Position Summary: This role is responsible for shaping the artistic vision, curriculum design, staffing, and daily operations of all workshops, school residencies, and community camps. Additional responsibilities include teaching in community settings, supporting engagement programming across Buffalo and Western New York, and ensuring high-quality, inclusive educational experiences for all participants.
Essential Functions:
Teaching & Curriculum Development
- Develop and deliver theatre-based, standards-aligned curricula for residencies, workshops, and camps.
- Lead residencies in schools and community organizations, collaborating with educators on learning objectives and outcomes.
- Research emerging trends in arts education to inform program design.
- Collect, analyze, and maintain data on program participants and outcomes.
Camp Leadership & Program Direction
- Serve as on-site director for all Shea’s camps, overseeing vision, staffing, scheduling, and daily execution.
- Design culturally responsive, student-centered learning outcomes for each camp.
- Recruit, train, and mentor seasonal teaching artists and staff to ensure consistency in pedagogy and program delivery.
- Partner with Arts Education and Engagement Coordinators on logistics, communication, and culminating performances.
- Ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for all campers.
Community Engagement & Representation
- Serve as an ambassador of Shea’s Performing Arts Center, promoting its mission and values.
- Assist with workshops, performances, and events that advance community engagement efforts.
- Build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders and schools.
All other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, Musical Theatre, Dance, Arts Education, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience), preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience as teaching artist, theatre education or a classroom teacher is preferred
- Strong skills in writing, interpersonal communication, and public speaking
- Proven success directing or managing arts education programs, summer camps, or youth theatre initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and mentor teaching artists and program staff.
- Minimum of 5 years in curriculum design for theatre or musical theatre camps.
- Experience designing and delivering curricula for theatre or musical theatre settings.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- English/Spanish bilingual (required or preferred)
- Background in community organizing, youth development, trauma-informed care, or restorative justice practices.
- Background in camp administration and community engagement.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong written, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
- Cultural competency to engage individuals with diverse identities and backgrounds
- Reliable transportation (position involves significant local travel.)
Pay rate would be $25-$30/hour – up to 20 hours a week.