Riotous Youth Director - Lenox - Shakespeare & Company

Description

Riotous Youth Director / Education Artist

POSITION: Riotous Youth Director / Education Artist

POSTED: January 22, 2026

TERM: June 23 – August 14, 2026

STATUS: Full Time, at-will, Exempt seasonal employee

SCHEDULE: Weekdays, typically 8am – 4pm

SALARY: $702.00 to $742.00 per week, housing available

Position Summary

The Education Program at Shakespeare & Company invites and empowers students, age 7–17, to bring the classical poetry and plays of Shakespeare alive in ways that are personally inspiring, educationally rigorous, and theatrically compelling. A typical day at Riotous Youth includes active and imaginative play, exercises in voice and movement, theatre games, and rehearsals; directing scenes and speeches from a Shakespeare play and teaching in its Riotous Youth summer programs, leading theatre exercises, text exploration, and group storytelling events while reinforcing a creative, safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. Participants work on the language, stories, characters, and ideas in the plays of William Shakespeare in fun, dynamic and personally meaningful ways, culminating in a performance piece on the final day of each one-, two-, and three-week session.

• Direct and guide a group of students in various age groups ranging from 7-17 years old, cumulating in a performance piece for each age group, in alignment with the Shakespeare & Company Education Program's ethic and aesthetic;
• Lead games and exercises to explore Shakespeare's text in a lively and meaningful way, incite curiosity and spark imagination; create and lead art projects to explore the world of the play;
• Expand on and develop these methods using personal experience, skills, and areas of passion;
• Participate in D.E.A. training as well as training that examines the Shakespeare & Company Education Program and the daily functioning of Riotous Youth;
• Participate in the creation of needed materials for the day, including but not limited to the daily schedule, and activity and space preparation;
• Participate in the care-taking and emotional well-being of participants while in our care

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, & Characteristics Sought

• Experience teaching young people or working in youth programs for this age group and/or a related undergraduate degree;
• Interest and respect for the foundational principles and methods in Shakespeare & Company's commitment to the actor/audience relationship;
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; a positive attitude and energy; an inspiring, forward thinking, empathetic, and collaborative style, exhibiting an openness to many perspectives;
• A commitment to values of anti-racism and anti-oppression and personal and/or professional experiences advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility;
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team, and communicate clearly with partners, team leaders and administrative staff;
• Willingness to bring a sense of humor and flexible mindset to ever-changing situations; to listen, play and show up authentically, patiently and respectfully when working with young people; to stay curious about their own teaching; to respond respectfully to feedback when given; and to ask for help when needed;
• Willingness to work indoors and outside;
• Experience in organizing, working, and communicating effectively with groups of individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experiences;
• Completion of a COVID-19 vaccine regimen and booster, if eligible, prior to employment term

About Shakespeare & Company

Founded in 1978, Shakespeare & Company is a thriving center of creative and collaborative excellence in Actor Training, Performance, and Education, rooted in Shakespeare's work and the Elizabethan ideals of inquiry, balance and harmony. Committed to nurturing the creative impulse, exploring the universal themes of human experience, engaging with the widest possible audience, and influencing future generations, Shakespeare & Company is also committed to evolving its approach to diversity and inclusion to engender an active process and positive change toward equity in its employment and artistry. Shakespeare & Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities; it is our intent to maintain an inclusive work environment which is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of sex, gender, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, military service, veteran status, pregnancy or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage applications from groups historically underrepresented in theatre and theatre administration including People of the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ individuals, women, and people who are neurodiverse. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of these policies in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, and all other conditions and privileges of employment. Our goal is to engage ourselves in endeavors which enrich and promote a more just society.

Compensation

$702.00 to $742.00 per week, housing available

How to Apply

Candidates who possess the above qualifications, or transferrable skills, are encouraged to apply. Please send cover letter, resume, and references.

Job Search: Riotous Youth Director / Education Artist