Theater Arts/Performing Arts Specialist – Afterschool Program

New York Junior Tennis League,Inc•New York, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Theater Arts/Performing Arts Specialist plans and facilitates engaging performing arts programming for middle school students in grades 6–8 at NYJTL afterschool sites across Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. The role introduces students to theater and performance, including acting, improvisation, script development, stage presence, character development, voice projection, and storytelling. Through rehearsals, original productions, live performances, showcases, plays, and program events, the specialist helps students develop performance skills, confidence, collaboration, and creative expression while encouraging them to take ownership and leadership in productions. The specialist designs sequential, project-based units and lesson plans aligned with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks. They lead inclusive, hands-on sessions, integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership, and maintain a structured, safe, and supportive activity environment. The role also involves preparing and organizing materials, adapting activities to student needs, collaborating with other site staff, supporting youth safety and supervision, and completing attendance and other required documentation. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM; start and end times may vary by site. The role is up to 20 hours per week, with availability during these hours required. Selected candidates are expected to work through the full school year ending June 2027. Some school-holiday availability is required. The position requires 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and attendance at required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including some outside program hours.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience working with children or youth in group settings, such as after-school, camp, school, or recreational programs.
Demonstrated experience in theater, acting, performing arts, drama, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of theater techniques, performance, and production practices.
Ability to develop engaging, age-appropriate theater lessons and activities.
Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to motivate students and build confidence in young performers.
Comfort leading rehearsals, directing performances, and coordinating showcases.
Dependability, professionalism, patience, and enthusiasm.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.
Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, for up to 20 hours per week, not including meetings, during the school year and some school holidays.
Commitment to work the full school year through June 2027 if selected.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth.
College degree, theater training, certification, or equivalent experience.
Some college coursework or a degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or a related field.
Experience in a DYCD-funded program or NYC after-school setting.
Bilingual language skills.

Responsibilities

Plan and facilitate structured theater lessons, acting workshops, and performance activities.
Introduce students to acting techniques, improvisation, storytelling, character development, and stage presence.
Teach foundational performance skills, including voice projection, movement, expression, and public speaking.
Guide students in script reading, creative writing, scene development, and original play creation.
Provide opportunities for students to explore directing, stage management, set design, and other production roles.
Develop rehearsals and prepare students for performances, plays, showcases, and special events.
Encourage confidence, creativity, collaboration, communication, and positive self-expression.
Create opportunities for students to take leadership roles in productions and creative projects.
Maintain a structured, safe, and supportive environment for students with varying experience levels.
Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation as required.
Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in the assigned specialty area.
Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
Prepare materials and supplies in advance and maintain an organized, safe activity space.
Lead engaging, hands-on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for varying skill and grade levels.
Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
Build strong relationships with youth and encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
Adapt activities based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.
Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies.
Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation as required.
Care for and inventory specialty-area program equipment and supplies.
Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
Attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including those outside program hours.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.