New York City Children’s Theater inspires young people’s imaginations and supports social and emotional growth through original theatrical experiences on stage, in schools, and in our community.

We reach children and their communities with a wide range of programming, including full-scale productions, small touring shows, interactive workshops and in-school residencies, and engage with them in traditional theater spaces, school auditoriums, classrooms and cultural venues in their neighborhoods.We demonstrate that engaging young people in the arts has a positive impact on their cognitive, emotional and social development, and furthers a lifelong appreciation of the arts.

About Woody Guthrie’s Songs To Grow On:

Cathy Ann Guthrie is full of questions about the world around her, but she’s never left home. When her parents take her on a cross-country road trip, she encounters difficult truths that teach them to grow together. Joining our trio along that ribbon of highway, the audience experiences a musical journey through dance, folk art storytelling, and interactive play. Inspired by an unpublished manuscript and featuring classic songs such as “Riding In My Car” and “This Land Is Your Land”, this play encourages curiosity and promotes empathy through question based learning.

WOODY GUTHRIE, 35 years old. The Dust Bowl Troubadour. Intelligent, straight
forward, and playful. Speaks to children no differently than adults, believes they have the capacity to understand much more than we give them credit for, if only we gave them the chance. Must play guitar.

New York City Children’s Theater currently has a roster of over 30 Teaching Artists. All NYCCT Teaching Artists will participate in paid professional development hours in the areas of trauma-informed and racial justice training.

Necessary Experience and Qualifications:

• Specialize in working with students in grades Pre-K through 5th
• Trained Singer/Actor
• Trained Musician and Capable of playing the guitar.
• At least two years of experience working in a classroom setting with elementary-aged students
• Willing to travel to all five boroughs

Desired Experience and Qualifications:

• Experience working with students with disabilities
• Strong knowledge/experience of the NYC Department of Education Public School system
• Are fingerprinted and cleared through the NYC Department of Education

Commitment Dates:

• In-school developmental workshop, June 2026
• Rehearsals, August 2026
• NYC Five borough tour, September – November 2026
• Availability for NYC public school engagements January – June 2027

Please submit a headshot and performance/teaching resume OR short video that explains your relevant artist experience and interest in the position. Please send materials via email with the subject line “WOODY GUTHRIE AUDITION:Your Name” to Director of Education, Madeline Calandrillo, at education@nycchildrenstheater.org. Applications will be accepted until February 9th! Auditions will be held on February 18th & 19th.