National Queer Theater is seeking two Teaching Artists to lead Staging Pride: Queer Youth Theater in New York City. Staging Pride is a new free after school theater education program for LGBTQ youth ages 12-18 that focuses on building positive self-esteem and community through the performing arts.

With the support of The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation, NQT Teaching Artists will serve two cohorts of LGBTQ youth each over two semesters in Spring and Fall of 2022. The program will be administered through 24 two-hour in-person workshops, following local and national public health guidelines. Youth will be recruited through NYC public high school GSAs (Gender & Sexuality Alliances); through our partners at LGBTQ+ nonprofits, and our theater partners. Student artists will receive free metrocards, snacks, and field trips.

While building basic theater skills in acting, directing, and playwriting, the content of the program will center around themes of queer history, youth empowerment, and celebrating identity. Each session will focus on a different topic in the LGBTQ+ movement, from Stonewall to HIV/AIDS, using theater as a tool to creatively engage with and access these ideas, and claim their identities. Students will devise short scenes based on these themes, as well as elements of their own personal experiences as queer youth, building towards a final sharing at the end of the semester. Teaching Artists may assign some homework, including landmark LGBTQ plays, and historical movies. Teaching Artists are highly encouraged to be out and vocal about their identity with students.

The program will culminate in a process-oriented final sharing with friends, family, and community partners where students can perform selected pieces developed in the program and offer learnings from their experiences.

All classes will be in-person, in line with CDC and state guidance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience teaching youth ages 12-18
• Availability to teach after school at least one day per week Monday-Friday
• Experience and passion for working with LGBTQ communities
• Knowledge of NYC public school system preferred
• Artistic experience as a professional actor, director, or dancer
• Ability to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• Passion for social justice, activism, and anti-racist education
• Bilingual preferred

Schedule

Classes will be two hours each, and take place weekly after school over two semesters February-May and October-December. Class days and planning meetings will be scheduled around Teaching Artists’ availability.

Email a brief cover letter and teaching resume to adam@nationalqueertheater.org no later than September 15, 2021 at 11:59pmEST that demonstrates both interest and experience teaching theater and working with LGBTQ youth.