Dramagirls Teaching Artists Job Description
TEACHING ARTIST
Dramagirls
Chase Elementary School
POSITION AVAILABLE: JULY, 2007
Instructional - Non-exempt
Hourly wage
Position Overview
Teaching Artists will work as a team with Co-Teaching Artists to teach/lead all after-school classes and three-hour workshops throughout the year. Teaching artists are responsible for the preparation and maintenance of all art materials and supplies. In conjunction with NAP Director and other Redmoon staff, Teaching Artists are responsible for strategic planning, documentation, evaluation and feedback to contribute to long-term goal setting for the program.
During the fall semester, Teaching Artists will lead “drop-in” after-school classes open to interested participants at Chase Elementary School for five weeks. After-school activities range from puppet-making to theater games, and as many as 30 girls per week may attend. During the Fall, there may be an opportunity to create an original piece of art or performance piece that could be used in Redmoon’s Fall Spectacle.
In January, 15 to 18 girls are paired with adult Artist Mentors whose expertise represents a variety of artistic disciplines led by the fundamentals of image-based performance, including theater, dance, and classical music. Teaching Artists, volunteers, mentors, and Dramagirls meet during the remainder of the school year for weekly three-hour workshops. During the Spring Semester, the girls write stories based on a theme relevant to their everyday lives, and use the multiple disciplines of their mentors to turn their stories into an original work of performance. Each year, the girls master at least one powerful action, which in the past has included story-telling, stilt-walking, and puppetry.
Specific Job Responsibilities
Art Instruction:
Deliver lessons and lead activities that include hands-on art instruction, discussion, and reflection in collaboration with mentor volunteers
Co-teach Saturday Art Workshops to build sets, prepare costumes, and make props for Spring performance
Instruct and mentor girls ranging in grade levels 4th to 8th grade coming from a variety of backgrounds including girls with disabilities and children who speak English as a Second Language concerns
Program Planning:
Coordinate and plan lessons and activities for Dramagirls After-School Programming with Co-Teaching Artist
Assist NAP Director in the recruitment, retention, and management of program mentors
Participate in the Summer Institute Planning sessions
Schedule and conduct all auditions/rehearsals in preparation for Spring Show in collaboration with Co-Teaching Artist
Coordinate grant-writing and assist Girl Mentors plan Sisters Empowering Sisters (SES) summer program
Collaboratively plan and coordinate Dramagirl year-end retreat with NAP Director and Co-Teaching Artist
Assist NAP Director in coordinating transportation for participants to and from evening workshops
Communicate regularly with NAP Director and Artistic staff about the direction of the Spring Show to insure that tenets of Spectacle Theater and Redmoon aesthetic are incorporated
Assist NAP Director in communications between the parents of participants and Chase School Parent Advocate
Documentation, Evaluation, Assessment:
Prepare and submit documentation of all lesson plans, activities, and assessment of Dramagirls programming consistent with NAP Department standards
Meet with NAP Director for assessment and reflection of program activities
Administrative:
Purchase and maintain all art supplies, materials, and other necessary items for programming needs
Complete all expense related documents with receipts and documentation
Complete and submit weekly reports of program activities to NAP Director
Assist NAP Director with tracking of budget expenditures
Keep track of all pertinent student-related documents on-site
Assist NAP Director and Marketing Director to increase awareness of the program within local and school communities
Attend all NAP Staff meetings
Community Building:
Assist NAP Director in communicating current events and activities between Chase School staff, teachers and parents, Audubon Elementary, Redmoon Theater, and local neighborhood
Work with Chase School teachers and staff to recruit students and parents for Workshops and After-School programs
Assist NAP Director in training sessions of mentors and volunteers
Collaborate, plan, and execute outreach activities with NAP Director and Co-Teaching Artist to engage to Chase school administration, parent advocate, and parents on a regular basis
Position Qualifications
Teaching Artists should have:
Excellent communication skills and the demonstrated ability to work in collaboration with others
A strong background in visual arts, theater and education
Experience designing and implementing hands-on, age-appropriate art education curriculum to children
Able to demonstrate an ability to engage, challenge, and interest youth through the a visually arts-based curriculum
Knowledge of youth development and arts education principles and practices
Ability to create safe, inclusive, supportive, and creative environments for children, parents, teachers, and volunteers
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with proven ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities, plan ahead, anticipate and articulate program needs, and work independently.
Ability to problem-solve with flexibility
Creative imagination with a great sense of humor
Familiarity with Spectacle Theater and a clear understanding of Redmoon’s mission is desirable
Experience in program documentation and evaluation a plus.
Spanish speaking a plus
To apply, please send resume and cover letter to:
Robert Hines, Director
Neighborhood Arts Programs Department
Redmoon Theater
1438 West Kinzie
Chicago, IL 60622
rhines@redmoon.org