Teaching Artist

Position Title: Summer Teaching Artist
Pay Rate: Starting $600/week (based on experience and qualifications)
Contract Dates: July 7 – 25, 2025 (Create-A-Play teaching artists) and/or July 28 – August 1 (Encore Camp teaching artists)
Job Location: Robert Benjamin Wiley Community Charter School’s Preparatory Campus at 426 Eagle Point Blvd
Reports to: Camp Director and Youtheatre & Education Director

Application: To apply, please email ahnika.lexvold@erieplayhouse.org a cover letter introducing yourself and describing why you would be a good fit for the position along with a resume detailing any experience teaching and/or performing.

About The Erie Playhouse:

The award-winning Erie Playhouse is the 12th oldest community theatre in the nation and was founded over 100 years ago with a focus on performing quality live theatre for the Erie community.

Our Mission: The Erie Playhouse educates, entertains, transforms and supports communities through theatre.

Our Vision: All people are empowered by the performing arts to ignite imagination, creativity, personal growth, and fellowship.

Our Core Values: The Erie Playhouse is inclusive, professional, grateful,  impactful, and passionate.

About The Erie Playhouse Summer Camps:

The Erie Playhouse provides summer camps to over 100+ youth ages 5 – 18 every summer. Our Create-A-Play camps were started last year and provide campers training in acting, singing, and dance all while developing life skills of communication, problem solving, and collaboration. Throughout the week campers attend workshops in specialized topics that guide them through the process of creating their own original 5 – 10 minute musical. Campers are also provided outlets for different methods of self expression through prop, costume, and set creation as well as designated time to play active team games. Each week of camp ends with a performance for friends and family to come and watch the original musicals that the campers created.

Our Encore Camp provides campers with previous performance experience the opportunity to put on a full one act musical in a week. Campers will be assigned specific roles on the first day of camp following auditions and then will learn the music, blocking, and choreography all while creating their own props and costumes over the next couple of days. The show is then performed on Friday for friends and family. For 2025, our Encore Camp show will be Shrek The Musical JR.

Position Summary:

Teaching Artists are responsible for delivering training in their area of specialization to Erie Playhouse Summer Campers and guiding campers in the process of creating their own 5-10 minute musical. You will be responsible for creating a fun and nurturing learning environment that engages campers in creative play appropriate for their developmental ages. Positions specialize in teaching theatre through storytelling, music, and dance to campers ages 5 – 16.

Job Functions

• Inspire youth to create, play, and develop confidence and a sense of community through theatre arts
• Collaborate with fellow teaching artists to work with ~ 36 campers a week (split into smaller groups of 10-12 by age)
• Create and implement daily activities and lessons following provided curriculum, teaching skills through games and activities
• Establish a welcoming learning environment where students feel a sense of agency and
  belonging
• Develop positive relationships with youth and adults to effectively communicate and
  ensure a safe learning environment
• Direct students through the process of creating a 5-10 minute original musical to perform on the last day of camp for family and friends
• Communicate effectively with other staff and the Camp Director
• Manage and maintain camp spaces following all facility and safety guidelines

This might be the job for you if

• You love working with youth and are excited to nurture their growth through educational arts
• You are creative and think on your feet
• You enjoy storytelling and/or theatre
• You are full of initiative and motivated to learn
• You enjoy working on a team and collaborating with youth and adults
• You are passionate about equity and creating an environment that meets the needs of
  all youth
• You are flexible and thrive in an environment that is different each day

Desirable Skills (depending on area of specialization)

• Experience in theatre – acting and directing (experience in devising or improvisation especially desirable)
• Experience in dance – movement and creating choreography
• Experience with vocal music – singing and teaching (must possess basic piano skills)
• Formal or informal experience working with youth of varied ages, from diverse
  backgrounds, and with a variety of learning styles and abilities

Job Requirements

• Candidates must be at least 18.
• Be reachable by phone AND email
• Pass a background check and agree to acquiring current state clearances
• Some lifting (up to 50 pounds).
• Reliable transportation to and from camp location.
• Agree to uphold and teach in a manner that reflects the Erie Playhouse’s Identity: Inclusive, Professional, Grateful, Impactful, Passionate

If you have any questions about the job or hiring process please reach out to the Youtheatre & Education Director, Ahnika Lexvold, at ahnika.lexvold@erieplayhouse.org. Learn more about the Erie Playhouse at www.erieplayhouse.org