Puppetry Director (Internal Assignment / Project Hire)

About the Role & Team

Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences! From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over. This team with varied strengths – representing a wide variety of subject areas and talents from technical directors, writers, and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, outstanding resourcefulness, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust! 

As the Puppetry Director, you will support Character Programs & Development with the development and training plans of puppet-based offerings including stage shows, parades, atmosphere entertainment and special events. You will influence aspects of design and construction of various puppet types in development and throughout the Disney Live Entertainment Project Life Cycle.

If selected for this role, you will report to the Senior Manager – Character Content Strategy.

This is an Internal Assignment / Project Hire position with no guarantee of permanent placement.

What You Will Do

• Partner closely with the Creative Director, Puppetry & Articulation to bring puppets and inanimate objects to life
• Teach, facilitate, and direct all puppet and articulation skills, including lip sync, blocking, movement, choreography, and expressive performance
• Collaborate on the creative intent, safety, ergonomic guidelines, and integration of puppetry into broader entertainment offerings
• Work within budget provided by production teams and influence costs through interaction with construction vendors who create puppets
• Create puppet-based work that drives emotional connections with guests and supports satisfaction and return intent, using subject matter expertise to influence decisions aligned with overall business objectives
• Be the subject matter leader for functional teams for puppetry-based projects simultaneously of varying risk and complexity
• Provide in the moment direction to performing cast with varying levels of puppetry skill
• Act as a mentor to others within puppetry disciplines across Disney Experience sites and events

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum five years of experience creating or directing puppet-based shows or special events
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally, for extended durations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience directing performers, leading puppeteer rehearsals, and facilitating auditions
• Extensive knowledge of Disney Brand and Intellectual Property Characters

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Puppetry, Theatre, Dance Film Production or related field or equivalent experience
• Master’s degree in Puppetry, Theatre, Dance Film Production or related field or equivalent experience preferred

Additional Information

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits. 

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The hiring range for this position in Florida is $83,000 to $111,200 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 bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.