Directing Opportunities – Church Hill Theatre

We are eager to work with new talent and well-established directing veterans for the 2025 Season.

2025 Season
Applications must be
received by September 15.

The Philadelphia Story,
by Phillip Barry,
a comedy about Tracy Lord’s wedding weekend on the Philadelphia Main Line and the events that ensue involving her ex-husband, fiancé, a couple of journalists and her family.
Production Dates: March 14-30, 2025

The Bridges of Madison County
a musical based on the novel by Robert James Walker, with music by Jason Rober Brown and book by Marsha Norman, a sweeping “what if” love story set on the Iowa plains.
Production Dates: June 6-22, 2025

Murder on the Orient Express
adapted by Ken Ludwig from the Agatha Christie novel, a mystery with Hercule Poirot trying to solve the murder of an American tycoon while the train is stuck in a snow drift. Production Dates: September 12- 28, 2025

Clyde’s
by Lynn Nottage, a drama in which truck stop sandwich shop offers its formerly incarcerated kitchen staff a shot at redemption as they aspire to create the perfect sandwich.
Production Dates: November 7-23, 2025

A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens,
The classic Dickens tale based on the Orson Welles radio broadcast of 1938.
Production Dates: December 19-21,
2025

Information on Directing at CHT

Director Responsibilities and Stipend

CHT directors receive a $600 honorarium, with 25% paid at the start of rehearsals and the reminder at the end of the show. Directors must complete a contract containing terms regarding the budget, communications with CHT management, facilities maintenance, and other administrative matters.

Stage Information

CHT has seating for a maximum of 140 (about 120 for musicals if an orchestra “pit” is required). The comfortable new seats can be configured as needed. The light booth is on the second floor.

The stage has a large apron and front stairs that be arranged as needed as well as two side entrances on the floor.

Lights and Sound

CHT has a large array of stage lighting that is being upgraded in January 2024.
CHT has 20+ new microphones to help our audiences enjoy the show!

Budget and Personnel Realities

Directors work closely with the CHT Office to develop an appropriate budget for each show. Cast size and production requirements will factor into decisions. For planning purposes, recent plays have received $3,000-4,000 plus the cost of royalties. Musicals receive $4,000-5,000 plus royalties to cover the extra cost of musicians. You may propose a higher—or lower—budget to reflect your vision, but be mindful of the normal range.

Directors are responsible for almost all aspects of a production. We have a very active Board, several trusted techies and builders, and a robust list of volunteers. Your application should include your strategy to recruit the required actors and crew. If you are a newcomer to the area, this could require more time and effort.

Application Information

Contact Information and Theater Bio

Please include a full theater bio and contact information.
Include appropriate supporting materials and references, emphasizing directing and production skills. Send what you think we will need to get to know you!

Concept Proposal

Provide a detailed “vision” proposal for each play show you wish to submit to direct. The submission should include:

A basic floor-plan/sketch of your set design
Costume plan
Lighting Plan
Proposed Rehearsal Schedule
Personal directing approach
How would you solve any technical, musical, costume, or other issues specific to the show
Why are you the best person to direct this show.

Budget and Staffing

Please include your proposed budget in your proposal. The committee understands these will be estimates.
Please also include your strategy to recruit the required actors and crew. While CHT has an active board, directors should plan to build their team (which also helps us grow CHT for the future!).