Seeking Assistant Director for FIFTY BOXES OF EARTH

FIFTY BOXES OF EARTH

by ANKITA RATURI
directed by KT SHORB
choreo by ANANYA CHATTERJEA

UPDATE ON OCT 22: We have a full applicant pool and are no longer accepting more candidates.

Theater Mu is seeking an assistant director for its world premiere of Fifty Boxes of Earth. This person will support director kt shorb across meetings, rehearsals, and performances with note taking, observations, and more.

Stipend: $1,000

Application process: Send a resume and cover letter to info@theatermu.org (subject: FIFTY BOXES OF EARTH Assistant Director Application). We will review applications on a rolling basis as the assistant would ideally start this fall.

If you have any questions about the position, please direct them to the same email.

SYNOPSIS

In this world premiere, Q just moved to the neighborhood, but instead of a bed, they brought fifty boxes of earth for the community garden. When Q starts cultivating fantastical, improbable plants, one man's distrust grows even as his young daughter reaches out in friendship. A creative response to Bram Stoker's Dracula, Fifty Boxes of Earth weaves in choreography and puppetry to consider the heavy costs of leaving a home and putting down new roots.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE DATES

  • Pre-Production Meetings: mid-October and onward

  • First Rehearsal: Jan 29, 2025

  • Tech Rehearsals: Feb 19-Mar 1, 2025

  • Previews: Feb 27 & 28, 2025

  • Opening Night: Mar 1, 2025

  • Closing Performance: Mar 16, 2025

Rehearsals, tech, and performances will take place at Park Square Theatre (408 Saint Peter St., Saint Paul)

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Demonstrated experience and interest in a theater discipline (directing, acting, writing, designing, stage management, producing, dramaturging, etc.).

  • A positive attitude.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.

  • Excellent observation, listening, attentiveness, and awareness skills.

  • Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status.

  • The ability to work well under pressure and to respond calmly and efficiently to frequent changes during the production and rehearsal process.

  • Reliability: While hours can be flexible, you must be open to evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.

  • Ability to take handwritten or typed notes quickly and legibly.

  • Experience or interest in directing.

  • Strong textual analysis skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Reports to and supports the director, kt shorb.

  • Attends rehearsals, preview performances, and some design and production meetings, where they are responsible for careful observation, notetaking, and flexibility to meet the requests of the director. Rehearsal schedule will be determined by director, assistant director, and cast availability. 

  • Ensures familiarity with the play before design meetings begin.

  • Establishes working relationship with the director.

  • Keeps careful observation of actors’ notes being given by the director. Takes, organizes, and distributes notes for designers and actors per the director’s request.

  • Views the role from a learning perspective and shares thoughts on the production if elicited by the director.

  • Attends orientation, mid-process evaluation, and final reflection meeting after the fellowship concludes.

Theater Mu