Tacoma Little Theatre is seeking passionate, collaborative stage directors for our 2026–2027 season.
At TLT, we believe theatre is a space for connection, reflection, and community storytelling. We are committed to producing work that is artistically bold, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse voices that make up our region. We strongly encourage directors of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels to apply—especially those whose perspectives have been historically underrepresented on our stages.
We’re looking for directors who:
• Lead with curiosity, empathy, and respect
• Foster rehearsal rooms rooted in equity, safety, and collaboration
• Are excited to engage both artists and audiences in meaningful ways
• Bring a clear artistic vision while remaining open to discovery
TLT is committed to equitable hiring practices, transparent communication, and creating spaces where artists feel valued and supported throughout the process.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Director will lead the artistic vision and execution of their assigned production. This role works in collaboration with the Managing Artistic Director (MAD), Production Manager (PM), and production team to guide the production from concept through performance. The Director is responsible for fulfilling all duties associated with the position while maintaining professionalism, clear communication, and adherence to TLT policies and production standards.
RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS
DESIGN AND PREPARATION
Develop and communicate a clear production concept
Meet with designers prior to the first production meeting to guide design direction
Collaborate with the MAD and PM in assembling the production team
Work with the MAD and PM in the selection and approval of designers and production staff
Submit any requested script changes to the MAD for approval in accordance with licensing requirements. Submissions shall include reason for changes, page number, current line, and changed line. A request does not guarantee a change and until permission is officially obtained by the rights company.
Identify and communicate any special production needs in a timely manner
Ensure all departments are aligned with the overall production concept
AUDITIONS
Lead auditions and casting process in coordination with the Managing Artistic Director
Consult with the MAD prior to extending casting offers
Ensure auditions are conducted in a professional and inclusive manner
REHEARSALS
Create and manage the rehearsal process in collaboration with Stage Management
Submit a rehearsal schedule in advance of rehearsals in coordination with the MAD and PM
Lead rehearsals, including blocking, pacing, and performance development
Provide clear direction and feedback to cast and production team
Maintain continuous communication with MAD, PM, SM, TD, designers, and production staff
Work with Stage Management to maintain a safe, respectful, and productive rehearsal environment
Ensure the production is fully blocked and ready for a complete run at Designer Run
Adhere to all deadlines and production requirements
TECH WEEK AND RUN OF SHOW
Participate in all technical rehearsals and collaborate with designers and Stage Management to finalize the production
Provide notes and adjustments during technical rehearsals in coordination with Stage Management. Immediately following the end of each dress rehearsal run, a notes session will be held with all departments present
Ensure the production is performance-ready by opening
Transition the production to the Stage Manager at opening while remaining available for consultation as needed
Attend opening night performance unless otherwise arranged with the MAD
PRODUCTION OPENINGS
THE OUTSIDER
BY PAUL SLADE SMITH
August 28-September 13, 2026
Ned Newley doesn’t even want to be governor. He’s terrified of public speaking, and his poll numbers are impressively bad. To his ever-supportive Chief of Staff, Ned seems destined to fail. But political consultant Arthur Vance sees things differently: Ned might be the worst candidate to ever run for office. Unless the public is looking for the worst candidate to ever run for office. A timely and hilarious comedy that skewers politics and celebrates democracy.
ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
BY JOSEPH KESSERLING
October 16-November 1, 2026
Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him! Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police – not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage – it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding.
DOT
BY COLMAN DOMINGO
February 5-21, 2027
The holidays are always a wild family affair at the Shealy house: But this year, Dotty and her three grown children gather with more than exchanging presents on their minds. As Dotty struggles to hold on to her memory, her children must fight to balance care for their mother and care for themselves. This twisted and hilarious new play grapples unflinchingly with aging parents, midlife crises, and the heart of a West Philly neighborhood.
URINETOWN
BY GREG KOTIS
March 26-April 18, 2027
In this side-splitting satire, the young hero Bobby Strong leads his community in a fight against oppression. Set in a dystopian world where water is scarce and “Hope” is even scarcer, all citizens must now pay a fee for “The Privilege to Pee” at one of the public facilities controlled by a selfish tycoon, and monitored by authorities like Officer Lockstock. The citizens can only hold it in so much longer, and soon the poorest, filthiest of these facilities, run by the formidable Penelope Pennywise, becomes a “number one” site for major change.
COMPENSATION
For the above duties directors receive an honorarium in the amount of $1400.00.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested, please submit a current resume, and a letter of interest with a brief paragraph describing your concept for the show you are applying for to jobs@tacomalittletheatre.com or click the button below. You may apply for more than one production in your email. Letters will be reviewed on a rolling basis and positions filled by May 15, 2026.