We are looking for a Choreographer who is creative, organized and adaptable to oversee and manage all the choreographic elements of the theatre’s Summer Camps.
Under the direction of the Camp Director, the Choreographer will oversee the choreographic program requirements during the planning and program delivery for the eight week Summer Camp program which culminates with a fully staged musical theatre production at the end of each two-week session. Session 1 & 3 and Session 2 & 4 are the same show but with each session we create a unique experience for the campers.
Through strategic programming choices, the Choreographer will enable children and/or youth to develop skills, make friends, socialize and build self-esteem. In addition, as the Choreographer, will be accountable for day-to-day choreographic requirements for all camp programming, operations while ensuring camp activities are safe, inclusive and high quality.
The Choreographer will assist the Camp Director to oversee program delivery with approximately 40 staff including Head Program Instructors, Program Supervisors, Counsellors and Volunteers in regards to the choreographic components of all camp programming. The Choreographer will also be involved in the creative process of selecting and developing the dance and movement content for camp programming.
About the Summer Camps
Reiterating CITS’ goal to provide access to live arts to youth of all ages to an inclusive and diverse learning experience, the Summer Camps will foster creativity, a fun and meaningful learning experience for ages 4-12. The Kinder Camp for ages 4-5 will establish skills in performing arts by bringing a storybook to life while taking part in activities such as movement games, dancing, singing, and other fun. In the Junior Stars Camp for ages 6-8, campers will be introduced to performing arts basics, including acting, singing, and dancing. The CentreStage Camp for ages 9-12 will lead the way for performance and creative processing skills. Participants will learn lines, cues, blocking, choreography, singing, and more.
Kinder Camps culminate with a showcase of the campers’ skills through the storybook. Junior Stars and Centre Stage Camps culminate into a live fully staged show for friends and family to enjoy.
About Centre In The Square
Established in 1981, The Centre In The Square Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation and registered charity dedicated to leading Kitchener-Waterloo Region premier live destination. With over 140 annual events, Centre In The Square showcases top local, national, and international talent, enriching the cultural and entertainment landscape with live performances of all genres. Located in Downtown Kitchener, the performing arts centre is a cultural hub that also houses the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery and partners with local groups like the Grand Philharmonic Choir. Emphasizing on multidisciplinary programming and accessibility, Centre In The Square offers diverse artistic experiences for all ages, supporting artists and major national and international touring productions with state-of-the-art facilities and technical expertise.
Detailed Job Description
In conjunction with the overall program objectives outlined by the Camp Director, the Choreographer will:
- Design, provide and implement a detailed program outline as it relates to all the choreographic programming of camp; including preparation outlines/timeline, details of the program, and learning outcomes for campers and staff for Kinder Camp, Junior Stars, and CentreStage camps.
- Responsible for choreographing and teaching the dance elements of the camps including Junior Stars and CentreStage and overseeing the choreographic elements of Kinder Camp during prep hours and other related tasks as required
- Provide leadership to help create, rehearse and present camp performance on the Thursday night that includes all camp participants
- Prioritize child well-being, safety and protection in all situations, programs and activities
- Serves as a liaison with parents, reinforcing Centre In The Square’s customer service, diversity and inclusion (special needs, ethno-cultural, English as second language, socio-economic)
- With the Camp and Musical Director, plan and schedule camp staff resources, routines, schedules and procedures to ensure successful program delivery as it relates to the musical and dance components of Camp
- Foster positive learning environment for all campers and staff
- Provide daily direction and support for all counsellors, head program instructors and other camp staff
- Teach daily performing arts related skills to campers
- Identify and request camp supplies in accordance to Centre In The Square policies and budget
- Reports all incidents promptly and thoroughly to the Theatre using incident/accident report forms and records, including registration information, permission and waiver forms and timesheets
- Provide daily direction and support to instructors, supervisors and counsellors as required
- Provide feedback and future recommendations to the Theatre upon conclusion of the camp
Work Dates:
Summer Camp: July 7 – August 29, 2025 (Prep hours starts late May)
On-site Staff Training: week of June 23
Term
Independent Contract
Post Date
Closing Date
Start Date
Salary
Requirements
Education
Post secondary education in Performing arts, with a strong background in dance, arts education and/or related field and/or experience as a professional in the performing arts industry as a Choreographer and/or dancer performer or performing arts educator/instructor specializing in dance.
Licenses/Certifications: Current Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ required; HIGH FIVE Healthy Child Development is required;
Bachelor of Education and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) is an asset
Experience
Minimum 4 years experience in a Choreographer/Leadership role and has demonstrated successful execution of similar programs for a large group of children of various ages.
Experience designing and delivering programs in dance with a focus on musical theatre for children.
Professional experience in youth arts education, musical theatre production and experience in a camp environment.
Skills
Ability to plan and execute all the choreographic elements of a musical theatre production from beginning stages to show day, including, but not limited to choreographing and teaching dance routines and movements to children, and setting basic choreographic elements for very large groups of children.
Ability to lead dance workshops/classes for various ages and levels that are safe, inclusive and engaging.
Set and breakdown/teach choreography to children for a musical theatre production.
Enjoy working with children of all ages and be passionate about connecting, encouraging and inspiring camp staff to develop their skills as future arts educators.
Strong verbal/written communication skills.
Excellent customer service skills and sensitivity to interact with a diversity of parents and staff in a courteous and efficient manner.
Demonstrates creativity and innovation in program planning skills and delivery.
All offers of employment for this position will be conditional on satisfactory reference checks and vulnerable sector checks.
Additional Info
An ideal candidate will have experience working with youth in an arts education environment as well as camp experience. They will have the skills to supervise and mentor young employees and volunteers. They will be able to provide detailed and meaningful performing arts-based programming.
We thank all applicants who apply, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Centre In The Square is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.
Send Submissions To
Apply by Friday, April 18 at 5:00pm to Rachelle Garcia, Manager of Rental Business and Community Engagement at rgarcia [at] centreinthesquare.com (rgarcia[at]centreinthesquare[dot]com)
Please put the subject of your email:
Application for Choreographer – Summer Camps
Location
101 Queen St N
Kitchener, ON
N2H 6P7