Young Playwrights Project Teaching Artist/Actor (Chautauqua Arts Education)/Seasonal Employment

This part-time, seasonal position will serve as teaching artist in the Chautauqua Arts Education Young Playwrights Project (YPP). This program is a 3-phase program. Phase 1 involves school visits where the YPP Teaching Artists present an assembly followed by an in-class lesson for each classroom at each participating school that teaches 3rd and 4th grade students how to write a play. Phase 2 involves YPP Teaching Artists leading teams of volunteers as they rehearse and then stage a play reading in each participating classroom. Phase 3 involves students visiting Chautauqua Institution to see a select number of plays chosen from all submitted, with the Teaching Artists serving as the performing theater company.

The YPP Teaching Artist/Actor will work under the leadership of the Young Playwrights Project Lead Teaching Artist/Director of Plays to implement the program curriculum in the schools. This person will also serve as actor in the Phase 3 plays, working with the Young Playwrights Project Lead Teaching Artist/Director of Plays to present the final performances of student plays. This position will report to the Director of Arts Education.

About Your Compensation  

The compensation for this role is $23.05/hour  

Travel to and from Chautauqua Institution will be reimbursed, as well as some costs incurred for travel throughout Chautauqua County specific to school visits.

About Your Work Day 

Responsibilities

• Implement program curriculum as directed by the Director of Arts Education and the Lead Teaching Artist, including performing scripted and improvisational work in the school assembly and leading classes through the playwriting process as detailed in the curricular materials
• Lead volunteer play reading groups in rehearsal and during school visits
• Coordinate processing plays for play reading groups, typing plays from handwritten scripts
• Acting in the Phase 3 performance
• With the rest of the company, creating props/costumes/set design for the Phase 3 performances

Education and Experience

Required experience:

• Theater for youth programs
• Acting
• Formal training in theater arts
• Theater improvisation

Skills and Abilities

• Collaboration and strong team player
• “Yes and” approach

Supervision and Guidance

• Teaching Artists will be trained and supported by the Director of Arts Education. Program implementation and development will be coordinated in collaboration between the Teaching Artist and the Director of Arts Education.

About the Referral Program  

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August. 

About Your Schedule

Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part-time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August.  Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) and beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability.  Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement.   

While you will confirm your final schedule with management at the time of an interview and offer of employment, you should generally anticipate the following schedule options for this position:   

During Phase 1 and Phase 2 visits to the schools, expect between 30-40 hours per week. During pre-Phase 1 and pre-Phase 2 play preparation, expect between 10-20 hours per week. During Phase 3, expect between 30-40 hours per week.

Schedule:

• Phase 1 School Visits: January 12-16, 2026
• Play Preparation for Phase 2: February 27-March 20, 2026
• Phase 2 on-site rehearsals and school visits: March 20-April 2, 2026
• Play selection process: March 25-May 1, 2026
• Phase 3 production needs shared with Arts Ed staff: May 1-7, 2026
• Phase 3 onsite rehearsals and performances: June 13-18, 2026

About Living on the Grounds 

Chautauqua Institution may provide limited housing options on our grounds or assist you with locating nearby housing arrangements for selecting opportunities based on business needs.  Housing is not an option for many positions and may be of a cost to you.  Candidates should assume there are no employer-provided or employer-assisted housing options available for this position unless it is otherwise stated.    

• Housing/accommodations will be provided, with preference towards private room with shared bath and common areas, possibility of shared room with approval from artist.
• Potential for Remote Work: Aspects of this position may be eligible for remote work, specific to the play preparation and play selection process.

About Chautauqua Institution  

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities.  Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conference and events organization.  The Institution’s office in Washington, DC is located strategically for an ongoing role in the cultural conversations of the nation. 

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience 

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience.  Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater. 

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward.  One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.”  We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.  Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Joining Our Talent Community 

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.  You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.