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.

Summer High School Assistants

Job Description

Location: Evanston, IL

Reports to: Education Director

Classification Type: Part-time Employee

Compensation:  $14.50 per hour

Age Requirements: You must be 15 years of age by May 1st, 2026, and have completed one year of high school by the time summer camp starts. Rising high school freshmen are NOT eligible for this role.

High School Assistants (HSAs) support Teaching Artists in summer education programs by assisting as facilitators, mentors, and teachers. They help ensure a safe, collaborative, and respectful learning environment for our young artists. HSAs develop teaching and artistic skills through mentorship and collaboration with Mudlark Teaching Artists and staff.

The HSA role is a paid position, requiring weekday availability from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, starting the week of June 1st (setup) through Friday, August 7th. HSAs will work either 8:30 AM–1:30 PM or 11:30 AM–4:30 PM and will not be scheduled for full-day shifts. You may be scheduled for a full day if you are supporting a camp showcase. While we can accommodate minor absences, we prefer candidates who can commit to the majority of Mudlark’s summer programming.

For more information on SUMMER Programming at Mudlark please visit: https://www.mudlarktheater.org/summer-overview 

Qualifications

  • Passion or interest in theater, education, and/or youth programming.

  • Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to maintain a positive and inclusive learning environment.

  • Reliable, punctual, and adaptable to various roles and responsibilities.

  • Willingness to assist in classroom activities and support camp programming.

  • Enthusiasm for learning and growing as a mentor and Teaching Artist.

  • Experience in theater, education, or working with children is a plus, but not required.

Working With Youth: Expectations

Mudlark Theater Summer Camp works with artists ages 5-14. Because of this, HSAs will be working with a wide range of ages in our camps. We are looking for someone who can support a positive environment for our youth performers, always maintaining respectful language, clear communication, patient understanding, and prioritizing safety.

Please Apply by EOD - Wednesday, April 1st,  2026.

Please email education@mudlarktheater.org with any questions.

Mudlark Theater is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

APPLICATION

Summer Education Intern

Job Description

Location: Evanston, IL

Reports to: Education Director

Classification Type: Part-time Employee

Compensation: $16.50 per hour

Age Requirements: You must be 18 years old and have one completed one year of college or equivalent experience. Rising College Freshmen will NOT be considered for this role (those interested should apply for our High School Assistant role).

Summer Education Interns (SEIs) collaborate with Teaching Artists and staff in supporting roles like facilitator, mentor, designer, and teacher. They ensure a safe, respectful, and joyful learning environment and play key roles in camp showcases as classroom and production support. At Mudlark, SEIs gain teaching, artistic, and administrative skills through mentorship and collaboration, preparing them for Chicago-land’s diverse teaching artistry landscape.

The SEI role is a paid position, requiring weekday availability from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, starting the week of June 1st (setup) through Friday, August 7th. SEI’s will work either 8:30 AM–1:30 PM or 11:30 AM–4:30 PM and will not be scheduled for full-day shifts. If supporting a showcase, you will be required to stay for the evening showcase at 5:30pm. While we can accommodate minor absences, we prefer candidates who can commit to the majority of Mudlark’s summer programming.

For more information on SUMMER Programming at Mudlark please visit: https://www.mudlarktheater.org/summer-overview 

This internship is for current college students or recent college graduates, but any college-aged candidate (18 years or older) is encouraged to apply. If your school offers internship credit, we’re happy to assist with the necessary documentation or process.

Qualifications

  • Passion for theater, education, and/or youth programming 

  • Experience working with children or youth in educational, artistic, or recreational settings preferred.

  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to adapt to various roles, including facilitator, mentor, and production support, as needed.

  • Enthusiasm for learning and growing as a Teaching Artist through mentorship and collaboration.

  • Reliable, punctual, and able to work collaboratively within a team.

  • Willingness to assist in the planning and execution of camp showcases, including classroom and production responsibilities.

  • Familiarity with or interest in the theater-making processes

  • Familiarity with technical theater programs like Q-Lab is a plus but not required

Working With Youth: Expectations

Mudlark Theater works with artists ages 5-14. Because of this, SEI’s will be working with a wide range of ages in our camps. We are looking for someone who can support a positive environment for our youth performers, always maintaining respectful language, clear communication, patient understanding, and prioritize safety.

Please Apply by EOD - Wednesday, April 1st,  2026.

Please email education@mudlarktheater.org with any questions.

Mudlark Theater is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

APPLICATION

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.