What are the responsibilities and job description for the Young Playwrights Project Lead Teaching Artist/Director of Plays (Chautauqua Arts Education)/Seasonal Employment position at Chautauqua Institution?
Job Details
Description
The Lead Teaching Artist/Director of Plays will work with the Director of Arts Education to provide input on the curriculum, suggest team members to serve as teaching artists, train teaching artists, coordinate travel both to Chautauqua Institution and to schools, lead the team of teaching artists during each phase of the implementation of the curriculum in the schools, and serve as liaison between the teaching artist team and CI staff. This person will also serve as director for the Phase 3 plays, working with the Director of Arts Education and Arts Education staff to communicate production needs, supervise the acting and production team and present the final performances of student plays. This position will report to the Director of Arts Education.
About Your Compensation
The compensation for this role is $29.17/Hour.
Travel to and from Chautauqua Institution will be reimbursed, as well as some costs incurred for travel throughout Chautauqua County specific to school visits.
Responsibilities
About Your Work Day
Required Experience
Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.
About Your Schedule
Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part-time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August. Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) and beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability. Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement.
While You Will Confirm Your Final Schedule With Management At The Time Of An Interview And Offer Of Employment, You Should Generally Anticipate The Following Schedule Options For This Position
During Phase 1 and Phase 2 visits to the schools, expect between 30-40 hours per week. During pre-Phase 1 and pre-Phase 2 play preparation, expect between 10-20 hours per week. During Phase 3, expect between 30-40 hours per week.
Chautauqua Institution may provide limited housing options on our grounds or assist you with locating nearby housing arrangements for selecting opportunities based on business needs. Housing is not an option for many positions and may be of a cost to you. Candidates should assume there are no employer-provided or employer-assisted housing options available for this position unless it is otherwise stated.
Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conference and events organization. The Institution’s office in Washington, DC is located strategically for an ongoing role in the cultural conversations of the nation.
Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience
There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.
Our Commitment to IDEA
Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.
Joining Our Talent Community
Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment. You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.
Description
The Lead Teaching Artist/Director of Plays will work with the Director of Arts Education to provide input on the curriculum, suggest team members to serve as teaching artists, train teaching artists, coordinate travel both to Chautauqua Institution and to schools, lead the team of teaching artists during each phase of the implementation of the curriculum in the schools, and serve as liaison between the teaching artist team and CI staff. This person will also serve as director for the Phase 3 plays, working with the Director of Arts Education and Arts Education staff to communicate production needs, supervise the acting and production team and present the final performances of student plays. This position will report to the Director of Arts Education.
About Your Compensation
The compensation for this role is $29.17/Hour.
Travel to and from Chautauqua Institution will be reimbursed, as well as some costs incurred for travel throughout Chautauqua County specific to school visits.
Responsibilities
About Your Work Day
- Provide input to the Director of Arts Education on the program curriculum
- Suggest teaching artists to hire as the YPP Teaching Artist Team
- Train the teaching artists in the program curriculum
- Serve as on-site leadership for the YPP Teaching Artist Team
- Coordinate travel for the team as needed
- Serve as liaison between the YPP Teaching Artist Team and the Director of Arts Education
- Lead volunteer play reading groups in rehearsal and during school visits
- Coordinate processing plays for play reading groups, typing plays from handwritten scripts
Required Experience
- Theater for youth programs
- Directing
- Formal training in theater arts
- Theater improvisation
- Team leadership
- Knowledge of best practices for working with grade 3-4 youth in theater programs
- “Yes and” approach
- Teaching Artists will be trained and supported by the Director of Arts Education. Program implementation and development will be coordinated in collaboration between the Teaching Artist and the Director of Arts Education.
Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.
About Your Schedule
Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part-time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August. Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) and beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability. Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement.
While You Will Confirm Your Final Schedule With Management At The Time Of An Interview And Offer Of Employment, You Should Generally Anticipate The Following Schedule Options For This Position
During Phase 1 and Phase 2 visits to the schools, expect between 30-40 hours per week. During pre-Phase 1 and pre-Phase 2 play preparation, expect between 10-20 hours per week. During Phase 3, expect between 30-40 hours per week.
- Phase 1 School Visits: January 12-16, 2026
- Play Preparation for Phase 2: February 27-March 20, 2026
- Phase 2 on-site rehearsals and school visits: March 20-April 2, 2026
- Play selection process: March 25-May 1, 2026
- Phase 3 production needs shared with Arts Ed staff: May 1-7, 2026
- Phase 3 onsite rehearsals and performances: June 13-18, 2026
Chautauqua Institution may provide limited housing options on our grounds or assist you with locating nearby housing arrangements for selecting opportunities based on business needs. Housing is not an option for many positions and may be of a cost to you. Candidates should assume there are no employer-provided or employer-assisted housing options available for this position unless it is otherwise stated.
- Housing/accommodations will be provided, with preference towards private room with shared bath and common areas, possibility of shared room with approval from artist.
- Potential for Remote Work: Aspects of this position may be eligible for remote work, specific to the play preparation and play selection process.
Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conference and events organization. The Institution’s office in Washington, DC is located strategically for an ongoing role in the cultural conversations of the nation.
Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience
There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.
Our Commitment to IDEA
Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.
Joining Our Talent Community
Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment. You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.
Salary : $29