Teaching Artist

Position: Teaching Artist

Department: Education & Engagement

Reports to: ADC Youth Programs Manager, School Partnerships and Programs Manager, Engagement Programs Manager, Adrienne Dillard-Coons Director of Education & Engagement

Classification: Casual, Non-Exempt   

Instructional Compensation: $30 - $50

Non-Instructional Compensation: $21.30

Application Review Begins: Applications accepted on rolling base, however candidates are reviewed only as positions become available. 

Position Summary:

Seattle Children’s Theatre is seeking Teaching Artists to support school-year classes and camps across our education and engagement programs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and candidates are reviewed and hired as program needs arise.

Teaching Artists provide professional theatre instruction for students ages 3.5–18 and receive teaching assignments across a variety of programming, including classes and camps at the theatre or partner locations, as well as workshops and residencies in schools and community centers.

Teaching Artists are expected to develop and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate theatre education curriculum and demonstrate strong classroom management skills. Areas of instruction may include acting, musical theatre, movement and dance, improvisation, physical comedy, stage makeup, and creative drama.

Assignments are offered on a rolling basis through Seattle Children’s Theatre’s Drama School, Engagement Programs, and School Partnerships & Programs, and are dependent on program demand, scheduling needs, individual expertise, and availability. Teaching Artists may also be asked to provide mentorship and support for emerging professionals, including interns, classroom assistants, apprentices, and fellows.

About SCT:

Seattle Children's Theatre (SCT) has served more than 4 million children since its founding in 1975 through professional theatre and arts education in the Puget Sound region and beyond. Our mission is to provide children of all ages access to professional theatre, with a focus on new works and theatre education.

SCT is committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in all areas of our work. We encourage applicants of all races, ethnicities, religions, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, and backgrounds to apply. We value nontraditional career paths and transferable skills.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:  

Instruction and Student Experience

• Provide culturally responsive, age-appropriate theatre instruction for students ages 3.5–18.
• Deliver professional teaching artistry for all assigned classes, camps, workshops, and/or residencies.
• Utilize positive and developmentally appropriate classroom management techniques to support student learning and safety.
• Prepare classrooms and instructional materials prior to the start of classes, camps, workshops, or residencies.

Curriculum Development & Program Implementation 

• Develop, adapt, implement, and evaluate curriculum in alignment with Seattle Children’s Theatre education programs.
• Support program goals by tailoring instruction to meet the needs of diverse learning environments and student populations.

Communication & Collaboration

• Collaborate and communicate effectively and respectfully with fellow Teaching Artists, educators, and program staff.
• Build and maintain positive rapport with students, guardians, teachers, school partners, and community stakeholders.
• Collaborate with program manager(s) to support program delivery and alignment. 

Administrative & Professional Responsibilities 

• Maintain accurate and timely records as required, including attendance and student medical or emergency information.
• Attend required faculty meetings, orientations, and professional development opportunities.
• Represent Seattle Children’s Theatre education programs professionally at SCT and in the broader community.

Mentorship & Support

• Provide mentorship and support to emerging professionals, including interns, teaching assistants, apprentices, and fellows, as assigned.

Organizational Culture & Equity

• Actively participate in equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion (EDAI) initiatives, including staff meetings and training.
• Contribute positively to the organization’s culture, embodying SCT’s mission, vision, and values.
• Adapt to evolving departmental needs by supporting additional projects or programs as required.

Qualifying Skills:

We recognize that experience can come from many places. This reflects our commitment to skills-based hiring, which focuses on a candidate’s ability to perform essential job functions—regardless of whether those skills were developed through formal education, professional experience, community work, or lived experience. If you meet most of the qualifications and are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree or at least one year of relevant field experience teaching Theatre Education.
• Experience working in theatre and the performing arts.
• Strong classroom management skills
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Reliable transportation to travel to schools, community sites, and the theatre. 
• In depth knowledge of areas of theatre and the ability to teach effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organized and adaptable; strong attention to detail.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Preferred Skills & Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience teaching a range of age groups, or demonstrated interests in expanding age-range instruction.
• Commitment to culturally responsive teaching practices and cultural awareness in the classroom. 
• Experience or instructional knowledge supporting students with physical and/or developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge with Seattle-area public and private schools and education systems.
• Multilingual abilities.
• CPR/First Aid certification.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment: 

SCT will make reasonable accommodations to ensure accessibility for all employees.

Location:

• Some teaching opportunities will be at our location at 201 Thomas St, Seattle WA. 
• This position travels in- and- around Seattle and its surrounding areas.

Schedule:

• Mostly Monday – Friday schedule, may include Saturdays during the school year and occasional evenings as needed.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to support community and fundraising events and/or Opening Nights. 

Tasks May Include:

·       Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods.

·       Using computers and phones.

·       Moving printed materials and supplies up to 20 lbs.

·       Navigating community buildings, schools, and alternative space for instructional time, meetings, or training.

·       Navigating lobby and theatre spaces.

·       This positon is social and requires communication with others frequently.

Benefits:

• Teaching Artists receive two hourly wages types. Instructional Hours (active teaching time) range from $30 - $50/per hour and are scaled to candidate’s experience in the field. 
• Non-instructional (prep) time is compensated at hourly minimum wage. Hours vary depending on assignment.

SCT uses a transparent, negotiation-free compensation structure to ensure pay equity across roles. Grade levels and pay are based on the scope and responsibilities outlined in each job description.

If you need accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected].

Additional Information:  

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. 

Seattle Children's Theatre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We are committed to building a welcoming workplace for people of all backgrounds and experiences. We believe that diversity of thought, background, and identity makes us stronger and enriches our work.