Teaching Artist – Musical Theater Cabaret
Stage Presence
Location: Irish Center
Schedule: Wednesdays, currently 4:30–7:00 PM
Compensation: $25/hour
About Stage Presence
Stage Presence is a growing performing arts organization dedicated to developing confidence, creativity, and excellence through theater education. We provide high-quality theatrical experiences for students of all ages, with a focus on creating a supportive, inclusive, and engaging environment where performers can develop both artistically and personally.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Teaching Artist to lead our Musical Theater Cabaret Class at the Irish Center on Wednesdays.
This position is ideal for a theater, musical theater, dance, music, or performing arts professional who enjoys working with young people and is passionate about helping students develop confidence, creativity, collaboration, and performance skills.
The program includes two age groups:
- TK–1st Grade
- 2nd–8th Grade, though this group will likely consist primarily of elementary-aged students
The ideal candidate is energetic, patient, creative, and comfortable adapting their teaching approach to different ages, abilities, personalities, and learning styles.
Position Overview
The Teaching Artist will lead weekly musical theater classes focused on acting, singing, movement, choreography, storytelling, character development, stage presence, and ensemble skills.
Because the students range significantly in age, the ability to adjust teaching style, pacing, classroom expectations, and activities for different developmental levels is especially important.
The class will culminate in a musical theater cabaret/showcase experience, giving students the opportunity to apply the skills they develop in class and perform for an audience.
This is a teaching-focused position, rather than a full production director or choreographer role. We are looking for someone who enjoys the day-to-day work of teaching young performers and can create a classroom environment that is structured, engaging, encouraging, and fun.
Responsibilities
- Lead weekly Musical Theater Cabaret classes for two age groups: TK–1st grade and 2nd–8th grade.
- Teach age-appropriate musical theater skills including acting, storytelling, character development, stage presence, movement, and choreography.
- Introduce students to musical theater through engaging games, exercises, scenes, songs, and performance activities.
- Prepare and teach lesson plans appropriate for each age group.
- Teach choreography and staging that is accessible, age-appropriate, and engaging for young performers.
- Help students develop confidence, focus, teamwork, creativity, and positive performance habits.
- Prepare students to perform musical theater material in a cabaret/showcase format.
- Adapt instruction, activities, and pacing for students with different experience levels and learning styles.
- Create a positive, inclusive, and well-managed classroom environment.
- Establish clear classroom expectations and routines while maintaining a fun and encouraging atmosphere.
- Provide constructive feedback that supports student confidence, skill development, and artistic growth.
- Encourage students to participate, take creative risks, and support one another as an ensemble.
- Come to each class prepared with appropriate lesson plans, music, choreography, and other necessary teaching materials.
- Communicate professionally and collaboratively with Stage Presence staff.
- Support rehearsals and performances/showcases associated with the class as needed.
- Maintain a professional, safe, and student-centered environment at all times.
Qualifications
- Experience teaching or working with children in theater, musical theater, dance, music, education, or a related performing arts field.
- Strong understanding of musical theater, acting, movement, and performance.
- Comfortable and confident working with young children as well as elementary and middle-school-aged students.
- Strong classroom management skills.
- Ability to maintain structure and focus while keeping classes energetic and fun.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Energetic, patient, creative, and enthusiastic teaching style.
- Ability to make musical theater accessible and engaging for students with varying levels of experience.
- Ability to adapt instruction to different ages, abilities, personalities, and learning styles.
- Experience working with neurodiverse students and/or students with varied learning needs is highly valued.
- Reliable, punctual, and well-organized.
- Comfortable collaborating with Stage Presence staff and other teaching artists.
- Prior teaching artist, camp, classroom, or youth theater experience is preferred.
- Degree or professional training in Theater, Musical Theater, Dance, Performing Arts, Education, or a related field is preferred but not required.
Availability & Commitment
- Must be available Wednesdays, currently scheduled from 4:30–7:00 PM at the Irish Center.
- Class times may shift to an earlier start time before the September session begins based on client requests and final enrollment. Candidates should be comfortable with some flexibility in the Wednesday schedule.
- Must arrive on time and prepared for each class.
- Reliable attendance and consistent participation throughout the class session are essential.
- Must be available for any scheduled showcase or performance associated with the program, with dates communicated in advance.
- Additional Stage Presence teaching opportunities may be available based on interest and availability.
What We Value
At Stage Presence, we look for teaching artists who:
- Create classrooms where students feel safe, supported, and excited to participate.
- Balance structure with creativity and play.
- Prioritize student confidence and growth alongside artistic development.
- Bring positive energy and enthusiasm to every class.
- Are patient, encouraging, and adaptable.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with students, families, and staff.
- Understand that teaching young performers requires both strong artistic skills and strong interpersonal skills.
- Are able to adjust their approach based on the developmental needs of their students.
- Enjoy working collaboratively as part of a larger teaching team.
- Take pride in being prepared, reliable, and professional.
Compensation
$25/hour
This is a paid Teaching Artist position. Compensation is based on scheduled teaching hours. Additional compensation for performances, showcases, or other responsibilities will be communicated separately when applicable.
Join Our Team
Join Stage Presence and help introduce young performers to the joy of musical theater. We are looking for a Teaching Artist who loves working with children, is passionate about musical theater, and can create a classroom environment where students feel confident, creative, supported, and excited to perform.
If you are an enthusiastic theater artist who loves teaching and enjoys helping young people discover their voice onstage, we would love to hear from you. Please do NOT apply unless you are available for the dates/times listed on our website. Please note that this program was originally Moana Jr., but due to a small turnout, we are converting it to a Cabaret Class.
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Paid sick time
- Paid training
- Professional development assistance
Education:
Experience:
- Directing/Choreogrpahy: 2 years (Required)
Location:
- San Francisco, CA 94116 (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- San Francisco, CA 94116 (Required)
Work Location: In person
