2025 Director Dramatic Arts Ministries
First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne, IN
Director of Dramatic Arts Ministries (full time - 40 hours/week) Minimum Salary $65,000 with competitive benefits
Who We Are
First Presbyterian Church is a downtown congregation in Fort Wayne, Indiana, serving a dynamic and evolving community. We seek to live out our faith through worship, mission outreach, music, the arts, and community engagement. We have a deep appreciation for our performing arts legacy, which includes a 300 seat theater and art gallery, and are eager to broaden our repertoire, participation, and outreach. The church is bold and imaginative with a multifaceted ministry, and we welcome a creative partner to journey with us.
Fort Wayne, located in Northeast Indiana, is the state+rsquo;s second-largest city and sits within a 2- to 3-hour drive of Indianapolis, Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago. Recognized as one of the best places to live in the U.S., Fort Wayne offers affordable living, excellent schools and universities, a thriving arts community, and minor league sports teams. The downtown area has been revitalized; everywhere around the church, new restaurants and apartment buildings are being built. It+rsquo;s an exciting time to be at First Presbyterian Church and in downtown Fort Wayne as we seek the heart of God in the heart of the city.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will have a deep faith and will be an integral part of the senior staff capable of weaving dramatic arts into meaningful worship experiences and community outreach. They will bring a creative spirit and collaborative leadership style grounded in humility, creativity, and joy. They see dramatic arts from a theological and mission-related perspective+mdash;not just performance+mdash;and understand how the dramatic arts ministry dovetails with the fine arts and music ministries.
Job Description
The Director of Dramatic Arts Ministries at First Presbyterian Church is a full-time position that plays a central role in shaping the worship life of the congregation and outreach to the community. The position also oversees the church+rsquo;s theater season (producing four shows annually) and integration into the local theater community, encourages participation from members of the congregation, and engages the broader Fort Wayne community through creative partnerships.
Relationship
The Director of Drama Arts Ministries is accountable to the Session through the Personnel Committee and reports to the Pastor/Head of Staff
Primary Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership
1. Produce and manage annual theater season consisting of a minimum of four shows with a variety of productions selected to open hearts, challenge minds, and build community
2. Supervise the Production Manager to ensure that all production elements are completed for each show (sets, lights, sound, props, costumes, etc.)
3. Collaborate with the Dramatic Arts Ministry Team (DAMT) to research and present to the Session for approval a list of annual dramatic arts activities that help establish the First Presbyterian Church as an inclusive cultural and spiritual center of excellence
Financial and Operational Management
4. Develop an annual budget for Session approval
5. Lead fundraising activities: develop and maintain relationships with donors and secure funding to support and sustain the ministry, including grant opportunities
Church and Community Relations
6. Continually learn about the people in the congregation and community in order to plan programs appropriate to their needs
7. Collaborate with the Director of Music Ministries in designing and producing a broad range of activities that integrate dramatic arts into creative worship
8. Work with the Director of Community Engagement and Marketing to enhance First Presbyterian Church+rsquo;s cultural and spiritual footprint and inclusive influence in the arts community
9. Support the work of the Day School, church staff, and other ministries as it relates to the Dramatic Arts Ministry
Personal Qualities:
∙ Has a deep faith that guides your life
∙ Moral integrity
∙ Appreciation and support of the theological beliefs of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as an expression of the Reformed faith (especially regarding the interpretation of scripture,) and
the First Presbyterian Church Personnel Policy and Statement of Inclusiveness
∙ Strong interpersonal skills including openness, warmth, humor, compassion, and ability to relate to people of all types and views
∙ Flexibility, creativity, and desire to keep the dramatic arts program fresh while respecting its traditions
Qualifications:
∙ Minimum of Bachelor+rsquo;s Degree in performing or liberal arts with relevant experience
∙ Proficiency in theater operations (directing, production, lighting, coaching, etc.)
∙ Excellent organizational skills
∙ Ability to work cooperatively as part of a multiple staff team
∙ Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects and meet deadlines
∙ Proactive and confident in problem solving or presenting recommended solutions
HOW TO APPLY
The application deadline is October 15, 2025. To apply, please submit the following to dramasearch@firstpresfortwayne.org:
∙ A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and the role faith plays in your life
∙ Your resume or CV and three recent references, one of which should be a direct
supervisor or head of staff
∙ Supporting materials, including links to recent productions that reflect your subject matter expertise in dramatic arts, interests, and creativity. We welcome 2-3 samples totaling no more than 10-15 minutes
∙
For more information, visit our website at: https://firstpresfortwayne.org/drama-director/
