Young Playwrights Project Lead Teaching Artist/Director of Plays (Chautauqua Arts Education)/Seasonal Employment

Chautauqua Institution • Town of Chautauqua, NY

5h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Teaching Artist/Director of Plays works with the Director of Arts Education to provide input on the curriculum, suggest and train teaching artists, coordinate travel to Chautauqua Institution and schools, lead the teaching artist team during curriculum implementation, and serve as the liaison between the team and Chautauqua Institution staff. The role also directs the Phase 3 plays, communicating production needs with the Director of Arts Education and Arts Education staff, supervising the acting and production team, and presenting final student performances.

The position includes leading volunteer play-reading groups during rehearsals and school visits and coordinating preparation of plays, including typing scripts from handwritten versions. The schedule varies by project phase: approximately 30–40 hours per week during Phase 1 and Phase 2 school visits and Phase 3, and 10–20 hours per week during pre-Phase 1 and pre-Phase 2 play preparation. Some play-preparation and play-selection work may be eligible for remote work. The role reports to the Director of Arts Education.

Requirements

• Experience in theater for youth programs.
• Directing experience.
• Formal training in theater arts.
• Experience with theater improvisation.
• Team leadership skills.
• Knowledge of best practices for working with grade 3–4 youth in theater programs.
• A “yes and” approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide input to the Director of Arts Education on the program curriculum.
• Suggest teaching artists to hire for the YPP Teaching Artist Team.
• Train teaching artists in the program curriculum.
• Serve as on-site leadership for the YPP Teaching Artist Team.
• Coordinate travel for the team as needed.
• Serve as liaison between the YPP Teaching Artist Team and the Director of Arts Education.
• Lead volunteer play-reading groups in rehearsals and during school visits.
• Coordinate processing plays for play-reading groups, including typing plays from handwritten scripts.
• Direct the Phase 3 plays.
• Communicate production needs to the Director of Arts Education and Arts Education staff.
• Supervise the acting and production team.
• Present the final performances of student plays.

Benefits

• Travel to and from Chautauqua Institution will be reimbursed.
• Some costs incurred for travel throughout Chautauqua County specific to school visits will be reimbursed.
• Employer-provided housing for candidates located outside the established local commuting zone; packages vary based on inventory, job requirements, and business needs.
• Employees receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass at no cost, providing access to many programs at the Amphitheater.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed