Description

Division: Upper School

Job Title: Upper School Theatre, Musical Theatre, & Theatre History Teacher

ABOUT POLY

Founded in 1907, Polytechnic School is the first nonprofit, coeducational, K-12, independent school in Southern California. The meaning of polytechnic as “many arts” is reflected in the school’s ambitious and student-centered educational program. Nationally recognized as a K-12 educational leader, Poly develops the unique intellect, talents, and character of each student through transformative teaching within a diverse community devoted to academic excellence, the creative arts, the camaraderie of team sports, and service to others.

Poly strives to be an inclusive community that fosters academic excellence and personal growth by ensuring that all of our 870 students, nearly 65% of whom identify as Students of Color, are seen, heard, and valued as their authentic selves. We respect the dignity and worth of every individual and seek to celebrate the joy, the love, and the creativity that emanate from the human spirit. Throughout our Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, students, faculty, and staff commit to deepening our understanding and knowledge of ourselves, each other, and our ever-changing world.

Within our community of care, Poly students build the confidence and capacity to think critically and creatively to become responsible global citizens and intellectual leaders. Taught by an extraordinary faculty, Poly graduates are ready to fulfill the promise of their talents and lead meaningful, purposeful lives. 

To learn more about Polytechnic School, please visit us. 

POSITION PURPOSE: Polytechnic School is looking for an energetic and dynamic theatre & acting teacher who, above all, loves working with Upper School students and values and affirms the unique contributions of each child in the school community. Poly is looking for a teacher who is qualified to teach in multiple areas of theatre & acting education, including but not limited to Theatre History, Scriptwriting, Musical Theatre and Directing, and believes that all students can develop their theatrical and acting talents. This teacher will be joining a performing arts department committed to three core principles: Art, while innate in some, can be learned by all. Art, while intrinsically valuable unto itself, educates the whole student. And finally, art, while the purest form of personal expression, through collaboration, connects the artist to the ensemble, the ensemble to the community, and the community to the world. 

Reporting to the director of the Upper School, the successful candidate will take a student-centered approach to all school work and will use the school’s mission to design and support the academic, extracurricular, social, and emotional success of students. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teach acting and musical theatre in the Upper School;

• Collaborate with other members of the performing arts department to prepare course materials, including syllabi, assignments, assessments, and supplementary materials;

• Administration and evaluation of class work, assignments, and assessments;

• Preparation and maintenance of student attendance records, grades, comments, and other required records;

• Prepare students for various performances by offering guidance and mentorship in a collaborative and educational environment where students can develop their acting and theatrical talents;

• Lead rehearsals and provide direction for all Upper School theatrical and musical productions; 

• Coordination of online ticketing, advertising, costuming, show programs, and other elements necessary for a production;

• Provide assistance and advice to students during free periods and before and after school;

• Collaborate with members of the performing arts department, the Upper School faculty, and the entire K-12 community;

• Engage robustly in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion to promote a healthy learning environment;

• Regular participation in professional development opportunities to maintain and grow both expertise in the subject matter and inclusive pedagogical practices;

• Enthusiastically participate in the greater life of the school, particularly extracurricular activities as an advisor or spectator and chaperone; 

• Be knowledgeable in new trends and developments of theatre & acting pedagogy and education;

• Be available to parents, students, administration, and colleagues outside the school day when needed; 

• Willingly take on other duties as needed;

• Attend weekly performing arts department meetings;

• Communicate with performing arts department chair consistently and provide updates regarding progress;

• Meet assigned deadlines for productions;

• Attend, participate, and coordinate Upper School Culmination events and performing arts performances.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines, as well as a diverse array of contacts.

• Work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

• Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled classroom environment.

• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

SALARY: Minimum of 6 years of experience, $76,500 to $100,000 (While our pay varies based on experience and education, we strive to pay one of the highest salaries in our area)

BENEFITS: A full benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 403 (b) retirement plan. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, Poly will recruit, hire, train, and promote faculty and staff without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, medical condition and physical or mental disability (whether perceived or actual), or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. School policy also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS degree. Advanced degree(s) preferred. 

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in theatre/acting teaching or relevant industry experience.

• Demonstrated experience creating inclusive learning environments and opportunities.

• Ability to use effective classroom management techniques.

• Ability to direct and manage rehearsals and performances. 

• Ability to manage competing demands and adapt to frequent or unexpected changes.

• Ability to work collaboratively and methodically with students, parents, faculty, and staff on a regular basis.

• Ability to play piano preferred.

• Knowledge of lighting, set, costume design, and ticketing programs preferred but not necessary.

• Costume design and ticketing program knowledge and experience preferred but not necessary.