To apply: 

• Interested candidates should: (1) email their resume to jobs@fourthchurch.org
• Email subject line should read Your name/Acting Instructor- Chicago Lights Summer Day Program..

Summary

Chicago Lights Summer Day is a six-week program that provides a safe place for 125 first through ninth graders to learn and engage in academic classes and art instruction each summer. At the end of the session, students present a dynamic, multicultural arts performance for the community.
Students primarily from the Near North, West, and South side neighborhoods come to Chicago Lights for classroom instruction in language arts and math in the mornings and art workshops in dance, drama, visual art, singing, and digital music production in the afternoons. Field trips throughout the Chicagoland area and enrichment classes such as meditation and contemplative practices, fitness, socio-emotional learning, and yoga are also included in the six-week curriculum.

Program Summary

The Acting Instructor for Summer Day will be responsible for creating and implementing a curriculum of age-appropriate acting, spoken word, and improvisation activities for students in preparation for a final live performance. At the end of the six-week program, students present a dynamic, multicultural arts performance for the community. The Acting Instructor, in collaboration with the other arts instructors and the students, will develop lessons and activities that coincide with the selected Summer Day theme and encourage student engagement and growth.

Why Work for Us

At Fourth Presbyterian Church/Chicago Lights, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to be a part of something extraordinary. Nestled in the heart of Chicago's iconic Magnificent Mile, our location is more than just a workplace; it's an experience. Here's why you'll love working here:

Meaningful Impact: By joining Fourth Presbyterian Church/Chicago Light, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Professional Growth: Working with Fourth Presbyterian Church/Chicago Light provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

Positive Work Environment: Fourth Church/Chicago Lights values collaboration, inclusivity, and mutual respect. We foster a positive work environment where teamwork and open communication are encouraged.

Diverse and Supportive Team: Our organization values diversity and believes in the strength that comes from bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Schedule

This is a seasonal, limited part-time position. Summer Day is in session from June 24 – Aug 2, 2024, (no programming on July 4th & 5th. The schedule for this position is 11:30 am – to 3:30 pm on Monday – to Thursday; Wednesday, July 31 (Final Rehearsal), and Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 (Final Performance Day). Additionally, a few staff meeting dates will be set (Mandatory Staff Meeting in June - date TBD Planning Meetings TBD.

Essential Functions

The primary responsibilities of the Acting Instructor include, but are not limited to:
• Engage young learners in the arts by providing age-appropriate and educational acting lessons and activities.
• Attendance based on the schedule below.
• Provide a weekly schedule of projects planned for the summer based on the theme.
• Keep an inventory of all materials needed and used for class.
• Work within the budget for materials and provide appropriate receipts.
• Provide a welcoming environment for volunteers along with meaningful tasks.
• Maintain excellent and timely communication with the staff.
• Communicate with the Artistic Director and Director of Summer Day regarding all student behavior concerns and work together with all staff to create a safe, positive, and calm environment.
• Assist in the development and administration of student assessments.
• Adhere to the Tutoring and Summer Day Programs’ employee policies.
• Supervise student mealtimes and field trips
• Escorting students to and from classes and mealtimes
• Collaborate with other instructors and students to create final performance pieces
• Attend staff meetings as required.
• Other duties as assigned as needed.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Associate degree required with at least three years of Drama/Acting classes (high school, college, or other arts programs)
• Experience in teaching acting, improvisation, and creative movement with students.
• Excellent organizational, conceptual, creative, and classroom management skills
• Comfort and talent in working with students in first through ninth grades (6–14-year-olds)
• Demonstrated ability to work within a multicultural environment.
• Experience working with students with learning disabilities is preferred, but not required.
• Flexibility to shift priorities based on human and budget needs.
• Experience in trauma-informed care preferred, but not required.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an
employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodation may be made to enable individuals with different abilities to perform essential.
functions.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15-25 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.
• If the current health conditions dictate, one must be able to participate in online virtual communications, including email, video conferencing, and other online tools used to facilitate virtual office culture and work sharing.
• Smoke- and drug (illegal or recreational)-free environment.
• Fourth Church/Chicago Lights aims for accessibility in any off-site location that we have control of, but some of them may not be fully accessible.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and
scanners. An employee is regularly required to communicate effectively via computer,
via phone, and in person.

To apply:

• Interested candidates should: (1) email their resume to jobs@fourthchurch.org.
• Email subject line should read Your name/Acting Instructor- Chicago Lights Summer Day Program.

EEO Statement
Fourth Presbyterian Church/Chicago Lights is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, without regard to race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status or familial status, veteran status, military status, source of income, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law. Fourth Church/Chicago Lights seeks to build and retain a diverse staff and is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated as a respected and valued member of the team. Fourth Church/Chicago Lights is committed to elevating the voices of women, young people, people of color, Native people, immigrants and refugees, low-income people, LGBQ+, and transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people, people with disabilities, and young parents. We encourage people from these communities to apply.

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