Musical Theater Teaching Artist (independent contractor)

Seeking Residency Teaching Artists for Musical TheaterSegerstrom Center for the Arts is seeking musical theater teaching artists with multi-disciplinary expertise in TWO or more of the following areas:ChoreographyMusic DirectingMusic DirectionStage ManagementAre you a talented musical theater educator interested in teaching your craft to elementary school teachers? We are looking for freelance independent teaching artists who can guide schools through the process of producing a musical for the first time. This afterschool program helps elementary schools develop a sustainable musical theater program at their site. Through this process, two teaching artists co-teach and implement a pre-designed program model to help the school’s staff build the skills necessary to produce a musical theater show. This position is being considered for the 2026-27 school year, full residency and sub roles available. For the residency below, teaching artists will:Be engaged as part-time independent contractors on an as needed basis. There is no regular guarantee of workHave access to paid professional development in working with diverse, underserved youth populationsBe paired with one other teaching artist for each residencyResponsibilities:Plan and prepare musical theater rehearsal activities for elementary students (grades 3rd-6th) that are exciting, challenging, and process based, in conjunction with the materials provided and co-teaching artistCollaborate productively, positively and efficiently with other teaching artists, school staff/principals, and Segerstrom staffComplete and distribute weekly rehearsal reflections, rehearsal reports, and rehearsal plansInstruct the school team on best practices of rehearsals, rehearsal reports, production meetings, choreography/blocking maps, team building, warmups and content creationFacilitate production meetings and maintain timelines throughout the residencyQualifications:Demonstrate in-depth knowledge, expertise, and passion for their musical theater disciplineHave cross disciplinary skills in at least one additional area including choreographing, directing, performance, music direction, stage management, technical theater, production, and/or designProfessional experience in performing and/or producing musical theater Experience working with elementary students, grades 3rd-6th, as a teaching artist or classroom teacher, or teaching in a comparable environment Experience mounting MTI Kids/Jr. or similar showsProficient piano and/or music reading skills (preferred)Experience working with diverse populations, and willingness to adapt to the unique needs of varying schools and student populationsExperience working with English language learners Strong artistic classroom management skills while working with diverse students of varying degrees of experience levels and adaptable to a wide range of teaching conditions and learning stylesExhibit a strong passion for teaching and a warm, respectful, and trustworthy rapport with students and other stakeholdersAbility to develop and maintain professional relationships with external partners and stakeholders and represent Segerstrom Center in a professional mannerExcellent collaborative skills: Willing and able to team-teach with fellow teaching artists and school staffExcellent communication skills: Willing and able to communicate with fellow teaching artists, school staff, and Segerstrom Center staff Must have own transportation to travel to and from schools throughout Orange CountyMust pass a federal-level background check via live scan fingerprintingMust have consistent availability on scheduled weekdays from September through March approximately 2-5pm, and as scheduled for professional developmentTeaching artists must routinely lift, push, pull, or carry art supplies, equipment, instruments, and classroom furniture weighing up to 40 lbs. Must also bend, twist, reach, stand, and/or sit for long periods of timeCompensation:$210 for 90-minute session (if substitute teaching) or $225 for 90-minute session (if paired in full residency)$25 per hour for virtual professional development; $30 per hour for in person professional development, observations, and meetingsHow to Apply:Please send a resume and brief letter of interest via email to DMIS@scfta.org with the following email subject line: MUSICAL THEATER TAApplications will be considered between now and May 29th, 2026.All candidates MUST be available for teaching audition and professional development days on: Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 8am-4pmThursday, September 10th, 2026 10:30am-6pm* And annual culmination on:Wednesday, March 10th, 2027 2pm-6pm**full-day availability required if slated into a full residency for the 2026-27 season