We believe that diverse teams make the strongest teams, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.
 

Mesner Puppet Theater (MPT) is seeking 2 contract teaching artists for our “In the Workshop” program that tours to Kindergarten-2nd grade classrooms across the Kansas City metro area. We are looking for an experienced teacher/performer who we can train in puppetry. 

 

About “In the Workshop”:

"In The Workshop" is a performance and digital social-emotional learning program that combines live performance and digital resources. 

 

Teaching artists selected will facilitate a 45 minute workshop that combines elements of performance and creative drama into one experience. The number of programs each year varies based on classroom requests and artist availability. In the upcoming school year we are forecasting 20 classrooms, and two teams of teaching artists.

 

AVAILABILITY:

Rehearsal:

Must be available Aug 10-12, Aug 15-19, Aug 22-26, Aug 29-31. All rehearsals will be scheduled from 9am-1pm. 

 

Programs:

Must have the ability to arrange for facilitating/performing programs between 8:00 am-3:00 pm. We understand that teaching artists may have multiple jobs and we strive to book programs at minimum two weeks in advance so artists can make arrangements. There will be a minimum 20 programs scheduled throughout the 2022-23 school year, with additional bookings added with advanced notice. 

 

DUTIES:

• Attend rehearsal/training sessions

• Arrive at sites 20 minutes prior to the workshop.

• Facilitate/perform the program as rehearsed, making adaptations to the audience as necessary.

• Communicate issues or needed changes to MPT staff.

• Work with the Program Coordinator to ensure smooth scheduling and logistics.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

• 1 year of experience as a creative drama facilitator, arts based classroom teacher, or teaching artist collaborating with in school teachers.

• Professional experience in puppetry, theater, or visual arts.

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PROJECT PAYMENT:

• $60-$70 per performance. One artist will serve as point person and will transport materials and is compensated as such.

• $750 Rehearsal Fee.

• $0.25 per mile paid from MPT Studio.

• Invoice with a log of sessions required for payment.

• This is a 1099 Contract position. 

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AUDITIONS:

All auditions will be within 30 minute time slots on July 16th at the Westport Plexpod between 9-5pm. If selected to audition, please be prepared to:

• Share a humorous monologue 

• Improvise while manipulating a puppet

• Be interviewed by the Director and Education Director 

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HOW TO APPLY:

Send resume and sample lesson plan to Jen Fenton at jennifer@mesnerpuppets.org. Interviews will be held by appointment, and Jen will reach out to you if selected to audition. Positions open until filled.

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Learn more about the company at www.mesnerpuppets.org

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