Teaching Artist

Position: Teaching Artist
Department: Education & Community Engagement
Classification: Part-time

THEATER AT PLAY.

Experience the transformative power of theater with us at Geffen Playhouse. Join our vibrant community of artists, technicians, and staff dedicated to creating impactful performances that resonate long after the final bows. Together, we move hearts, spark conversations, and enrich the cultural fabric of Los Angeles.

Our commitment to excellence goes beyond the stage. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive work culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral component of our everyday practice. We hold a deep focus on creating and maintaining an inclusive environment in which all individuals and groups can be and feel valued, respected, and welcomed to participate and bring their full, authentic selves to work. To learn more about DEI at Geffen Playhouse visit www.geffenplayhouse.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion/

Join us in our mission to enrich the cultural life of Los Angeles through plays and educational programs that inform, entertain, and inspire. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in the world of theater, there's a place for you at Geffen Playhouse.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Geffen Playhouse seeks an experienced Teaching Artist to join the Education & Community Engagement department on a part-time basis. Teaching artists will help develop and deliver curriculum and programs that support a range of creative theater arts opportunities designed to support a diverse, equitable and inclusive experiences for all. Work with our education and community engagement programs may include Geffen Playhouse Literacy Project, High School Partnerships Program, Lights Up Community Engagement Program, Veterans Writing and Performance Project, Theater-Making Intensives for Young Adults or other programs, as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilitate and guide theater-making, scene-building, monologue writing workshops, and other modules and programs for high school students and community groups.
Support student matinees at the Geffen, delivering pre- and post-show workshops to high school students, either on-site or virtually, throughout the academic year.
Collaborate and co-facilitate with fellow Teaching Artists across various programs.
Participate in collaborative planning meetings for classes, workshops, and special events.
Attend regular departmental trainings and workshops, aimed at enhancing teaching, learning, and engagement practices.
Performing other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Bilingual (English/Spanish preferred). Fluency in speaking Spanish desired, not required.
Must have some availability around the following times and dates:
- 12/2–12/6/2024
- 2/10–2/28/2025
- 4/28–5/2/2025
Work hours are typically M-F during school hours (8am-4pm), with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.
Professional experience as both a theater artist and teaching artist.
Comfortable with or eager to learn co-teaching methods.
Proven ability to assist in lesson planning and facilitate theater programs.
Experience working with students and seniors from historically excluded communities.
Experience teaching in public schools (LAUSD preferred), with a passion for working with teenagers.
Experience facilitating classes or workshop groups with 30+ students.
Familiarity with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices, initiatives, and program integrations.
Familiarity with Trauma-Informed Pedagogy.
Experience with student-centered learning.
Strong knowledge of theater, including its artistic, historical, and cultural contexts.
Skilled in guiding learners to engage creatively with theater elements, including theater games and improvisation.
Experience facilitating programs both virtually and in person.
Excellent interpersonal, collaborative, written, and verbal communication skills.
A flexible, collaborative team player.
Teaching Artists are required to travel to multiple locations across the Los Angeles Metro area (including but not limited to Geffen Playhouse, school campuses, and various community organizations).
Ability to travel to school sites and organizations across communities, including but not limited to East Los Angeles, South Los Angeles, Westchester, and the San Fernando Valley.
Ability to take and pass Live Scan.
Capable of transporting and delivering supplies to and from various locations.

COMPENSATION

$50.00/hour (Planning, Prep, Meetings); $60.00/hour (Facilitating)

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a resume, along with a cover letter, highlighting your experience working as a Teaching Artist, especially with high school aged students, explaining your pedagogy, in .pdf format. Also include three names with contact information of previous work references, at www.geffenplayhouse.org/apply. No phone calls, please.

The Geffen Playhouse aims to build a diverse and inclusive workplace, in which we strongly encourage non-conforming and historically excluded individuals to apply for any and all available positions, even if they don’t meet all listed requirements.

The Geffen Playhouse, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Geffen Playhouse provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or off-duty and off-premises use of cannabis. In addition to federal law requirements, Geffen Playhouse complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us via telephone at 310-208-6500 x148.