About mudlark theater

Mudlark Theater is a not-for-profit organization where children are taken seriously as artists and learn theater by making it. Our residencies, classes, and camps teach life skills as well as theater arts. Our productions have real substance and tell innovative stories that surprise and delight all audiences. Actors and students learn empathy, listening skills, public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration—strengths that enhance their academic and personal growth, and will also prepare them to make a difference in any field they choose to enter. At Mudlark, we strive to be a welcoming and safe space where the stories and identities of all youth are honored and celebrated.

TEACHING ARTISTS

Description

Location: Evanston, IL, Chicago, IL, Wilmette, IL

Reports to: Education Director

Rates: 

  • Afterschool/In-School Residences: $40/hour for teaching, $20/hour prep

  • Afterschool Programs at Mudlark Theater HQ: $30/hour for teaching, $20/hour prep

  • Camp: $27/hour for teaching, $20/hour prep

The number of assigned planning hours varies based on the program. Payment is made minus applicable taxes due to part-time employee classification. 

Classification type: Part-time seasonal employee

ABOUT MUDLARK THEATER: Mudlark Theater collaborates with kids to tell youth-centered stories. By taking kids seriously as artists and individuals, we create space for transformative experiences accessible to all. Our residencies, classes, and camps teach life skills as well as theater arts. Our productions tell innovative stories that surprise and delight all audiences. Young artists learn empathy, listening skills, critical thinking, and collaboration—strengths that enhance their growth and prepare them to make a difference in any field they choose to enter. At Mudlark, we strive to be a welcoming and safe space where the stories and identities of all youth are honored and celebrated. To find out more, please visit www.mudlarktheater.org.  

TEACHING ARTISTS (TAs) are the lead instructors of Mudlark programs including: classes, residencies, and camps. Taking on a variety of roles, including facilitator, director, actor, mentor, and teacher. TAs play a critical role in the success of Mudlark programs. TAs are experienced in creating safe learning environments to foster creative development. They craft opportunities for youth to develop positive relationships with one another and engage with their community as artists. TAs exhibit skills in a variety of theater arts disciplines, as well as professional and cross-cultural skills. By centering a culture of collaboration, respect, and joy, TAs create space for Mudlark youth to achieve high levels of artistic engagement and develop their identities as artists. At Mudlark, TAs collaborate with and provide mentorship to Support Teaching Artists.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop and implement a curriculum aligned with program goals and company mission.

  • Exhibit appropriate behavior for an intergenerational and cross-cultural space

  • Create and maintain a classroom culture of support, respect, participation, and growth.

  • Document program successes and challenges, regularly report to administrative staff on any concerns, including lessons, learning, attendance, and facility issues.

  • Submit participant attendance, incident reports, and any other documentation to administrative staff in a timely manner in accordance with given deadlines.

  • Maintain collaborative, clear, and timely communication with supervisor(s).

  • Attend required trainings and meetings as scheduled. 

DESIRABLE SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

  • Highly skilled in one or multiple theater arts disciplines, including acting, improvisation, storytelling, movement, voice, or theater production.

  • Experience working with youth in educational and/or artistic settings, particularly grades K-8. 

  • Experience working cross-culturally with youth and adults of diverse identities and experiences. 

  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.

  • Collaborative and able to interact effectively with staff, students, families, and organization partners.

  • Desire to learn and grow in teaching practice, and commitment to ongoing professional development as an arts practitioner and educator. 

  • Pass required background checks.

  • Completed and passed fingerprint screening (if teaching at a school location).

  • We are always looking for Multi-lingual Teaching Artists, but it is not a requirement.

Mudlark Theater is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to bringing diverse perspectives to our administrative and artistic teams.

Application

To apply, please send the following to education@mudlarktheater.org:  

  • Resume 

  • A sample curriculum

  • A 2–3 sentence statement in the body of the email explaining why you want to work at Mudlark Theater, 

Please use the subject line: “TA JOB POSTING: Your Name.”

The Mudlark Education Team will reach out with the next steps regarding interview scheduling.

production positions

We are always looking for new designers to be a part of our production cohort. If you are a designer or technician interested in working with Mudlark, please send your production resume to production@mudlarktheater.org.

  • Sound Designers

  • Lighting Designers

  • Costume Designers

Mudlark Theater is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to bringing diverse perspectives to our administrative and artistic teams.