Teaching Artists

Auditorium Theatre; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The Auditorium Theatre seeks Teaching Artist Mentors to engage K-12 students in Dance or Music within ArtsXChange programs in Chicago area schools. This independent contractor role focuses on developing arts-infused units with classroom teachers, aligning lessons to matinee performances, and building strong school relationships.

Responsibilities include creating 60-minute lesson plans, mentoring teachers, coordinating with the Director of Creative Engagement and Education, and participating in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Experience as an artist in the performing arts.
• Experience creating and developing lesson plans.
• Mentorship and leadership skills.
• Comfortable speaking in front of groups.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Teach students Theatre, Dance or Music fundamentals using a hands-on and interactive approach.
• Build 60-minute lesson plans that connect to The Auditorium Student Matinee Series performances.
• Engage with students to encourage their creativity, spark curiosity, and build ensemble.
• Communicate effectively with classroom teacher and The Auditorium’s Director of Creative Engagement and Education.
• Build rapport with school administrative staff.
• Mentor classroom teacher during one-on-one planning and reflections sessions.
• Encourage classroom teacher to lead arts-based activities.
• Attend three Auditorium Student Matinee performances.
• Follow all classroom and school protocols.
• Be an ambassador for The Auditorium and its Creative Engagement Programs.

Skills

Theatre

Dance

Music

Lesson planning

Classroom management

Communication

Mentorship

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Teaching Artists

The Auditorium seeks teaching artists who specialize in Dance or Music to teach in our ArtsXChange programs in Chicago area schools.

Job Description

This is an independent contractor position for the 2026-2027 school year. The Teaching Artist Mentor (TAM) is paired with a K-12 teacher who wants to develop their confidence integrating arts-based learning strategies into their existing curriculum and classroom. TAMs are responsible for instructing students as well as working in collaboration with the classroom teacher to develop unit plans that integrate the arts and connect to performances in The Auditorium Student Matinee Series. An important part of this position is to develop positive relationships with the classroom teacher and school administrative staff. The contract includes paid participation in program trainings, PD workshops, and meetings with teachers and chances to connect with TAMs mentoring other teachers.

Location of assignments will be determined by The Auditorium Creative Engagement Staff. Timeframes are determined by matinee series dates and in conversation with the participating classroom teacher. Transportation to and from the teaching site is the responsibility of the Teaching Artist Mentor.

Responsibilities

• Teach students Theatre, Dance or Music fundamentals using a hands-on and interactive approach.
• Build 60-minute lesson plans that connect to The Auditorium Student Matinee Series performances.
• Engage with students to encourage their creativity, spark curiosity, and build ensemble.
• Communicate effectively with classroom teacher and The Auditorium’s Director of Creative Engagement and Education.
• Build rapport with school administrative staff.
• Mentor classroom teacher during one-on-one planning and reflections sessions.
• Encourage classroom teacher to lead arts-based activities
• Participate in scheduled Professional Developments and the Curriculum Share event alongside other teaching artists and classroom teachers.
• Assist in leading Professional Developments
• Complete classroom assessments and teacher evaluations by due dates.
• Attend three Auditorium Student Matinee performances.
• Follow all classroom and school protocols.
• Be an ambassador for The Auditorium and its Creative Engagement Programs.

Skill & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Experience as an artist in the performing arts
• Passion for working with or teaching Theatre, Dance, or Music programming to students grade K-12
• Experience creating and developing lesson plans
• Classroom management skills
• Mentorship and leadership skills
• Comfortable working with a diverse group of students
• Reliability, punctuality, and excellent communication skills
• Knowledge of trauma informed teaching practices
• Comfortable speaking in front of groups of people
• Spanish speaking skills not required but helpful
• Ability to pass a background check

The Auditorium is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities and ages to apply.