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

 

EMPLOYMENT TERM:  Begins August 1, 2023

 

COMPENSATION: 

Starting Pay: $40,000 annually

Simple IRA - match up to 3% of employee contribution

0.55 per mile - Mileage reimbursement between locations after first 5 miles of the WiP studio

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BACKGROUND:

What if Puppets (WiP) provides innovative touring shows and educational programs for young people from birth to 8 years old, trains emerging artists in puppetry, and builds custom puppets for commercial clients.  We are looking for an artist and puppeteer to join our team.

 

MISSION:

Inspiring play and cultivating connections through puppetry.

 

OVERVIEW:

The “Teaching Artist and Puppeteer” works under the direct supervision of the Director of Education and collaborates with the Director of Puppetry Arts as schedule permits.  The role will facilitate social-emotional learning (SEL) residencies to Preschool and Early Elementary classrooms in the greater Kansas City Metro, in addition to participating in school partners’ family engagements and professional developments. There is also an educator mentorship component, coaching classroom teachers on ways they can elevate their work using the arts. This position will also collaborate with The Director of Puppetry Arts to develop and perform shows throughout the Metro and beyond. The Teaching Artist will be a practicing artist and educator with the ability to build supportive relationships with educators and students. 

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DUTIES:

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Education (primary role)

• Collaborate with Education Director on residency content and adaptations

• Prepares and facilitate lessons for sessions

• Participates in family engagements

• Mentors and coaches educators through classroom sessions, and scheduled one-on-one meetings 

• Researches strategies

• Creates resources and provocations for educators

• Builds relationships with and communicates regularly with assigned teachers, principals, and site administrators

• Support “In the Workshop” scholarship program as a facilitator

• Attend WiP meetings and professional developments

• Respond to emails in a timely manner

Other duties as assigned that support the health of the organization and education department

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Puppeteer (secondary role, schedules around education work)

• Learns and performs tours under the guidance of the Director of Puppetry Arts

• Collaborates with Director of Puppetry Arts and studio to create new work 

• Drives Van

• Assembles touring set on location

• Interacts with school and library staff

• Possible stays in hotel overnight

• Communicates schedule with WiP coordinator

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

• Artist with a specialty in theater, visual arts, or puppetry

• Experience working with PreK-8 year olds

• Strong understanding of Arts Integration strategies

• Knowledge of youth development and social emotional learning

• Appreciation of puppetry and willingness to learn how to incorporate into residencies

• Strong organization and administrative skills

• Ability to lift 35 lbs

• Valid driver's license 

• Access to reliable transportation as this role travels around the city

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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2+ years as an arts classroom teacher or teaching artists

• Experience working with Infants and Toddlers desired 

• Experience in Conscious Discipline or similar classroom management theories

• Experience with Neurodivergent students or willingness to learn

 

BENEFITS:

Simple IRA - we match up to 3% of employee contribution

0.55 per mile - Mileage reimbursement between locations after first 5 miles

 

LOCATION:

Kansas City Metro Area

 

REPORTS TO:

Director of Education

 

HOW TO APPLY:

 Email resume to alex@whatifpuppets.org by July 26, 2023. Interviews will be held by appointment.