Technical Assistant, Creative Arts​/Media

CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE IS HIRING TEACHING ARTISTS FOR THE STEP PROGRAM

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is hiring Teaching Artists for our nationally recognized Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP)2026. Available roles are temporary, full-time positions beginning June 1, 2026 and ending no later than August 5, 2026. Exact start dates depend on the role. The STEP Technical Assistant earns $650/week, the STEP Teaching Artist earns $685/week, and the STEP Technical Director & Lead Teacher earns $850/week.

Set salaries are based on candidate experience and range of skills.

The artist in this role supervises a group of teenage Tech Ensemble members in implementing the set and sound needs for the STEP outdoor touring production, including a basic sound system and a 16′ x 20′ stage. The STEP TD/Lead Teacher gives six hours of daily instruction in technical theatre skills and supervises teens while building scenic elements. The position requires extended hours closer to production but will average 40–50 hours a week.

This role serves as the supervisor for the STEP Tech Assistant and reports to the Director of Education.

The artist in this role supports the STEP TD/Lead Teacher in supervising the work of the STEP Tech Ensemble and reports to the STEP TD. The position may require some extended hours closer to production but will average 40–50 hours a week.

The artists in these roles have strong play writing, acting, music, and/or dance skills and are integral in guiding young artists in the creation of an original performance which tours throughout the greater Cleveland area. The position may require some extended hours but will average 40 hours a week. STEP TAs report to the STEP Director & Program Manager as well as the Director of Education.

CPT’s Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) is an arts-based job training program that engages Cleveland teens in a powerful, eight-week intensive (four weeks for Technical Ensemble) that focuses on excellence in performance, play creation, physical theatre, writing, production, and set design/construction. Students ages 14–19, presenting a wide range of performance experience, are eligible for participation and earn money while learning and practicing valuable job skills such as timeliness, communication, commitment, and teamwork.

Under the guidance of CPT artists, teens develop an original play and then tour it to public green spaces, theatres, and community organizations throughout the city of Cleveland. Since its beginning in 1994, STEP has received multiple awards and recognitions, including those from the City of Cleveland, The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Celebrating over 30 years of empowering artmaking, STEP is the longest running arts-based job training program in Cleveland and has been utilized as an international model for engaging youth. STEP ensembles see themselves as a positive and inspirational force and are able to witness their work’s invaluable impact on the larger Cleveland community. Youth are onsite approximately six hours a day during creation and work through an adjusted schedule while on tour.

• Collaborating with full STEP creative team and CPT staff from applicable departments to successfully present outdoor performances during a two-week tour with teen artists
• Leading/supporting the management of a two-week local tour with teens
• Creating and implementing curriculum providing foundational instruction on set design, set construction, properties work, lighting, sound, and stage setup to teen artists from July 6 to no later than August 5 from 9:30am–5:30pm, M–F
• Hours will shift when on tour (July 23–August
  2) and are TBD until the performance schedule is finalized. Performances typically take place during afternoon and evening hours.
• Serving as a strong role model for youth
• Sharing relevant communication with parents/guardians
• Supervising STEP Tech Assistant, managing assignments and support
• Leading and…