the Director. 
• Attend production and design meetings. Fulfill duties as assigned by the Director. 

During rehearsal 

• Keep careful observation of actors’ blocking and notes being given by the Director.  
• Take, organize, and distribute notes for designers and actors per the Director’s request. 

During technical rehearsal and previews 

• Attend all tech rehearsals, preview performances, and production meetings. 

Professional expectations 

• View the role from a learning perspective and share observations if elicited by the Director. 
• Recognize and exercise discretion. 
• Maintain organization of notes and schedules. 
• Exercise flexibility acknowledging that no two days are the same.  

Requirements

 ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience and/or interest working in a professional theater. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills. 
• Demonstrated experience in preparing budgets and labor estimates to keep projects within an acceptable timeframe, budget and scope. 
• Skill and experience in creative problem solving to meet the artistic needs of the show within time and financial requirements.  
• Works well under pressure and responds calmly and efficiently to frequent changes during the production and rehearsal process. 
• Must be willing to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater. 
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.  

2026-2027 PRODUCTIONS  

The Guthrie is seeking Assistant Directors for the following productions. The dates of availability required for each production are listed below. Dates below are subject to change.

WAITING FOR GODOT by Samuel Beckett 

• Directed by Joseph Haj 
• September 12- October 11, 2026

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE by Agatha Christie

• Directed by Tracy Brigden
• December 12, 2026 - February 21, 2027

INTIMATE APPAREL by Lynn Nottage 

• Directed by Lili-Anne Brown
• December 30, 2025 - February 5, 2026 

EUREKA DAY by Jonathan Spector 

• Directed by Jenn Thompson 
• May 15 - June 18, 2027

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision. 

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE 

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations. 

NOTE: Applicants must submit a resume to be considered for the position. Cover letter optional. The deadline to submit applications is April 1, 2026.