Movement Director & Assistant Movement Director for Ibn Battuta travels - Seenaryo Lebanon

About Seenaryo

Participatory theatre and play can transform an individual’s sense of agency, giving them the power to shape their own narrative and expand what is possible individually and collectively. Working in Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine, Seenaryo uses theatre and play to support people to heal, lead, and learn. We co-create performances with under-served communities, train future leaders, and transform classrooms through play. Since 2015, Seenaryo has reached over 155,000 children, youth, and women, winning the Resilience in Action Award (HundrED 2024), the Arts, Culture & Heritage Prize (UK Charity Awards 2023), and being recognized among Expo 2020 Dubai’s Global Innovators.

Project Overview – Ibn Battuta Play
The Ibn Battuta Play is a large-scale participatory theatre production with 100 participants from across Lebanon. The performance is inspired by Ibn Battuta’s travels and explores themes of journey, discovery, and human connection through theatre, movement, and music. Participants are divided into several groups — including actors, choir, and movers — working collaboratively to create a unified performance that blends storytelling, dance, and music.

Objectives
Seenaryo is seeking a Movement Director and/or Assistant Movement Director to lead the main dance of the Movers Group and to integrate movement across other participant groups as needed. The Movement Director will guide participants through movement-based storytelling, develop choreographies reflecting the play’s themes, and ensure that all dance and movement sequences are cohesively incorporated into the performance. Applicants may apply individually or jointly as a directing team.

Scope of Work

Facilitation & Rehearsal Direction
• Lead movement and dance workshops for the Movers Group.
• Facilitate movement sessions for other groups to integrate them into dance sequences.
• Guide participants through warm-ups, improvisation, ensemble exercises, and physical storytelling.
• Support participants of all abilities to engage confidently in movement.

Choreography & Integration
• Design and direct main dance sequences for the Movers Group.
• Integrate movement across other groups to ensure cohesion within the overall play.
• Collaborate with the theatre director, musical team, and other choreographers for artistic consistency.
• Adapt choreography to accommodate multiple groups and performance logistics.

Performance Preparation
• Lead rehearsals and refine movement for technical and dress rehearsals.
• Ensure timing, stage positioning, and transitions are well-coordinated across all groups.
• Support performers during the final performance.

Collaboration & Coordination
• Work closely with the Director, Assistant Facilitators, and other choreographers.
• Attend planning and creative meetings as needed.
• Provide brief documentation of session progress, participant engagement, and challenges.

Deliverables
• Facilitate all movement sessions for the Movers Group and other participant groups (approximately 11 sessions between January and April 2026, plus or minus as needed).
• Deliver cohesive dance sequences integrated into the full play.
• Support coordination with other groups to ensure a unified performance.
• Participate in at least one technical rehearsal and the final performance.
• Submit brief reflection notes summarizing process, outcomes, and recommendations (Director leads; Assistant contributes).

Duration & Timeline
January to April 2026 (dates to be confirmed).
Availability required for all rehearsals and performance days.

Qualifications & Experience

Movement Director:
• Proven experience of 2+ years as a Movement Director, Choreographer, or Physical Theatre Practitioner.
• Strong skills in ensemble movement, physical storytelling, and choreography integration.
• Experience facilitating large groups in participatory or community arts.
• Collaborative and adaptable in multidisciplinary teams.
• Prior experience with theatre productions or participatory performance projects preferred.

Assistant Movement Director:
• Experience supporting movement workshops, choreography, or dance facilitation.
• Strong understanding of ensemble work and physical storytelling.
• Experience working with large or diverse groups.
• Interest in participatory theatre or community arts projects.

Applicants may apply for one or both roles.