ActUp Theater is seeking an Acting Instructor for our summer Actup Theater Arts Academy. This position provides an inclusive community for participants at any and all abilities to creatively challenge and express themselves through training and performance. Duties include creating a class focused on learning proper acting techniques including, but not limited to, speech technique, character interpretation, and ability to absorb direction from a director. This role will play a central role in management and supporting the work of ActUp Theater Arts Academy. At this summer’s ActUp Theater Arts Academy (ATAA), we will work with participants to sharpen their skills through a series of masterclasses that will propel their talent, improve their academic achievement, and empower them to explore their talent!

Required Qualifications

• Teach acting principles to students, often in a group setting

• Conduct individual readings to perform an assessment of a student’s talent

• Create an adaptable lesson plan based on student levels and ability

• Emphasize skills like enunciation, diction, and dialect development using speech drills, improvisation, explanation, and other voice exercises

• Explain body language and expression, engaging students in character development and personality projection, and helping each student develop a personal style

• Develop and channel group dynamics for positive learning outcomes.

• Have experience and be conversant in relational and restorative justice classroom management approaches with and for BIPOC students.

• Successfully teach youth and/or adults in disenfranchised communities.

• Teach age-appropriate creative expression, acting skills, student self-directed improvisation, and interdisciplinary inquiry projects during and after school.

• Integrate learning standards and arts blueprints.

• Be highly motivated and motivating

• Be open to learning and professional critique to improve practice and problem-solve in the field.

• Demonstrate child-centered teaching and learning methods.

• Serve students, teachers and communities similar to ours.

• Use differentiated and culturally responsive instruction

• Continually improve practice

• Support an organizational vision, mission, core values and programs similar to ours.

• Have acting education grounded in professional artistry

• Convene safe spaces that increase empathy and understanding

• Communicate with the team for all needs to accomplish the assigned task

• Attend all staff meetings

• Additional assignments at a supervisor's request

Vital Qualities

• Ability and experience to command and engage an audience

• Background in creative arts

• Self-starter able to take initiative

• Strategic mindset, always able to keep in mind the overall goals of organization

• Passion for the arts

• Ability to work in a high paced environment

Commitment

This Agreement shall commence on 06/24/2026 and end on 08/01/2026 with the potential for a mutually agreed extension or promotion unless sooner terminated.

Job Types: Contract, Temporary

Pay: $800.00 per year

Experience:

• Theater: 2 years (Preferred)

• Acting: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Hartford, CT 06105 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Act Up Theater is seeking Program Coordinators for our 2026 ActUp Theater Arts Academy. The Program Coordinator will play a key supportive role in ensuring the success of the program by assisting with the planning, outreach, and day-to-day operations. This position works closely with the program staff to help achieve the program’s goals while prioritizing the safety and well-being of participants. The role includes supporting staff, assisting with outreach efforts to engage the local community, and helping maintain smooth operations.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Verify Sign In/Sign Out: Accurately record participant attendance using the ProCare digital platform.

• Collect Required Forms: Ensure all participants complete and submit the Code of Conduct and Hold Harmless forms.

• Support Interns

• Help ensure timesheets are completed on time.

• Assist with the collection of participant bios.

• Assist Teaching Artists when needed

• Help ensure all logistical needs for the class are met and assist in any way necessary for smooth operation.

• Coordinate with Videographer and Photographer

• Assist with setting up and breaking down equipment.

• Capture basic photos of class activities and processes.

• Support social media content creation by organizing relevant photos and videos.

• Help coordinate deliverables, including organizing reels and headshots.

• Maintain Digital Portfolio

• Assist with managing the Google Drive and updating student digital portfolios.

• Help draft growth statements and bios for students.

• Ensure the timely collection and organization of required information.

• Ensure Participant Safety: Support efforts to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

• Foster a Positive Learning Environment

• Greet students in the morning and contribute to a fun, engaging atmosphere.

Clerical Duties

• Operating a computer

Commitment

This Agreement shall commence on June 24th and end on August 1st 2026 with the potential for a mutually agreed extension or promotion unless sooner terminated.

Job Types: Contract, Temporary

Pay: $1,800.00 per year

Experience:

• Project management: 3 years (Preferred)

• Theater: 2 years (Preferred)

• Project coordination: 4 years (Preferred)

Location:

• Hartford, CT 06105 (Required)

Work Location: In person