Director of Performing Arts

Waterkloof House Preparatory School is inviting applications for the role of Director of Performing Arts. This is a key leadership post within WHPS, to oversee the Music and Drama departments and shape a vibrant Performing Arts programme for Pre-Prep children and for boys from Grade 0 to Grade 7.

Quick Info

Location: Waterkloof House Preparatory School, Brooklyn, Pretoria, South Africa (Head Office/School site)

Position Type: FULL_TIME

Reporting Line: Headmaster, Member of the Senior Management Team

Closing Date: 15 May 2026

About WHPS

Waterkloof House Preparatory School (WHPS) is a traditional, Christian school in Pretoria with a proud legacy. Future leaders are shaped here with care and purpose in a nurturing, close-knit environment. Learn more about the school on our About WHPS page, and watch our Vision Video to get a flavour of life at WHPS.

The school invites applications for the position of Director of Performing Arts (Prep School), following the retirement of a long-serving incumbent. This is a leadership role with responsibility for overseeing the Music and Drama departments and for delivering a high-quality Performing Arts experience for Pre-Prep boys and girls, and boys from Grade 0 to Grade 7.

Purpose of Role

The Director of Performing Arts provides strategic and creative leadership for the Prep School’s Performing Arts programme. The role combines curriculum oversight with hands-on teaching and performance involvement, reporting to the Headmaster and contributing to the school’s academic and cultural life as a Senior Management Team member.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership – provide creative direction for the Prep School’s Performing Arts programme.
• Curriculum & Delivery – oversee Music and Drama departments, including curriculum planning, delivery and assessment.
• Performances & Events – lead and coordinate productions, music tours and related events.
• Staff and Culture – manage Performing Arts staff development and foster collaboration and growth.
• School Leadership – contribute to school life and leadership as a Senior Manager, with after-hours involvement as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience teaching in a Performing Arts programme within a school environment; Prep School experience is advantageous.
• Experience across multiple year groups; understanding developmental stages from Grade 000 to Grade 7.
• Qualification and/or demonstrated expertise in Music.
• Postgraduate qualification in Performing Arts and Education, or Leadership, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong understanding of curriculum requirements and best practice in Performing Arts education.
• Discipline-wide capability across Performing Arts with clear artistic credibility.
• Enthusiastic, innovative, energetic and inspirational; able to motivate young performers in music, drama, creativity and personal growth.
• Confident, collaborative leader; effective contributor to Senior Management Team.
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.

Application Process

Please submit the following documents to workhardplaystraight@whps.co.za by Friday, 15 May 2026:

• Covering Letter and Curriculum Vitae
• Written testimonials, including names and telephone numbers of at least three referees
• Complete the WHPS Application Form via HERE. Applications submitted without the completed form will not be considered.

WHPS thanks all applicants for their interest. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding interviews. WHPS reserves the right not to fill this position. If you do not hear back within two weeks of the closing date, you may consider your application unsuccessful.

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