Academic/Instructor Paid Teaching Artist Florida Studio Theatre Sarasota, FL US 09/27/2026

Playbill, Inc.; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401k with Employer match

Complimentary tickets

Restaurant discount

Paid vacation/PTO

Paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota seeks a Teaching Artist to support its education program. You will teach teen and adult classes, workshops, and intensives in acting, improv, and playwriting, while expanding Children’s Theatre and WRITE A PLAY offerings.

You will cultivate inclusive learning environments, partner with schools, and contribute to outreach initiatives that connect with the Sarasota community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, Theatre Education, or a related field.
• Three or more years of professional experience as a theatre artist or teaching artist.
• Experience teaching teens and adults in classroom, workshop, or community settings.
• Strong background in acting and improv; interest in playwriting and new play development.

Responsibilities

• Teach classes, camps, workshops, and intensives for teens and adults in acting, improv, and playwriting.
• Develop and facilitate curriculum for diverse students.
• Lead teen summer camps with artistic leadership and curriculum oversight.
• Facilitate community workshops, afterschool programs, and outreach.
• Engage with schools and partner organizations to connect with the Sarasota community.
• Create inclusive theatre experiences for learners with disabilities and diverse needs.
• Prepare students for performances, showcases, and readings.
• Collaborate to develop new classes and programs.

Skills

Acting

Improv

Teaching

Curriculum development

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Theatre/Theatre Education

Job description

Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota's Contemporary Theatre, seeks a Teaching Artist to support its education program. Reporting to the Director of Education, the Teaching Artist will work closely with the Education & Children’s Theatre Manager, Director of Improv, and other department team members. This position combines teaching, theatre-making, and meaningful engagement with the FST School community.

The Teaching Artist will primarily teach teen and adult classes, workshops, and intensives in acting, improv, and playwriting. The position will also contribute to FST’s Children’s Theatre and WRITE A PLAY programming, lead community workshops, and education outreach initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a versatile theatre artist who is passionate about education and believes in the transformative power of theatre. This role is for an engaging educator who celebrates collaboration and creates inclusive, supportive, and challenging learning environments for students of varied ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.

Job Responsibilities Include:

• Teach classes, camps, workshops, and intensives primarily serving teens and adults in acting, improv, and playwriting.
• Develop and facilitate engaging curriculum for students with diverse abilities, experience levels, and artistic goals.
• Serve as the lead Teaching Artist for teen summer camps, providing artistic leadership, curriculum oversight, and collaborative support to teaching artists and camp staff.
• Facilitate community workshops, afterschool programming, in-school playwriting residencies, and outreach opportunities.
• Participate in community events and work with local schools and partner organizations to connect FST School with the Sarasota community.
• Create inclusive theatre experiences for individuals with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
• Create supportive classroom environments that encourage creativity, confidence, collaboration, and artistic risk-taking.
• Prepare students for performances, showcases, and readings.
• Incorporate the FST School's teaching methodologies and educational philosophy into instruction.
• Collaborate with Director of Education to develop and implement new classes, workshops, and intensives.
• Participate in student assessment, professional development, and department planning.
• Maintain accurate class records and support the FST School performances, festivals, showcases, and special events.

Job Qualifications:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Theatre, Theatre Education, or a related field.
• Three or more years of professional experience as a theatre artist, teaching artist, or in a related arts field.
• Demonstrated experience teaching teens and adults in classroom, workshop, rehearsal, or community-based settings.
• Strong background in acting and improv, with experience or demonstrated interest in playwriting and new play development.
• Experience working with, or demonstrated interest in working with, individuals with disabilities and diverse learning needs, including the ability to adapt teaching approaches to support meaningful participation.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to create inclusive learning environments for students of varied backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experience levels.
• Takes initiative and adapts to changing needs.
• Works well both independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional performance experience in theatre.
• Experience developing curriculum or educational programming.
• Experience facilitating community-based workshops, residencies, or outreach programs.
• Experience working with schools, educators, community organizations, or underserved populations.
• Experience with directing, devising, ensemble-building, or new work development.
• Experience working within a professional theatre or nonprofit arts organization.
• Familiarity with FST School's Acting Methodology or similar actor-training approaches.

Job Type: Full-Time Permanent

Reports to: Director of Education

Compensation: $45,000 to $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Anticipated Start Date / Hiring Timeline: December 1, 2026

Benefits for Full Time Staff: Health Insurance (including optional vision and dental) after two months, 401k with Employer match after one year, complimentary tickets, restaurant discount, paid vacation/PTO, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and more.

Florida Studio Theatre is working towards becoming a more inclusive and accessible organization. FST is thus committed to developing a work environment that is reflective of the diverse world that it serves. Applicants from all populations and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Consideration for employment will be given to all applicants without regard to race/ethnicity, gender identity/sexual orientation, age or ability.

FST operates five stages, the 173 seat Keating Theatre, the 237 seat Gompertz Theatre, the 109 seat Goldstein Cabaret Theatre, the 110 seat John C. Court Cabaret Theatre and the 100 seat Bowne's Lab Theatre.

For more information, visit our website at www.floridastudiotheatre.org