Teaching Artist

Position Summary:
A.B.L.E. – Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations is seeking Teaching Artists to join our team of performing arts leaders. Teaching Artists work with A.B.L.E.’s Ensembles and Consulting programs to develop and deliver performing arts programming for and with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They share their creative skills to devise, write, and direct accessible and inventive public performances for, with, and by people with disabilities. At this time, we are particularly seeking TA’s with expertise in musical theatre, puppetry, and devising to round out our existing team. New team members would start work with A.B.L.E. in January 2026.

A.B.L.E. was founded on the belief that everyone is A.B.L.E. to connect, to contribute, and to create. Our work centers on fostering communication, teamwork, and inclusivity, not just among our program participants, but for all who work with us. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants from all races, religions, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, ages, and disability statuses. A.B.L.E. is committed to including diverse voices and perspectives across our organization.

What do Teaching Artists do?
Teaching Artists work in pairs to design and deliver engaging sessions geared towards participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. The majority of A.B.L.E.’s actors are in their 20’s and 30’s, but we offer programming for ages 15 and up. Sessions take place both in person and online. Our sessions incorporate a range of performance styles including devising, Shakespeare, music, movement, and puppetry.

In rehearsal:

• Direct end-of-semester performances, including content, casting, staging, and design with support from programming staff
• Oversee the setup and breakdown of studio space
• Lead pre-and-post-session meetings with A.B.L.E.’s volunteer facilitators
• Engage participants with a mix of learning and communication styles through a range of different activities and support strategies
• Manage safety of the classroom and participants
• Foster trust and cooperation among a diverse group

Outside Rehearsal:

• Represent A.B.L.E. in communication with parents/caregivers, outreach partners, and audiences.
• Create and/or source visual aids and other support materials and content to engage different learning styles
• Develop and write scripts for performances and showcase
• Maintain accurate records including attendance, rehearsal reports, materials, and show coordination consistent with A.B.L.E.’s policies. (Familiarity with Google Workspace is a plus).
• Maintain effective communication with teaching partner and A.B.L.E. administration
• Attend regular check-in meetings with programming staff, Teaching Artist rehearsals, and lesson planning sessions with TA partner meetings throughout the year (calendar varies by season)
• Participate in at least one Professional Development session per semester

How do I know if I am a good fit? 
You should be able to say “yes” to all or most of the following:

• You are informed – you have experience and/or education teaching or directing theatre in a community setting. Experience with the disability community is a plus, but not required.
• You are creative – you have experience in one or more artforms and can infuse your teaching with your personal artistic expertise; you have courage to take artistic risks; you generate new ideas and lend your artistic vision to shape projects and curriculum.
• You are adaptable & responsive – you meet participants where they are in the moment, incorporate new ideas and contributions, and problem-solve on the fly.
• You are prepared – you create clear lesson plans with built in scaffolding suitable for multiple learning styles and modes of expression, and utilize materials and tools to support your instruction.
• You are reliable – you arrive on time, meet deadlines, and demonstrate organization and thoughtfulness both in and out of rehearsal.
• You communicate clearly – you can deliver written and verbal instructions and support for participants, volunteers, and parents/caregivers; you can explain things in different ways as needed.
• You are collaborative –  you value the process of creating and sharing; you are excited to work with an ensemble and to be a supportive teaching partner.
• You are reflective – you show willingness to grow and deepen your practice; you are willing to ask for help when you need it; you seek out and give supportive feedback.
• You are a leader: you can motivate a team and nurture a positive, honest, and safe environment for others to connect and create.

Other details
Schedule

• This is a part-time position. The schedule fluctuates throughout the season, averaging around 5 hours per week
• A.B.L.E. is particularly seeking individuals with daytime and weekend availability.
• Weekly check in meetings with teaching partner are expected during the semester.
• Attendance at a monthly all-staff meeting is required (mutually agreeable time to be set at the start of each semester)

Location

• A.B.L.E. is an itinerant company and works with a variety of rehearsal spaces, theatres, and partner organizations throughout the season. Frequent collaborators include The Menomonee Club Drucker Center in Lincoln Park, The Edge Theater, Gateway to Learning in Lincoln Square, Misericordia Home, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at Navy Pier. Reliable transportation is required.
• A.B.L.E. also hosts virtual sessions online via Zoom.

Compensation & Benefits

• Teaching Artists are paid as employees
• $50/per hour for instruction time; $25/hr for administrative work including planning, preparation, meetings, and attending professional development sessions.
• $650/year tech & travel stipend
• $250/year professional development reimbursement to attend conferences, workshops, or other sessions that can expand your skill set.
• $200/year “treat yourself” stipend.

Health & Safety

• A.B.L.E. works in a variety of settings with participants who are immunocompromised. Program staff must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
• Masks are strongly recommended while attending programs.
• Program staff must undergo a criminal background check prior to employment