Young Playwrights Project Teaching Artist/Actor (Chautauqua Arts Education)/Seasonal Employment
About The Position
The part-time, seasonal Teaching Artist/Actor serves in Chautauqua Arts Education’s Young Playwrights Project (YPP), a three-phase program for 3rd- and 4th-grade students. In Phase 1, Teaching Artists visit participating schools, present an assembly, and teach classroom lessons on playwriting. In Phase 2, they lead volunteer teams as they rehearse and stage play readings in participating classrooms. In Phase 3, students visit Chautauqua Institution to see selected student plays, with Teaching Artists performing as the theater company. The Teaching Artist/Actor implements the program curriculum in schools under the leadership of the Young Playwrights Project Lead Teaching Artist/Director of Plays and serves as an actor in the Phase 3 performances. The position reports to the Director of Arts Education. The role pays $23.28 per hour. Travel to and from Chautauqua Institution is reimbursed, along with some travel expenses for school visits in Chautauqua County and a portion of grocery and meal costs. The position has variable weekly hours tied to program phases: approximately 30–40 hours per week during Phase 1 and Phase 2 school visits, 10–20 hours per week during pre-phase play preparation, and 30–40 hours per week during Phase 3. Training is scheduled for January 3–8, 2027; Phase 1 school visits for January 11–15, 2027; Phase 2 play preparation for February 26–March 12, 2027; Phase 2 rehearsals and school visits for March 15–25, 2027; and Phase 3 rehearsals and performances for June 14–17, 2027. Seasonal schedules may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Housing is provided for candidates outside the local commuting zone, subject to availability and business needs. Some play-preparation and play-selection work may be eligible for remote work.
Requirements
- Experience in theater for youth programs.
- Acting experience.
- Formal training in theater arts.
- Experience with theater improvisation.
- Ability to collaborate and work as a strong team player.
- A “Yes and” approach.
Responsibilities
- Implement the program curriculum as directed by the Director of Arts Education and Lead Teaching Artist, including performing scripted and improvisational work in school assemblies and guiding classes through the playwriting process using curricular materials.
- Lead volunteer play-reading groups during rehearsals and school visits.
- Coordinate play preparation for reading groups, including typing plays from handwritten scripts.
- Act in the Phase 3 performance.
- Collaborate with the rest of the company to create props, costumes, and set design for Phase 3 performances.
Benefits
- Reimbursement for travel to and from Chautauqua Institution and some travel costs for school visits in Chautauqua County.
- Partial reimbursement of grocery and meal costs.
- Employer-provided housing for candidates outside the established local commuting zone, subject to availability, job requirements, and business needs.
- Traditional Chautauqua gate pass at no cost, providing access to many Amphitheater programs.
- Referral bonus program: active employees may receive a $500 bonus, less taxes, for referring a candidate who meets the program’s employment-duration conditions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
