Summer Training Program for Teaching Artists of Color (AA/EOE)

Chicago Children’s Theatre seeks applicants for the 2025 Red Kite Summer Training Program in Accessible Arts Classroom Practices for Teaching Artists of Color as part of its Education & Access programming.

The training program will unite a cohort of teaching artists of color for a series of paid accessibility and disability inclusion trainings. This unique professional development program will culminate in Camp Red Kite in July and August, where Summer Training Program participants will assist and observe experienced Red Kite teaching artists throughout camp.

The Red Kite Summer Training Program aims to carve out new pathways into accessibility-centered work for teaching artists, and will connect teaching artists with teaching opportunities in Red Kite and General Education classes and camps at Chicago Children’s Theatre beyond the timespan of the summer program.

About The Red Kite Project

The Red Kite Project creates theatrical adventures and dynamic learning experiences for young people on the autism spectrum. Red Kite is a branch of Chicago Children’s Theatre and was created by CCT’s Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell as part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to serving youth with disabilities, especially autism.

Camp Red Kite is a summer performing arts camp tailored specifically to the unique interests and needs of young people on the autism spectrum. Participants enjoy classes across disciplines during camp: Drama, Music, and Art/Design. The program is led by a team of artists, administrators, and special education teachers dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for young people on the autism spectrum. Our aim is to foster a shared arts experience that encourages self-expression, social engagement, and creative play.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years experience teaching drama, movement, music, and/or visual arts and design
• Experience and passion for working with youth
• A strong desire to learn more about teaching the arts to young people with autism and other developmental or cognitive disabilitiesThis program is specifically intended to support teaching artists of color with demonstrated interest in teaching students with disabilities; however, prior experience teaching students with autism and other disabilities is welcome but not required.CCT is an equal opportunity employer. While diversity of all types is a focus of this program, CCT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran or military status, disability.

   

  Program Participants Will Receive

   

• Training in accessible and inclusive arts classroom practices to support students with disabilities
• Training on curriculum and structure of Camp Red Kite and Red Kite Drama Time Residencies
• Hands-on classroom experience in Camp Red Kite in a teaching assistant role
• Compensation for all training, meeting, and facilitation hours
• Opportunities to practice implementing accessible teaching practices in Camp Red Kite
• Acceptance onto the roster of CCT Teaching Artists for Red Kite and Gen Ed classes and camps
• Mentorship from Camp Red Kite Teaching Artists and alumni of the Training Program
• The opportunity to connect and share ideas with teaching artists who share a passion for accessible arts education

Training Sessions

Approximately five 2-hour training sessions leading up to Camp Red Kite in July. Most trainings will be held over Zoom and all sessions will be scheduled according to participant availability. Topics will include:

• Welcome to CCT! – Overview of Education Programming & Red Kite (in-person session)
• Intro to Disability and Autism
• Creating Accessible Spaces
• General & Individual Accommodations
• Classroom Management Tools
• Red Kite Camp and Class Structures/Curriculum
• Practice Instruction Sessions (in-person session)

Time Commitment:

Late May – August 1, 2025: Red Kite Summer Training Program Contract

July 14 – August 1, 2025: Facilitation in Camp Red Kite, M-F 8:30am-1pm

Fall 2025: Program participants will begin assistant and lead teaching Red Kite Drama Time Residencies as opportunities become available.

Spring 2026 – beyond: Program participants will continue to teach Red Kite Drama Time, as well as Red Kite classes, Camp Red Kite, and Gen Ed classes as opportunities arise.

Chicago Children’s Theatre is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and justice in our organization and our community, and thus we seek a broad spectrum of employees. AA/EOE

Chicago Children’s Theatre is strongly committed to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all of our hiring for staff, artists, and recruiting of board members. CCT is committed to a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, and is truly reflective of our community. We are also committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CCT prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.