Disney Cruise Line (DCL), a division of The Walt Disney Company, operates an eight-ship fleet of premium class cruise liners and is the industry leader in family vacations at sea. DCL Entertainment (Toronto) is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company Canada and serves as the rehearsal headquarters for DCL’s award-winning theatrical productions. Within a state-of-the-art entertainment rehearsal facility, DCL Entertainment’s Artistic Operations teams pride themselves on being a part of memorable family entertainment that is both enchanting and magical – delighting the young and young at heart with legendary Disney storytelling.
Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and reporting to the Director, Artistic Operations, the Resident Director will direct and oversee existing entertainment offerings. They will lead a Disney Cruise Line (Toronto) Artistic team and partner with both the onboard entertainment operations team, as well as the Disney Live Entertainment creative and production teams, in the ongoing remounts and sustainment of DCL entertainment product.
Role Responsibilities:
- Lead a team of Disney creative professionals and consultants, prioritizing the Disney values of:
- The 5 Keys: Safety, Courtesy, Inclusion, Efficiency & Show
- A positive & respectful workplace culture
- Relevancy & belonging
- Inspiration & aspiration
- Performance recognition & feedback
- Team growth & development
- Direct existing staging, motivation, choreography, and Disney Character development to Mainstage, Character and Shipboard performers in Disney Cruise Line productions – including but not limited to: Walt Disney Theatre productions, theatrical dining experiences, adult and family offerings, deck party spectaculars, theme nights, premium offerings, character programs, and other Disney specific entertainment events and activities.
- Direct actors, singers, dancers and related artists in various styles of live performance.
Role Responsibilities continued:
- Develop, drive, and oversee the rehearsal process, providing leadership and direction that maintains the original creative intent and supports longstanding Disney character integrity.
- Lead rehearsals with a motivating and inspiring approach, and ensure the sustainability, authenticity and excellence of all performances.
- Work in partnership with the Production Manager on cast related issues – both artistic and operational.
- Partner with Disney Live Entertainment Talent Casting to support the casting, assigning, and tracking of Disney principle actors, Characters and understudies for entertainment offerings.
- Formulate a high-level plan for both short and long term rehearsal periods, strategically adhering to rehearsal day allocation.
- Collaborate and partner with a range of Disney professionals, to include:
- Disney Cruise Line Resident Directors, Shipwide Directors, Production Managers, Production Supervisors, Puppet Specialists, Character Managers, Dance Supervisors, Vocal Directors
- Shipboard Leadership, Cruise Directors, Assistant Cruise Directors, and onboard staff
- Disney Live Entertainment Creative Directors, Show Directors, Choreographers, Production Teams and Costuming Teams
- Disney Live Entertainment Talent Casting
- Disney Character Programs & Development
- Overall responsibility for maintaining Disney creative standards, including but not limited to show quality, character integrity, and Disney standards of safety.
- Give notes and performance feedback to production teams, shipboard teams, and performers.
- Actively participate on the DCL Toronto leadership team to ensure artistic and operational goals are met.
- Travel for auditions, Show Quality Sustainment cruises and Crossovers depending on rehearsal schedule in Toronto and/or operational need onboard.
- Collaborate with the DCL Toronto team in the ongoing execution and future planning of all DCL Toronto rehearsals.
Desired Qualifications:
- Post-Secondary education or equivalent experience in entertainment performance, instruction & management, or equivalent related position
- At least 10 years professional experience (or equivalent in education and experience) in theatrical entertainment – must include acting, vocal, and choreographic performance and direction
- 5 years leadership and supervisory experience in a fast-paced entertainment environment such as the Walt Disney Company (or similar)
- 5 years experience as a Theatrical Director, preferably for The Walt Disney Company, or a similar Children’s or Family Theatre entertainment entity, will be considered an asset
- Excels at interpreting, upholding and maintaining previously established creative content
- Accomplished and credited directorial expertise of large and small-scale musical theatre productions, performed in technically advanced theatrical venues
- Excels at motivating and inspiring theatrical professionals, serving as a mentor to future creative and artistic leaders
- Committed to leading and working within a diverse and inclusive workspace
- Demonstrated ability to interface and communicate with all levels of management
- Thorough understanding of Disney character brand usage and how it interfaces with the Disney Cruise Line repertory theatre operation
- Clear understanding of DCL’s Mainstage and Character recruiting and casting processes
- Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
- Computer proficiency – Excel, Word, Outlook and Keynote
Additional Expectations:
- Willingness and ability to travel to the U.S. and internationally
- May be required to travel to the ship for technical rehearsals for extended periods of time
- Agreeable to all maritime sailing and seafarer guidelines, requirements and regulations, including sailing onboard the DCL ships statused as “crew" and assigned to the crew manifest
- Able to work with a flexible and fluid production schedule including weekends and long days during busy periods
The hiring range for this position in Ontario, Canada is C$93,700 to C$125,600 CAD per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits, may be offered dependent on the level and position offered. Our Company proudly provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. We welcome and encourage applications from persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in any aspect of the selection process. At Disney, we incorporate certain artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of our recruitment process. Specifically, AI may be used to: •Recommend potential job opportunities •Prioritize applications based on job qualifications and role requirements •Assist in automating scheduling of interviews •Supplement recruiter notes during interviews •Personalize communication to improve the recruitment experience We are committed to ensuring that the use of AI does not introduce bias into our hiring practices. Our AI tools are designed and monitored to promote fairness, consistency, and compliance with applicable equal employment opportunity laws. Human review is incorporated into every aspect of the recruitment process, from review to hire. AI tools are intended solely to assist and enhance the recruitment process. All final candidate advancement and hiring decisions are made by human recruiters and hiring managers.
