Choreographer in Oakland, California at Bishop O'Dowd H.S.

Hours: Determined by Show

Reports to: Drama Program Manager

Hourly Rate: $40.00 - $60 per hour DOE

Bishop O’Dowd Mission/Charism

Mission: Bishop O’Dowd High School is a Catholic college-preparatory community, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, that educates its diverse student body to build a more just, joyful and sustainable world.

Charism:

Finding God In All Things Calls Us to:

Community in Diversity

Strength of Character

Academic Excellence

Kinship With Creation

Social Justice

Joy

The High School Musical Theater Choreographer is responsible for developing and leading the choreography for a school musical production in collaboration with the Director and creative team. This role combines artistic creativity with a passion for teaching, guiding high school students in learning and performing dance routines that bring the production to life.

The Choreographer will interpret the Director’s vision, create age-appropriate original routines that enhance the narrative and musicality of the show, and ensure all students are supported in building confidence, coordination, and performance skills. Rehearsals are structured to be inclusive, educational, and performance-focused, helping students grow as both dancers and ensemble members.

• Read the script and analyze the musical score to create dance routines that support storytelling and character development.

• Meet with the Director to understand and align with the artistic vision for the production.

• Select and choreograph a 32-bar audition combination from a cut of the show’s music for use in casting auditions.

• Attend and support the audition workshop and audition sessions by teaching choreography, observing student performance, and providing feedback to the Director.

• Design original, age-appropriate choreography that complements both live and recorded music used in the production.

• Lead one three-hour rehearsal each week, incorporating:

  • A structured physical warm-up

  • Clear, step-by-step dance instruction and demonstration

  • Repetition and individual support to ensure understanding and consistency

• Foster a supportive learning environment where students of all experience levels can grow and thrive.

• Ensure dancers perform in-sync with music and one another, focusing on timing, formation, and stage presence.

• Collaborate with the Director to ensure movement aligns with the story and emotional tone of each scene.

• Take detailed notes on student performance and provide constructive feedback.

• “Clean” dance numbers by refining timing, blocking, and execution during rehearsal and tech week.

• Attend all technical rehearsals to observe choreography in full production context and make final adjustments as needed.

High School Musical Theater Choreographer Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Dance, Theater, Performing Arts, or Education.

• Prior experience choreographing musical theater, preferably with high school or youth performers.

• Strong foundation in dance techniques and musical theater styles (e.g., jazz, ballet, contemporary, tap).

• Demonstrated ability to teach and motivate students with varying skill levels and backgrounds.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and classroom management skills.

• Ability to model dance sequences clearly and break down steps for instructional purposes.

• Commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful, and educational environment for all students.

Preferred:

• Experience working in a school or educational theatre program.

• Understanding of youth development and adolescent learning needs.

• Familiarity with production processes including blocking, stage management, and tech rehearsals.

• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

This is the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Pre-employment background screening is required for all positions. Please provide your cover letter, resume, references and salary requirements through our online portal.

For more information on Bishop O’Dowd High School, please see our website at: http://bishopodowd.org.

Bishop O’Dowd High School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment policies and procedures. It follows the Diocese of Oakland's policies prohibiting illegal harassment, retaliation or discrimination. However, as a Roman Catholic high school with a stated mission, goals and objectives that clearly reflect the teachings and educational philosophy of the Diocese of Oakland, Bishop O’Dowd High School reserves the right to require all current and prospective employees to commit to carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner that clearly and unconditionally demonstrates support of and respect for the school’s mission and Catholic identity. Persons who in good conscience are unable to agree to this commitment should not seek or accept employment at Bishop O’Dowd High School.

As a faith-based institution, we reserve the right to use religion as a criterion in hiring decisions, as permitted by law, as it relates to performing essential job duties.