Young Playwrights Project Teaching Artist/Actor (Chautauqua Arts Education)/Seas

Young Playwrights Project Teaching Artist/Actor (Chautauqua Arts Education)/Seasonal Employment
Job Category : Education

Requisition Number : YOUNG004855

Posted : May 21, 2026

Full-Time

Rate : $23.05 USD per hour

Locations
Showing 1 location

Description
This part-time, seasonal position will serve as teaching artist in the Chautauqua Arts Education Young Playwrights Project (YPP). This program is a 3-phase program. Phase 1 involves school visits where the YPP Teaching Artists present an assembly followed by an in-class lesson for each classroom at each participating school that teaches 3rd and 4th grade students how to write a play. Phase 2 involves YPP Teaching Artists leading teams of volunteers as they rehearses and then stage a play reading in each participating classroom. Phase 3 involves students visiting Chautauqua Institution to see a select number of plays chosen from all submitted, with the Teaching Artists serving as the performing theatre company.

The YPP Teaching Artist/Actor will work under the leadership of the Young Playwrights Project Lead Teaching Artist/Director of Plays to implement the program curriculum in the schools. This person will also serve as actor in the Phase 3 plays, working with the Young Playwrights Project Lead Teaching Artist/Director of Plays to present the final performances of student plays. This position will report to the Director of Arts Education.

Compensation
The compensation for this role is $23.05/hour

Travel to and from Chautauqua Institution will be reimbursed, as well as some costs incurred for travel throughout Chautauqua County specific to school visits.

Responsibilities

Implement program curriculum as directed by the Director of Arts Education and the Lead Teaching Artist, including performing scripted and improvisational work in the school assembly and leading classes through the playwriting process as detailed in the curricular materials

Lead volunteer play reading groups in rehearsal and during school visits

Coordinate processing plays for play reading groups, typing plays from handwritten scripts

Acting in the Phase 3 performance

With the rest of the company, creating props/costumes/set design for the Phase 3 performances

Education and Experience
Required Experience

Theater for youth programs

Acting

Formal training in theater arts

Theater improvisation

Skills and Abilities

Collaboration and strong team player

"Yes and" approach

Supervision and Guidance

Teaching Artists will be trained and supported by the Director of Arts Education. Program implementation and development will be coordinated in collaboration between the Teaching Artist and the Director of Arts Education.

Schedule
Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part-time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August. Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) and beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability. Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement.

Understand the schedules for this position:

During Phase 1 and Phase 2 visits to the schools, expect between 30-40 hours per week.

During pre-Phase 1 and pre-Phase 2 play preparation, expect between 10-20 hours per week.

During Phase 3, expect between 30-40 hours per week.

Phase Dates:

Phase 1 School Visits: January 12-16, 2026

Play Preparation for Phase 2: February 27-March 20, 2026

Phase 2 on-site rehearsals and school visits: March 20-April 2, 2026

Play selection process: March 25-May 1, 2026

Phase 3 production needs shared with Arts Ed staff: May 1-7, 2026

Phase 3 onsite rehearsals and performances: June 13-18, 2026

Benefits
Chautauqua Institution may provide limited housing options on our grounds or assist you with locating nearby housing arrangements for selecting opportunities based on business needs. Housing is not an option for many positions and may be of a cost to you. Candidates should assume there are no employer-provided or employer-assisted housing options available for this position unless it is otherwise stated.

Housing/accommodations will be provided, with preference towards private room with shared bath and common areas, possibility of shared room with approval from artist.

Potential for Remote Work: Aspects of this position may be eligible for remote work, specific to the play preparation and play selection process.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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