Acting Director at Awareness Against Human Trafficking (HAART) Kenya

Purpose of the Position

• The Young@HAART Acting Director is responsible for organising and overseeing all aspects of using Theater as a tool for advocacy including scheduling rehearsals, securing performance venues, and managing publicity. He or she will provide mentorship and support to YOUNG@HAART members in addition to fostering a supportive and safe rehearsal environment where young actors feel empowered to explore challenging themes and emotions. The Acting director will work closely with designers, stage managers, and technical crew to coordinate all aspects of production, including set design, lighting, sound, and costumes.
• He/she will be reporting to the Head of Prevention:

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Collaborate with YOUNG@HAART members to select, adapt, or develop scripts that explore themes of human trafficking, exploitation, and resilience.
• Lead rehearsal and workshops to guide young actors in character development, scene work, and ensemble building.
• Facilitate a collaborative and inclusive creative process, encouraging input and ideas from youth participants in shaping the production.
• Foster a supportive and safe rehearsal environment where young actors feel empowered to explore challenging themes and emotions.
• Incorporate elements of visual storytelling, movement, and multimedia into the production to enhance its impact and engage diverse audiences.
• Provide mentorship and support to YOUNG@HAART members, nurturing their artistic growth, leadership skills, and confidence.
• Work closely with designers, stage managers, and technical crew to coordinate all aspects of production, including set design, lighting, sound, and costumes.
• Organise and oversee all aspects of production, including scheduling rehearsals, securing performance venues, and managing publicity and ticket sales.

Essential Qualifications, Skills & Abilities & Desired Attributes:
Qualifications

• Diploma in theatre arts, drama, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in directing theatrical productions, particularly with youth or community-based theatre groups.
• Demonstrate commitment to social justice issues, youth empowerment, and using theatre as a tool for social change.

Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in directing and staging theatrical performances, including script development, and character development.
• Strong understanding of theatre techniques and methodologies, with a focus on ensemble-based approaches and collaborative storytelling.
• Ability to work creatively within budget constraints and logistical limitations to produce high-quality productions.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills and an ability to inspire and motivate young actors and production team members.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and sensitivity to the needs of youth participants, including survivors of trafficking.
• Flexibility and adaptability in managing the artistic process, responding to feedback, and making adjustments as needed.
• Creativity and innovation in adapting scripts and narratives to address themes related to human trafficking and exploitation.

Desirable Attributes

• Passionate about promoting the transformative power of theatre in raising awareness, fostering empathy, and promoting social change.
• Compassionate and empathetic towards the experiences of young actors, with a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive artistic community.
• Patient, adaptable, and able to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the creative process with grace and resilience.
• Dedicated, determined, and willing to invest time and energy to create impactful and meaningful theatre experiences for youth participants and audiences alike.
• Innovative, resourceful, and able to find creative solutions to logistical and artistic challenges.
• Collaborative, team-oriented, and valuing the contributions and perspectives of all production team members