Teaching Artist - Theater​/Dramatic Arts

Location: New York

About the Organization:

The Police Athletic League (or PAL) is New York City’s largest independent youth development organization. We operate diverse programs from Head Start, Day Car and Universal Pre-K programs; to elementary and middle school after-school programs, summer day camps and summer Play streets. We run evening teen centers and college readiness programs, as well as youth employment and juvenile justice programs. In its over a century of service, PAL is continuing its evolution and remains a vibrant and vital New York City institution.

Position Summary The Teaching Artist – Theater/Dramatic Arts is an accomplished theater professional responsible for designing and delivering a dynamic, high-quality theater program for middle school and high school participants. The Teaching Artist combines professional artistic experience with exceptional instructional skills to cultivate creativity, confidence, collaboration, and self-expression through acting and performance. This individual will create an engaging, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment while mentoring young people and inspiring a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.

The Teaching Artist will develop a comprehensive theater curriculum, direct rehearsals, and prepare participants for a culminating theatrical performance or showcase that highlights participants' artistic growth and achievements. This role requires a seasoned educator and theater practitioner who can inspire excellence, adapt instruction to diverse learning needs, and serve as a positive role model both on and off the stage.

Schedule Part-Time Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays5:30 PM - 8:30 PMTotal of 9 hours per week

Location:

Polo Grounds Cornerstone - 244 West 144th street New York, NY 10030

Compensation $125.00 per hour

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Design and implement a comprehensive theater curriculum that develops acting technique, creative expression, collaboration, and stage confidence for youth ages 13-18.Teach core theater concepts, including character development, scene study, improvisation, voice and diction, movement, script analysis, storytelling, and stage presence.

Develop engaging lesson plans with measurable learning objectives that progressively build participants' theatrical skills.

Direct rehearsals and coach participants in preparation for a culminating performance, showcase, or community presentation.

Select, adapt, or create age-appropriate scripts and performance material that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences.

Prepare participants to perform confidently before live audiences by emphasizing professionalism, collaboration, stage etiquette, and performance techniques.

Foster a positive, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment where participants feel safe to take creative risks and express themselves.

Differentiate instruction to meet participants with varying levels of theater experience and ability.

Mentor participants by promoting teamwork, leadership, communication, empathy, discipline, and self-confidence through the performing arts.

Assess participant progress and provide individualized feedback to support artistic growth.

Collaborate with site leadership to coordinate performances, family engagement opportunities, and special program events.

Maintain accurate attendance records, lesson plans, rehearsal schedules, and other required program documentation.

Ensure rehearsal spaces, props, scripts, and instructional materials are organized, safe, and well maintained.

Serve as a positive ambassador for the organization by demonstrating professionalism, reliability, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

Qualifications Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience teaching theater, drama, or acting, preferably with middle school and high school youth.

Professional experience as an actor, director, playwright, teaching artist, or theater educator required.

Demonstrated expertise in acting instruction, directing, improvisation, and theater production.

Experience developing theater curriculum and directing performances, showcases, festivals, competitions, or community productions.

Experience preparing students for public performances, auditions, competitions, or theatrical productions is strongly preferred.

Experience working with adolescents in schools, after-school programs, community-based organizations, or youth development settings preferred.

Exceptional classroom management and youth engagement skills.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and collaboration skills.

Ability to inspire and mentor adolescents from diverse backgrounds while fostering an inclusive, supportive, and creative learning environment.

Education Bachelor's degree in Theater, Drama, Performing Arts, Arts Education, or a closely related field preferred.

Equivalent combinations of professional theater training, directing, acting, teaching, and production experience will be considered.

Specialized training,…