TEACHING ARTIST

THE BOTTOM LINE:
CO/LAB Theater Group is currently seeking new Teaching Artists to develop and facilitate theater workshops for individuals with developmental disabilities. We aim to hire multiple individuals to join our esteemed Teaching Artist roster. As part of our program, you will have access to a diverse array of opportunities, including multiple residencies, workshops, substitute teaching positions, social events, and professional development and training sessions. While we endeavor to offer a variety of engagements throughout the semester, the frequency of assignments may vary. TA onboarding will take place during July 2024.

CO/LAB Theater Group is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our organizational values state “All Are Welcome” at CO/LAB—applicants of all races, religions, gender identities or expressions, familial statuses, sexual orientations, ages, or disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. We are committed to continually diversifying our team and we aim to include new voices and experiences to our work.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO IS EXCITED TO JUMP ON BOARD AND:

• Team-teach workshops and residencies in theater – specific class content varies but
  can include devised theater, improv, musical theater, puppetry, and more. Many of our
  programs also culminate in a final sharing or performance – Teaching Artists are
  responsible for guiding show content and overall direction, in conjunction with CO/LAB
  programming staff. Teaching a class includes:
  ○ Facilitating the pre-class Supporting Artist (in-class volunteer) meeting
  ○ Overseeing the setup and breakdown of studio space
  ○ Leading the class with your team TA
  ○ Managing safety of the classroom and participants
  ○ Carrying out administrative duties including emails, class logs, attendance,
  materials prep, and show coordination
• Create semester curriculum and individual lesson plans with your TA partner
• Attend regular check-in meetings with the Programming staff, mandatory Teaching
• Artist meetings throughout the year (calendar varies by season), and 1+ Professional
  Development session per semester
• Represent CO/LAB in communication with parents/caregivers, partners, and various
  groups on behalf of CO/LAB

WE’RE HOPING YOU CAN SAY YES TO ALL OR MOST OF THE FOLLOWING:

• I have experience and/or education in teaching theater in a classroom or community setting. Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is a plus, but not required!
• I have experience in one or more art forms and am excited about creatively incorporating these art forms into CO/LAB curricula.
• I am a confident leader in the classroom and have an understanding of how to cater to many different styles of learning.
• I have outstanding communication skills, both for in-class and administrative purposes.
• I am flexible and open; I can adapt and respond to participant needs in the room and creatively problem-solve unexpected curveballs.
• I am reliable and professional, both in and outside the classroom.
• I love to collaborate with an ensemble and I work well in a team teaching dynamic.
• I am a kind, warm-hearted human and believe I can foster joy in the classroom.
• I am passionate about the mission of CO/LAB and am committed to upholding the mission.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS JOB:

• This is a part-time employee (W-2) position and schedule will fluctuate throughout the season.
• We are looking to hire people specifically with daytime and weekend availability.
• We are looking to hire people who either reside in or are comfortable traveling to the Bronx, Staten Island, Queens, outer parts of Brooklyn, and Westchester.
• The position reports to the Director of Programs.
• CO/LAB is requiring all staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
• Teaching Artists are paid as follows:
  ○ Facilitation – $72.50/hour
  ○ Lesson Planning – $55/lesson
  ○ Curriculum Building – $25/class/residency (Example: 10 week residency – $250, 12 week residency – $300, etc.)
  ○ Meetings & Professional Development – $30/hour
  ○ Other one-time fees are applied for special events and performances.

ABOUT CO/LAB:
CO/LAB Theater Group is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Creative Opportunities without Limits And Boundaries. CO/LAB offers individuals with developmental disabilities a creative and social outlet through theater arts. Through our programming, we encourage actors to collaborate as an ensemble and discover their individual voices. CO/LAB creates a safe, judgment-free, and neuro-diverse environment that allows participants the opportunity to express themselves both in class and on stage. We seek to honor and celebrate every individual. CO/LAB aims to offer financially accessible programs to all. We recommend perusing our website and social media channels to find out more about our team and our work!

• Our organizational core values which guide our daily work:
  ○ All are welcome; CO/LAB fosters a community with open doors that is supportive of people with all abilities, beliefs, and backgrounds.
  ○ CO/LAB honors and celebrates each individual for who they are. We value everyone’s unique contribution to our ensemble at large.
  ○ We set the bar high, artistically and administratively. We are ambitious. We learn, grow, and thoughtfully apply our knowledge.
  ○ At CO/LAB we listen carefully, encourage new ideas, and collaborate with team
  members.
  ○ We are determined to have generous, honest, passionate, joyful people leading the organization.

All staff members of CO/LAB participate in deepening the organization’s commitment to becoming an inclusive and equitable organization. Each individual is responsible for conducting their work in an equitable manner and our staff works together to continue to learn aboutanti-oppression, anti-racism, anti-ableism, and/or social justice.

TELL ME HOW TO APPLY:

• Please fill out an application and provide materials at www.colabtheatergroup.com/get-involved by May 12th. If you need any support in applying, please email us at programs@colabtheatergroup.com
• Select applicants will be invited to attend an in-person audition and info session with CO/LAB Staff and participants. Invitations to audition will go out by Friday, May 24th. Interested applicants must be available for at least one of these sessions.
  Auditions will take place on:
  ○ Wednesday, June 5, 5-8pm in Manhattan (520 8th Ave)
  ○ Tuesday, June 11, 1-4pm in Brooklyn (138 S Oxford St)