Teaching Artist - Theater/Dramatic Arts

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 Playstreets. 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 Thursdays

• 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

• Total 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.