Starcatchers & Deaf Theatre Programs
OVERVIEW:
North Texas Performing Arts is dedicated to developing the character of youth through quality performing arts education and family entertainment. Originally founded as Plano Children’s Theatre, the organization expanded is now doing business as North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA), and overarching a family of theatres with branches in Plano, Frisco, Fairview, and Dallas, as well as specialized troupes, such as Repertory and Starcatchers. The Starcatchers program is NTPA’s branch for therapeutic arts designed specifically for children and adults with disabilities. Giving them the opportunity to shine just like their neurotypical counterparts, its mission is to illuminate abilities through the performing arts. The Deaf Theater program is a relatively new endeavor by NTPA. This program is intended to promote equal access to theater and the performing arts for Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth while encouraging diversity, equity, education and social inclusiveness at NTPA.
STARCATCHERS:
Formerly known as Therapeutic Drama, this program started in 1997 as one drama class in our Plano location. Since then, the program rebranded as the Starcatchers, increased its numbers, hired a full- and part-time staff member, numerous adjunct artists, extended to its locations in Frisco, Fairview, and Dallas and expanded programming to include not only drama classes, but musical productions, creative art camps, drama workshops, dance workshops, rock bands, and private lessons.
The NTPA-Starcatchers Program is working to maintain and develop inclusive and accessible programming to the disabled community of North Texas.The NTPA-Starcatchers is in its third year of operations as its own troupe within the organization and features a loyal following of existing students, parents, and performance partners committed to its programs. The Starcatchers perform at all four physical NTPA locations, the Courtyard Theater, the Frisco Discovery Center, and other local venues. Current student programming includes 8 major productions a year plus workshops, camps, outreach, and social events. In addition to student programming, the Starcatchers is developing more Performance Partner programming, to instill responsibility and community with our volunteers. The program has an organized and dedicated management Board of Directors, and a committed team of parent/patron volunteers that provide support and guidance for program planning, show production management, promotional activities and fund-raising.
DEAF THEATER:
Started in 2022, the NTPA Deaf Theater is a fast growing program dedicated to expanding access to the arts for Deaf and Hard of Hearing performers and patrons. With the launch of their first performance in summer 2023, the Deaf Theater is set to perform two more shows in the 2023-2024 fiscal year in addition to camps, classes, and workshops. The Deaf Theater program is also creating a robust internship program for collegiate and professional ASL interpreters and interpreters-in-training. Through this program, the interns learn the basics of performance ASL interpretation and have opportunities to interpret Kids and Junior level productions. The Deaf Theater program is managed by the Managing Director for Accessible Theater as well as the part time Program Director. Much like the Starcatchers program, this program has an organized and dedicated management Board of Directors, and a committed team of parent/patron volunteers that provide support and guidance for program planning, show production management, promotional activities and fund-raising.
THE ROLE OF ACCESSIBLE THEATRE PROGRAM ASSISTANT:
The NTPA Accessible Theatre Program Assistant will fulfill tasks supporting Accessible Theatre initiatives as outlined below but not limited to:
- Direct, assistant direct, or music direct 4 Starcatchers productions per year.
- Instruct 1 Starcatchers after-school class per semester.
- Lead Starcatchers UpSTARt class initiatives, and be available to teach Starcatchers UpSTARts as needed.
- Lead Musical Theatre Appreciation class initiatives, and be available to teach Musical Theatre Appreciation classes as needed.
- Manage NTPA Starcatchers and Deaf Theatre summer camp offerings, acting as a liaison between families and Accessible Theatre Managing Director. Be present at the designated NTPA location for all summer camp offerings; instruct camps, step in for teacher absences, and/or support camps as needed.
- Assist in the planning of fundraising events such as the annual Starcatchers and Deaf Theatre AMP Awards, the annual Starcatchers Homecoming, and any other events that arise throughout the year.
- Manage NTPA Starcatchers social media accounts, posting 3-5 times per week across various social media outlets while maintaining a standard of excellence in presentation.
- Pursue student recruitment initiatives to support programmatic growth via outreach events, social media, and more.
- Support NTPA Deaf Theatre Program Director with minor tasks as needed.
- Support NTPA Accessible Theatre Managing Director with any other tasks as needed.
Hourly Commitment: 20 - 35 hours per week, as determined by responsibilities.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
This multi-faceted role will require the following professional skills:
- A self-starter with an entrepreneurial approach to problem solving;
- A willingness to initiate and innovate with theatre arts and therapeutic arts to operate within the policies of the North Texas Performing Arts;
- A team player willing to take on tasks necessary to achieve the organization’s objectives;
- Ability to create an open, joyful, and compassionate therapeutic environment for our students, parents, and performance partners;
- Ability to effectively assess and address therapeutic goals of individuals and community
- Knowledge of the theatre arts, experience in casting and production of on-stage shows;
- Ability to work with a theatre Board of Directors and parent/patron volunteers;
- Knowledge of live Audio/Visual (AV) technology or a willingness to learn
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to work with volunteers, students and parents.
QUALIFICATIONS:
We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in theatre education, disability studies, special education, or a related field.
- Experience directing, assistant directing, music directing, and/or choreographing a Kids, Jr., or Full musical production.
- Experience with piano accompaniment for musicals preferred.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $25,000.00 - $35,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 20 – 35 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Application Question(s):
- Please provide your experience with Music Directing and Piano Accompaniment as well as the number of years of experience.
- Please share your experience working with people with disabilities.
Language:
- American Sign Language (Required)
Ability to Commute:
Work Location: In person
