Imagine joining a team where you inspire learners, ignite creativity, and bring Shakespeare’s works to life at the iconic Blackfriars Playhouse—the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre. At the American Shakespeare Center, Education Artists combine the magic of performance with the power of education to connect audiences of all ages to the timeless brilliance of Shakespeare. Are you ready to make an impact both on stage and in the classroom?
The American Shakespeare Center seeks local theater makers and educators to join our team of Education Artists. Education Artists combine performance expertise with educational outreach, facilitating workshops, lectures, and interactive experiences that promote the ASC’s core values of engaging with Shakespeare’s texts through his original staging conditions. These roles are ideal for dynamic and creative individuals who thrive at the intersection of education and performance.
Education Artists Key Responsibilities:
- Bring to life pre-designed lesson plans to facilitate ASC Core Workshops and other programs for various age and ability levels, both on-site at the Blackfriars Playhouse and off-site at schools or other partner institutions.
- Design and deliver customized learning experiences for students, educators, and theater enthusiasts, both in-person and virtually, for various age and ability levels.
- Collaborate with ASC’s Education Team to develop new programs and refine existing offerings.
- Serve as a playhouse tour guide as needed, connecting with visitors through ASC’s history and performance approaches.
- Represent ASC during public-facing educational events, talkbacks, and community outreach initiatives like Shakespeare’s Birthday Week and the Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival.
- Assist with program logistics, including preparation of teaching materials and coordination with schools, universities, and other client groups.
Education Artists Qualifications:
- Strong background in Shakespeare and performance, with professional acting, directing, or dramaturgy experience preferred.
- Proven experience teaching or facilitating workshops or lesson units in theater, Shakespeare studies, or related fields; classroom teaching or other experience within structured learning environments preferred.
- Familiarity with ASC’s staging practices and educational methodologies or a willingness to learn and embody them.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Proficiency with common office communication software, such as Google Suite and Slack.
- Passion for making Shakespeare accessible and engaging for learners of all ages and backgrounds.
- Ability to pass a background check.
Education Artists Compensation:
All Education Artist positions are flat-rate contract positions. Compensation will be provided on a per-project, per-workshop, or performance basis, as agreed upon prior to the commencement of work.
Below are representative rates for a sampling of programs run by Education Artists:
- $13-16 playhouse tour interpretation
- $35-100 workshop or guest lecture facilitation
- $200-500 corporate leadership training programs
- $500-850 week-long summer intensive for teachers
Payment will be issued upon the completion of agreed-upon deliverables and receipt of an invoice, according to the payment schedule outlined in your contract. Please note that as an independent contractor, you will be responsible for all applicable taxes and are not eligible for employee benefits.
As an Education Artist, you’ll refine your teaching and performance skills while working at the world-renowned Blackfriars Playhouse. Join a vibrant arts community where Shakespeare’s works come alive, making his timeless stories accessible to learners of all ages.
Start Your Journey as an Education Artist — Apply Today
About the American Shakespeare Center
The American Shakespeare Center (ASC) is a nonprofit theatre company based in Staunton, Virginia, and home to the world’s first recreation of Shakespeare’s Blackfriars Playhouse. ASC is dedicated to engaging audiences with Shakespeare’s timeless works through performances, education, and community programs. Here’s what sets us apart:
- The Blackfriars Playhouse: Experience theatre in the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor playhouse, blending historical authenticity with modern storytelling.
- Educational Innovation: Our workshops, lectures, and interactive programs make Shakespeare’s works accessible and inspiring for learners of all ages and backgrounds.
- Community Impact: Through partnerships, outreach initiatives, and local events, ASC fosters connections and builds community in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.
- Dynamic Repertory Theatre: With year-round performances, ASC offers rotating productions, from Shakespearean classics to modern adaptations, showcasing the transformative power of live theatre.
Conveniently located in Staunton, Virginia—just 45 minutes from Charlottesville, 1.5 hours from Richmond, and 2.5 hours from Washington, DC—ASC provides unique opportunities to explore the arts in an inspiring setting.
