Penn Singers Light Opera Company, the University of Pennsylvania’s premier student-run musical theatre company, is seeking a non-union Director and Music Director for its Fall 2026 production of Sweeney Todd*! Both rehearsals and performances will be held in-person on the University of Pennsylvania campus. Our ideal Director candidate is immensely flexible and prepared for a dynamic, fast-paced environment. These qualities are especially important as our Director will be working closely with student actors, musicians, crew, and designers throughout the creative process. We are looking for a director with a clear vision, who is passionate about ensemble work. Our ideal Music Director candidate works well with differing levels of musicianship and is highly skilled at piano. Experience working with college-aged performers is a plus. Director and Music Director contracts begin on the first day of auditions (tentatively Tuesday, September 1st) and will be completed upon our closing performance (Saturday, November 21st). Salary for each position is a flat stipend of $2500. Housing and transportation are not provided. If you are located outside of Philadelphia, you are responsible for bearing any costs related to accommodations, travel, etc. Regular rehearsals will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 PM-6:30 PM and on Sundays from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Tech week and performances will take place Sunday, November 15th through Saturday, November 21st. Our mission statement is the following: Penn Singers Light Opera Company is a four-year musical theatre company based at the University of Pennsylvania that values inclusivity of all genders, races, sexual orientations, and identities. We are a community of performers, musicians, and theatre technicians that is committed to producing professional-level musical theatre in a fun, welcoming, and social environment. Singers is committed to anti-racist practices and we believe the directors are an integral part of this effort. We expect directors to perform their duties, from auditions to casting to rehearsals, with a goal of achieving a safe and equitable environment for all company members, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, ability, or identity. For more information regarding our company, its members, and previous shows, visit our website at https://www.pennsingers.com. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Liann Lynch, President and Producer, at [email protected]! Note that due to University policy, applicants must be United States citizens or have a work permit. *NOTE: Performance rights for Sweeney Todd have not yet been secured. In the event that rights are unavailable, we are also in the process of acquiring rights for a production of Urinetown.
To apply: All applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, examples of past work (reels, videos, portfolios, etc.), and three references to [email protected]. Director applicants should additionally send a proposal for Sweeney Todd (this can take any form you would like: PowerPoint, written proposal, etc.). All applications are due by Wednesday, July 1st at 11:59 PM EST. Selected candidates will be invited for Zoom interviews .
