Middle School Theater Teacher

Reports To: School Administration
Classification: Part-Time or Teaching Assignment Add-On
Location: Olive Knolls Christian School

Position Summary

Olive Knolls Christian School is seeking a mission-aligned, creative, and student-centered Theater Teacher / Drama Instructor to help lead and grow our theater program. This individual will play an important role in helping students develop confidence, expression, stage presence, discipline, collaboration, and creativity through drama instruction and performance.

The right candidate will understand that theater at Olive Knolls is more than performance. It is an opportunity to help students grow in confidence, communication, teamwork, and excellence while contributing to the larger creative culture of the school. This role may be part-time or may function as part of a broader teaching assignment, depending on the candidate and the needs of the school.

We are looking for someone who can build on what exists, work well with students, and help create meaningful performance experiences that are well-led, age-appropriate, and excellent.

Core Purpose of the Role

The Theater Teacher / Drama Instructor is responsible for teaching drama and theater arts in a way that develops students in performance skill, creativity, confidence, collaboration, and stage readiness. This includes instruction, rehearsal leadership, production support, and helping students grow through the process of preparing and presenting performances.

Key Responsibilities

1. Theater and Drama Instruction

• Teach theater or drama classes as assigned, particularly during elective periods.
• Introduce and develop core performance skills such as stage presence, movement, voice, expression, characterization, teamwork, and audience awareness.
• Help students grow in confidence and communication through structured, age-appropriate instruction.
• Maintain a classroom environment that is engaging, organized, and supportive.

2. Rehearsal and Performance Leadership

• Lead rehearsals and help prepare students for school performances, presentations, or productions as assigned.
• Guide students in the process of learning lines, blocking, movement, expression, and performance discipline.
• Help create meaningful opportunities for students to showcase what they have learned.
• Support productions in a way that values both excellence and student growth.

3. Program Development

• Help strengthen and grow the school’s theater program over time.
• Bring ideas, creativity, and structure to the program while working within the broader mission and life of the school.
• Build on current opportunities and help create a positive, sustainable theater experience for students.
• Contribute to the school’s overall creative culture and student development.

4. Student Development and Classroom Culture

• Create a culture of encouragement, discipline, collaboration, and confidence.
• Help students develop teamwork, responsibility, and a willingness to grow.
• Build positive relationships with students while maintaining strong expectations and appropriate classroom management.
• Support students in using their gifts with excellence and humility.

5. Collaboration with Staff and Leadership

• Work collaboratively with teachers, staff, and school leadership regarding scheduling, performances, and program needs.
• Communicate clearly and professionally about rehearsals, expectations, and student growth.
• Support the broader creative and event life of the school when theater involvement is needed.
• Help ensure the theater program reflects the mission, values, and standard of Olive Knolls Christian School.

Who This Person Needs to Be

The right person for this role is not simply artistic. They are someone who can connect with students, lead a room well, and create an environment where students can grow in confidence and creativity.

They should be someone who:

• Aligns with the mission and values of a Christian school
• Enjoys teaching and working with children
• Is creative, organized, and dependable
• Can lead with both warmth and structure
• Understands how to help students grow through performance
• Brings professionalism, flexibility, and encouragement
• Wants to build something meaningful rather than simply direct a show

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Degree in theater, drama, performing arts, education, or a related field helpful but not required
• Candidates with strong equivalent experience may be considered
• Experience in theater, drama, musical productions, local theater, directing, acting, or related performance environments preferred
• Experience working with students in a school, camp, church, studio, or youth theater setting preferred
• Ability to lead rehearsals, teach performance skills, and prepare students for presentations
• Strong communication, classroom leadership, and organizational skills

Work Rhythm and Expectations

This role may be part-time or may be combined with another teaching role depending on the needs of the school and the qualifications of the candidate. Historically, theater has sometimes been taught by an existing staff member, but the school is open to qualified outside candidates as well.

The rhythm of the role may include:

• Elective teaching times, especially Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Rehearsals during or after school as needed
• Performances or showcases connected to school events
• Occasional evening responsibilities tied to productions or presentations

Measures of Success

Success in this role will be reflected in:

• A healthy and engaging theater program
• Students growing in confidence, communication, and performance skill
• Strong classroom culture and rehearsal leadership
• Meaningful performance opportunities for students
• Continued program development and creative contribution to school life
• A student experience that reflects excellence, joy, and growth

Pay: $17.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $22