Senior Teaching Artist

Theatre Washington; Arlington (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching retirement savings program

Paid sick and vacation

Paid holidays

Week of paid leave (Dec 24–Jan 1)

Job summary

Encore Stage & Studio is seeking an experienced Teaching Artist for a guaranteed 20 hour/week part-time position from September 2026 through June 2027, with potential extension. The role supports Encore’s classes, camps, school residencies, and workshops for children and youth ages 3–18, reporting to the Operations Manager.

You’ll teach with our teams across Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Alexandria and DC locations, design lessons, lead rehearsals and activities, follow safety policies, and

Qualifications

• Previous teaching experience, particularly with elementary aged children
• Creativity and flexibility, coupled with strong classroom management abilities
• An excellent communicator with the ability to speak and write clearly
• A problem-solver who thinks critically and plans strategically
• Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and take initiative

Responsibilities

• Lead teaching and/or be on the teaching team for in-house and in-school programming
• Design lesson plans and activities; follow age-appropriate curriculum guidelines
• Organize and lead rehearsals, games, arts and crafts, and other activities for student learning
• Implement Encore policies and safety procedures
• Assist with scheduling and communicate with schools and other teaching artists
• Attend staff meetings and plan programming with Encore staff
• Supervise apprentices, teaching assistants and volunteers
• Administrative office tasks between teaching assignments and other duties

Skills

Teaching

Communication

Team player

Time management

Initiative

Creativity

Adaptability

Job description

Encore Stage & Studio is seeking an experienced Teaching Artist for a guaranteed 20 hour/ week part-time position from September 2026 - June 2027 (with opportunity for extension). This position reports to Encore’s Operations Manager.

You’ll work across a variety of Encore’s classes, camps, school residencies, and workshops for children and youth ages 3 - 18. Your typical activities may include:

• Lead teaching and/ or being on the teaching team for our in-house and in-school programming
• Designing lesson plans and activities; follow age-appropriate curriculum guidelines. Organize and lead rehearsals, games, arts and crafts, and other activities designed to help students learn, expend energy, and work in groups.
• Implement all Encore policies and safety procedures.
• Assist with scheduling, communicating with schools and other teaching artists to facilitate the operation of Encore’s programs.
• Attend staff meetings as requested and work with Encore staff to plan programming and discuss student progress.
• Supervise apprentices, teaching assistants and volunteers as requested.
• Administrative office tasks between teaching assignments and other duties as assigned.

What’s In It For You

Encore is dedicated to a professional and engaged work environment where you will be a valued team member. This 20-hour per week position will typically work weekday afternoons and Saturdays with Sunday as a consistent day off. Some morning, evening, and weekend hours are required to accommodate Encore’s education program schedule. Schedules will be provided on a monthly basis.

Compensation starting at $19/ hour, as well as benefits including a matching retirement savings program, paid sick and vacation, holidays, and a week of paid leave from December 24 - January 1.

This position will report to work at various programming locations in Arlington and Fairfax Counties, the Cities of Falls Church and Alexandria, and Washington, DC, as well as Encore's administrative office location in Arlington. Reliable transportation between sites is required.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking an energetic, imaginative, and organized individual with a passion for working with children daily. Applicants with specific skills and/or certifications in dance, movement, musical theatre, directing, and stage combat are particularly encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• A commitment to and understanding of Encore Stage & Studio’s Mission, Vision, and Values
• Previous teaching experience, particularly with elementary aged children
• Creativity and flexibility, coupled with strong classroom management abilities
• A team player with good time management and follow-up skills, a demonstrated ability to take initiative, and handle multiple projects concurrently.
• An excellent communicator with the ability to speak and write clearly.
• A problem-solver who thinks critically and plans strategically.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and take initiative.

The ability to stand, move, and engage actively with children for extended periods, and to lift up to 25 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation is required. Encore Stage & Studio will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Teaching Artists must comply with Encore Stage & Studio’s child safety policies and mandatory reporting requirements and complete required training prior to working with students. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and reference check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the internship.

Encore Stage & Studio is committed to promoting inclusion and equitable access to all of its programs. We believe that an artistic community is enhanced through diversity.

Encore Stage & Studio is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.