Work at STAGES Youth Theater!

WORK WITH STAGES!

STAGES is a collaborative, creative workplace where artists and educators work together to create meaningful theater experiences for young people. We believe that the way we work together matters just as much as what we create – and we strive to build a workplace where people feel supported, respected, and able to bring their own ideas, skills, and perspectives to the team.

We value team-teaching, mentorship, open communication, and the belief that we all have something to learn from one another – and the young people we serve.

We are always interested in meeting people who are excited about theater, energized by working with young people, and interested in being part of the STAGES community. If you think you might be a good fit for STAGES, we’d love to hear from you!

We welcome feedback and questions about working at STAGES at any time!

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

Posted 08/27/2026: Teaching Artist applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round, and we welcome applications at any time. We are currently seeking Candidates interested in the following positions:

After School Teaching Artists
for all age groups between 4 and 16

STAGES in the Schools Teaching Artists
for in-school programs throughout the Portland area

Substitute Teaching Artists
for various programs, ages, days, location – based on need

ABOUT STAGES YOUTH THEATER TEACHING ARTISTS

At STAGES, we use the term Teaching Artist to describe someone who brings their artistic and theatrical experience into the classroom to educate, inspire, and connect with young people.

Being a Teaching Artist at STAGES can take many forms. Responsibilities may include rehearsing and producing plays, developing and teaching theater classes, representing STAGES at community events, teaching or performing in Maine schools through our STAGES in the Schools program, developing new Theater for Young Audiences plays, or working as a designer or technician on a production team. There are many ways to contribute, and opportunities evolve with the needs and interests of our programs and staff.

We believe that great theater education happens in community.

Team-teaching is a core part of our approach at STAGES. Working collaboratively allows our staff to learn from one another, share responsibility, bring multiple perspectives into the room, and create stronger experiences for our students.

Teaching Artists bring their own individual strengths and interests to STAGES. We make every effort to match Teaching Artists with programs, age groups, and responsibilities that align with their experience and interests.

What makes STAGES different as an organization also makes it a different kind of place to work. We value collaboration, creativity, mentorship, and the belief that the best work happens when artists and educators support one another. Whether you are leading a class, performing in a production, assisting another Teaching Artist, or developing something new, you are part of a team committed to making meaningful theater experiences for young people.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

There is no single path to becoming a STAGES Teaching Artist. Our team includes actors, directors, teaching artists, designers, playwrights, musicians, educators, and other creative people who bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to our programs. While some positions may call for specific skills or experience, we look for Teaching Artists who are excited to work with young people, committed to collaboration, and eager to bring their creativity into the room.

All Teaching Artists should:

  • Be at least 18 years old and have completed high school.
  • Have experience working with and enthusiasm for working with young people, from preschool through high school. You do not need to have experience with every age group!
  • Have experience or training in theater, performance, education, or another relevant creative discipline.
  • Be dependable, punctual, and communicative.
  • Be comfortable working collaboratively as part of a teaching team.
  • Bring a spirit of play, curiosity, flexibility, and creativity to their work with students.
  • Be willing and able to follow through on agreed-upon STAGES commitments and communicate proactively when circumstances change.
  • Have reliable transportation or access to reliable public or other transportation options. STAGES programs take place at our Portland venue in Woodfords Corner as well as at schools and other locations throughout the greater Portland area.

Availability

Our programs take place at a variety of times throughout the year. Most weekday programs take place between 3:00–8:00 PM, with some Saturday programming between 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. You do not need to be available every day – or for every type of program – in order to work at STAGES. Daytime availability (approximately 9:00 AM–3:00 PM) is required for some programs, including STAGES in the Schools and Summer Camp.

When we build teaching teams, we make every effort to match Teaching Artists with programs, schedules, age groups, and responsibilities that align with their interests and availability.

Physical & Accessibility Considerations

Teaching Artists are responsible for managing classroom activities, supervising young people, and communicating effectively and accurately with students and coworkers. Depending on the program, the work may also involve moving throughout STAGES spaces and outdoor areas, including grass and paved surfaces, as well as standing, sitting, kneeling, walking, bending, twisting, or crouching. Some programs may occasionally require lifting or moving materials weighing up to 25–50 pounds.

Our program spaces and restrooms are ADA-accessible. However, building access may be affected by temporary construction or other site conditions. We will communicate any current access considerations to Teaching Artists as early as possible.

We recognize that people move, communicate, learn, and work in different ways, and we are committed to making our programs and workplaces as accessible as possible. If you have a disability, access need, or questions about the physical environment or responsibilities of a particular position, please contact us at any time. We are happy to talk through the specifics of a role and explore possible accommodations or ways to support your participation on the STAGES team.

STAGES Teaching Artists are hired throughout the school year each season. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Training will be provided. Generally, compensation for these stipended, part-time, temporary, positions is based on a range of $20-$25/hr, depending on the scope of the program.

Questions and/or additional application materials can be sent to Managing Director, Stacey Koloski at stacey@stagesacademy.com

APPLY FOR A TEACHING POSITION AT STAGES

For NEW STAGES Teaching Artist Candidates:

  • Fill out this application form (let us know if you are unable to access or use this form)
  • Send us an email that includes a resume or list of your recent relevant work, and the name and contact information for 2 references that can speak directly to your work with young people and/or in a theater setting.

If you are a current or recent STAGES Teaching Artist, you need only fill out the application form. You do not need to re-submit your references or work experience, but please do send the email indicating your interest in any open positions. Thank you!

Outside of what is listed above, there are no other specific positions for which we are currently hiring – but please check back again soon! If you have any questions about working at STAGES, please contact us!