Teaching Artist - Mobile Tech Theatre

DEPARTMENT: Learning and Engagement

REPORTS TO: Director of Learning and Engagement

LOCATION: Based in La Jolla, CA and travels to various schools, facilities, and community centers throughout San Diego County

CLASSIFICATION: This is a part-time, non-exempt (hourly) position with limited benefits including paid sick leave and complimentary tickets to Playhouse performances

COMPENSATION: $30.00 per hour for planning, travel, meetings, and trainings; $60.00 per hour for teaching

START DATE: Early 2026 (exact date TBD)

APPLICATION MATERIALS: Cover Letter and Resume

About The Position

As part of La Jolla Playhouse’s Learning and Engagement team, the Mobile Tech Theatre Teaching Artist serves as both an instructor and driver/operator for our mobile technical theatre program. This individual will bring hands-on, behind-the-scenes theatre education directly to schools and community partners using a fully equipped touring truck.

The Teaching Artist will facilitate engaging, standards-aligned workshops in costumes, lighting, props, sound, and scenic design, following La Jolla Playhouse’s designed curriculum. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in one or more technical theatre disciplines, a passion for arts education, and the ability to safely transport and set up mobile teaching equipment.

Teaching Artists with La Jolla Playhouse are skilled facilitators who create inclusive, safe learning environments that foster creativity, collaboration, and 21st-century skills. They represent the Playhouse as ambassadors in the community and are vital to the mission of bringing the magic of theatre to learners of all ages.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Deliver engaging technical theatre workshops in alignment with La Jolla Playhouse’s curriculum, covering topics such as costumes, lighting, props, scenic design and construction, and sound.
• Drive and operate the touring truck safely to and from program sites throughout the region; ensure timely setup and breakdown of materials and equipment.
• Facilitate handson learning experiences that connect technical theatre concepts to creativity, collaboration, and problemsolving.
• Model and maintain a safe learning environment in both classroom and outdoor/mobile settings.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and LJP staff to support program goals and ensure positive experiences for all participants.
• Maintain equipment and materials, reporting any issues or needs promptly.
• Participate in planning, training, and debrief meetings with Learning and Engagement staff.
• Submit timesheets, reports, and documentation in a timely manner.
• Serve as a positive ambassador for La Jolla Playhouse at schools, community sites, and events.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program success.
  
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional experience in one or more technical theatre areas: lighting, sound, scenic design, props, or costumes.
• Experience teaching or facilitating workshops for youth or community audiences in arts or technical subjects.
• 35 years of experience in technical theatre production and/or arts education.
• Comfort with light truck driving, loading/unloading, and basic equipment maintenance (training provided).
• Strong communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently, adapt to changing environments, and problemsolve on site.
• Demonstrated cultural competency. Ability to engage diverse communities.
• Ability to reliably commute to and from La Jolla Playhouse and partner sites.
• Must pass a Livescan background check and hold a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in theatre, design, education, or related field.
• English/Spanish bilingual.
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regular, reliable attendance and punctuality required.
• Availability to work daytime, evening, and occasional weekend hours based on school and community program schedules.
• Work performed in a variety of environments, including schools, community centers, outdoor spaces, and onsite at La Jolla Playhouse.
• Must be comfortable driving and operating a touring truck and managing loadin/loadout of equipment at partner sites (training provided).
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting or moving items weighing up to 40 lbs, such as set pieces, technical gear, and educational materials.
• Periods of computer and administrative work, including email communication, scheduling, and documentation.
• May involve exposure to varying weather conditions during outdoor or mobile program operations.
• Commitment to maintaining safety standards for self, participants, and equipment during travel and workshop facilitation.