Title: Teaching Artist
Classification: Full-Time, Year-Round (Grant-Funded)
Salary: $36,000–$42,000 annually
Location: Cleveland, OH
Start Date: Open until filled
Schedule: Primarily Monday–Friday with staggered start times based on school assignments. Includes
occasional evenings, weekends, and early mornings aligned with school, community, and Cleveland
Playhouse programming.
Reports To: Manager of Teaching Artist Development

About Cleveland Playhouse
Cleveland Playhouse (CPH) inspires, stimulates, and entertains diverse audiences across Northeast
Ohio through professional theatre and impactful education programs. We believe theatre education
strengthens individuals and communities by building empathy, fostering self-awareness, and
encouraging creative expression.

Our work serves a broad and diverse population, including students (grades K–8), educators,
veterans, active-duty military members, and military families. We are committed to using theatre as
a bridge between communities, creating spaces for connection, understanding, and shared experience.

A central component of this work is the CARE (Compassionate Arts Remaking Education) Program, which
integrates theatre techniques with social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and
literacy development.

Position Overview Position Overview
The Teaching Artist delivers dynamic, participant-centered theatre education programs in schools
and community settings. This role engages students, veterans, active-duty service members, and
military families, using theatre as a tool for expression, resilience, and connection.

In addition to classroom and community-based instruction, the Teaching Artist will facilitate small
forums and storytelling spaces that encourage veterans and military-connected participants to share
their experiences, fostering dialogue through guided discussion and active listening techniques.

This work supports community-building, mutual understanding, and personal storytelling as a form of
artistic expression.

Teaching Artists will also play a key role in the development, production, promotion, and piloting
of new “Stories That Matter” curriculum, designed to elevate participant voices and reflect diverse
lived experiences, including those of military-connected communities.

Teaching Artists collaborate closely with the CPH Education Team and fellow Teaching Artists to
design and facilitate programming that is inclusive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed.

This role requires adaptability to work across both classroom environments and community-based
settings, including those serving military-connected populations.

We strongly encourage veterans and transitioning service members to apply. Skills developed through
military service—such as leadership, adaptability, communication, and working within diverse
teams—are highly valued and directly applicable to this role.

Qualifications
Required Skills & Competencies
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across diverse populations
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities with strong attention to detail
• Experience working with youth, groups, or community-based populations
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement
• Ability to problem-solve, adapt, and make informed decisions in dynamic environments

Preferred (Not Required)
• Background in education, theatre, social work, or a related field
• Experience working in diverse education or community-based settings
• Familiarity with trauma-informed practices or social-emotional learning
• Experience working with military-connected populations, veterans, or family support
programs

Education
• A degree in education, theatre, drama therapy, social work, or a related field is encouraged but
not required
• Equivalent experience—including military service, leadership roles, training, or community-based
work—will be strongly considered

Additional Requirements
• Ability to obtain required background checks, including fingerprinting through federal and Ohio
state systems

Key Responsibilities Instruction & Program Delivery
• Lead engaging theatre-based instruction in CARE and enrichment programs for students and
community participants, including veterans and military families
• Plan and implement lessons that support social-emotional learning, literacy, and creative
expression
• Adapt teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners and participants across age
groups and backgrounds
Storytelling, Forums & Curriculum Innovation
• Facilitate small forums and storytelling sessions that encourage veterans and military-connected
participants to share their experiences in a supportive environment

• Utilize and model active listening techniques to foster respectful dialogue, reflection, and
community-building
• Contribute to the creation, production, promotion, and piloting of the “Stories That Matter”
curriculum, elevating participant voices and lived experiences
• Adapt and refine curriculum content to reflect diverse perspectives, including military and
veteran experiences

Learning Environment & Culture
• Foster safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed learning environments for all participants
• Model anti-racist, culturally competent, and community-responsive teaching practices
• Create spaces that honor and reflect both civilian and military experiences

Collaboration & Community Engagement
• Partner with school staff, community organizations, and military-connected groups to support
participant engagement and success
• Attend meetings, trainings, and community events as needed
• Build meaningful relationships with students, educators, veterans, and families
• Support participant access to professional theatre opportunities at CPH and beyond

Program Support & Development

• Maintain attendance records and complete weekly program reporting
• Support ongoing curriculum development and program evaluation
• Assist with summer theatre programming and special initiatives
• Substitute for fellow Teaching Artists as needed

Why Veterans Should Apply
Cleveland Playhouse recognizes the value of military experience. Veterans and service members
bring:
• Leadership and team-building skills
• Experience working in diverse and high-pressure environments
• Strong communication and adaptability
• A commitment to service, mentorship, and community
These strengths align closely with the goals of our Teaching Artist team and the communities we
serve.

Benefits
• Health insurance (CPH covers 85% of employee premium)
• Life and long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off: vacation, personal days, and holidays
• Optional 401(k) plan (no employer match)

• Parking available at employee cost
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
Commitment to Equity
Cleveland Playhouse is committed to becoming an anti-racist organization that actively promotes
equity, diversity, and inclusion. This includes honoring the experiences of both civilian and
military-connected communities. Staff participate in ongoing training, collaboration, and
organizational growth in support of this commitment.

Equal Opportunity Employer
CPH is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive
consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability
status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or
any other characteristic protected by law.

How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a combined cover letter and resume in one document to
Thomas Kazmierczak tkazmierczak@clevelandplayhouse.com.