Work With Us

DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS: THE MUSICAL
Spring/Summer 2025, performing Jun 20-29, 2025

Musical Director ($900 stipend)
Musical Director is responsible for teaching children in the cast the fundamentals of acting and theatrical production and maintaining an educational atmosphere at all times, pursuant to the stated objectives of the company. Duties will include:

• Work with Stage Manager, Director, Choreographer, and Production Manager to prepare for organized, efficient auditions.
• Work with the production team on casting decisions.
• Collaborate with Stage Manager, Designers and Production Manager to create a unified artistic plan for the production based on selected script.
• Run music rehearsals according to the attached schedule. Teach cast members the songs for the production.
• Accompany rehearsals using the piano and/or provided production/rehearsal cds.
• Keep cast members orderly and productive during rehearsals; instruct cast members on theater rules and make sure they are followed.
• Develop 3-5 instructional objectives in collaboration with the Director, Stage Manager and Production Manager. 
• Attend production meetings.

Props Designer ($400 stipend)
Props Designer designs and builds the props for the production. This position will put in the most work during tech week and performances. Ideal candidate is a creative person with time management. Previous experience preferred but not required. Duties will include:

• Collaborate with the Director, Stage Manager, and Production Manager to create a unified artistic plan for the production based on selected script.
• Identify necessary property requirements for production based on script, budget, and input from the production team.
• Prepare props list and distribute to the Director, Stage Manager, and Production Manager.
• Obtain (purchase, build, rent, etc.) necessary rehearsal props and performance props for production.
• Organize cast members and parent volunteers to help acquire necessary props.
• Repair existing props as necessary.
• Attend production meetings.
• Assist with other aspects of production as needed.
• Keep properties in good repair during shows, if needed.
• Assist with set strike.

Sound Designer ($500 stipend)
Assist with basic sound needs at Ames City Auditorium (some auditorium staff and training will be available). Maintain microphones and run them during the show. This position will put in the most work during tech week and performances with weekly production meetings. This is a great opportunity if you’re looking to build audio production experience. An ideal candidate will have basic sound board and sound system knowledge. Ability to operate, maintain, and balance microphones. Duties will include:

• Survey performance space for technical production elements/capabilities.
• Work with the director to design sound effects and incidental music for the show.
• Work with the director to determine which actors need microphones and when during the show.
• Create a pre-show/intermission playlist.
• Assist with load-in to the theater.
• Attend production meetings.
• Attend all tech rehearsals: hand out microphones, do mic checks, run the sound board, and adjust as needed.
• Distribute microphones to actors before each performance.
• Perform mic checks prior to performances and maintain good battery life of all microphones.
• Run the sound board.
• Store mics neatly between shows.
• Assist with strike. Take down all audio equipment, return it to STC, and put it away.

Lighting Designer ($500 stipend)
This position will be designing and programming lights using the equipment at Ames City Auditorium. Several of our successful past lighting designers have come from software/computer/electrical engineering and similar majors, as well as from the theater department. Computer savviness and an eye for design (theatrical or otherwise). Previous lighting design experience is a bonus, but not a requirement. We’re happy to teach you the basics. It’ll also help you out a lot if you have the ability to do some research and learning on your own. Duties will include:

• Survey performance space for technical production elements/capabilities.
• Communicate with Craig Kaufman, of City Auditorium, to gather a list of all instruments available.
• Collaborate with Director, Stage Manager, Designers and Production Manager to create a unified artistic plan for the production based on selected script.
• Attend a minimum of two (2) rehearsals of the show and create a lighting plot and distribute copies to the Production Manager, City Auditorium, and designers.
• Create an instrument schedule including gels, gobos or additional materials that will be used and distribute copies to the Production Manager, City Auditorium, and designers.
• Create a detailed budget at least two weeks prior to load in detailing any necessary expenses.
• Arrange any special equipment rentals (spotlights, etc).
• Train student light board operators. Student operators should be scheduled by the Lighting Designer to attend the same rehearsals as the Lighting Designer as well as dry tech/crew training and tech rehearsals.
• Assist with Load-in to the theater. Hang and focus lights.
• Supervise student operators.
• Assist with set strike. Arrange for return of any rented equipment.