Theater in a Box Camp - Internship (12-day opportunity)

Des Moines Performing Arts • Des Moines, IA

3d • $16

About The Position

Des Moines Performing Arts has an exciting short-term opportunity for current teachers or college students interested in art, literacy, and theater education to serve as an assistant instructor with our Theater in a Box camp for 12 days (about 2 and a half weeks) in June 2026. Come work with first through third graders as they create a story, characters, and sets for their box-sized theaters. Camp weeks: June 15-19, 2026, and June 22-26, 2026; Training tentatively June 1-2 and/or June 12, 2026 At DMPA we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Requirements

• Have experience working with 1st-3 rd grade students (and love their energy!)
• Be a certified pre-k or elementary teacher or college student majoring in education (art, music, theater, elementary preferred)
• Are tech-savvy and comfortable with video recording and basic editing.
• Know or can find theater activities appropriate for the camp’s learning objectives.
• Enjoy working with students on art projects as they create their sets and characters
• Are organized and know how to balance fun and focus in a classroom.
• Are passionate about the arts and love bringing creativity to life!
• Assist and collaborate with the lead teaching artist in implementing lessons.
• Assist students with recording their presentations and helping them shine
• Assist and/or lead theater and/or literacy activities that support lessons in story writing, character, and staging to K-5 students
• Classroom management and support for students as they create and rehearse their Theater in a Box projects.
• Lead/Assist with art and other classroom activities as assigned
• Create a safe and supportive environment for participating youth.
• Passionate about the arts

Nice To Haves

• Art, literacy, or theater background and knowledge of storytelling, character development, and theater activities appropriate for grades K-5
• High comfort-level with technology, specifically IMovie and video and basic editing skills
• Organization skills and the ability to keep self and others moving toward goals
• Ability to monitor the flow of energy in a classroom environment between focus and fun, on-task and creating.

Responsibilities

• Assist the lead teaching artist in working with students on lessons in storytelling and creating character.
• Support students as they create stories, characters, and sets for their mini-theater boxes.
• Assist students in creating and editing short performances using iMovie or similar tools.
• Supervise students during breaks and transitions, keeping things fun and safe.
• Select and lead theater games and activities that spark creativity and teamwork.
• Prep materials for the next day and help prepare student performances.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed