About the Position:

Walnut Hill School for the Arts’ Community Theater Academy (CTA) seeks a dynamic and experienced Children’s Theater Instructor/Director to join our team beginning January 2026.

This position involves teaching and directing a variety of musical theater and acting classes for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, including serving as lead director for Shrek JR. productions and lead teacher for Acting Technique classes.

The ideal candidate will bring energy, creativity, and strong classroom management skills to a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Experience with youth musical theater productions and the ability to nurture confidence, teamwork, and artistry in young performers is essential.

As part of Walnut Hill’s Community Academy, the CTA provides exceptional theater education for students pre-K through high school in a supportive and artistically enriching setting.

Responsibilities:

• Direct and co-direct musical theater productions for students grades 2–8
• Teach Acting Technique classes for various age groups.
• Assist with Kindertheater (ages 5–7), helping guide students through creative play and early performance work.
• Lead theater games, ensemble-building activities, and skill-based exercises that support performance and confidence.
• Collaborate with other teaching artists and assistants to manage rehearsal logistics and production planning.
• Participate in tech rehearsals, performances, and meetings as scheduled.
• Support arrival, dismissal, and administrative tasks as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Schedule & Commitment:

Work Start Date: TBD, based on availability
Rehearsal Start Date: Week of January 11, 2026

Weekly Schedule:

• Mondays – 4:00–7:00 PM
  Lead Director, Shrek JR (2nd–4th grade)
  Acting Technique (2nd–4th grade)
  
  

• Tuesdays – 4:15–7:15 PM
  Co-Director, Shrek JR (5th–8th grade)
  Lead Teacher, Acting Technique (5th–8th grade)
  
  

• Wednesdays – 4:00–8:00 PM
  Lead Director, Shrek JR (3rd–5th grade)
  Acting Technique (3rd–5th grade)
  Assist Shrek JR (5th–8th grade)
  
  

• Thursdays – 4:30–7:30 PM
  Co-Director, Shrek JR (3rd–5th grade)
  Acting Technique (5th–8th grade)
  
  

• Fridays – 4:00–5:00 PM
  Assistant Teacher, Kindertheater (ages 5–7)
  (Friday afternoons may also include administrative or prep hours as needed.)
  
  

Performance Dates*:

Kindertheater: May 2–3, 2026
Shrek JR: June 13–16, 2026
Tech Weeks (M-F): June 4 - June 13, 2026

*In order to accept the position, applicants must have full availability for all tech rehearsals and performances.

Qualifications:

• Experience teaching and/or directing children’s theater.

• Strong communication, organization, and classroom management skills.

• Collaborative spirit and enthusiasm for creative education.

• Reliability, professionalism, and flexibility in a dynamic environment.

• Availability for evening classes and weekend performances.

Physical Demands:

Staff assist in outdoor arrivals and dismissals and are therefore exposed to the elements of weather. 

Physical demands include dexterity for department specific tools and equipment, and office machine and supply operation including but not limited to: writing, typing, using electronic devices, computer, phone, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, and printers. Ability and dexterity to practice and demonstrate your artistic discipline. Stooping, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common. Ability to communicate effectively and clearly through language and physical demonstration required.

To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter through the Walnut Hill School for the Arts online Career Center.

About Walnut Hill School for the Arts

Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, Massachusetts and 20 minutes from Boston, is an independent boarding and day high school offering a transformational educational experience designed for student artists in grades 9–post graduate. Walnut Hill combines a comprehensive college-preparatory academic curriculum with intensive, pre-professional artistic training in theatre, dance, music, visual art, and writing, film & media arts. Walnut Hill is committed to creating and enhancing an inclusive environment, and welcoming and celebrating a wide range of cultural, artistic, and educational backgrounds that compliments and supports our diverse community. Commitment to the school’s Core Values, of Community, Growth, Excellence, Creativity, and Respect are imperative to the success of all Walnut Hill faculty, staff, and administration members. All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active and engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field, participating in school events, supporting students in their arts, supporting other faculty/staff members, and who have the ability to self-reflect on their own practice.

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