Artistic Mentor

ARTISTIC MENTOR DESCRIPTION

The Artistic Mentor (AM) is a vital teaching artist position that leads a small group of students aged 13- 19 years old in the delicate process of devising scenes based on their lived experience. The AM guides the group of teens through its emotional journey while simultaneously steering the storytelling and improvisations toward a well-structured coherent script and performance. The AM is a part-time hourly position which leads students once a week, mid-October to mid-April, with additional hours for tech week and the performance tour. Mentors must be available for orientation and training the weekend of October 4 and 5th. 

Reports to: Director of Education

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Background in theatre education with a firm understanding of the fundamentals of devising, directing, playwriting, and dramaturgy.

• Firm understanding of best practices in facilitating a brave and welcoming space for participants in order for them to successfully navigate the process of devising an original play based on their experiences.

• Demonstrates best practices in terms of positive youth development, and trauma-informed leadership.

• Must be an expert facilitator able to navigate challenging topics, including triggering disclosures from participants.

• Ability to lead a team, working collaboratively and communicating regularly with all stake-holders.


• Enthusiasm for youth development, devising process, and conflict resolution.


• Experience and or training as a playwright or dramaturg


• A desire to help facilitate the stories of young people

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise a staff of two peer mentors


• Collaborate with a playwright and the director of PMP


• Record and transcribe monologues and scenes


• Escalate and report participants’ issues that require a referral or outside support


• Send weekly Reports to the Director of PMP identifying the group's emotional needs, creative strides, lesson plans, and possible material for the group’s play.


• Attend monthly staff meetings, PMP School Tour, technical rehearsals, and public performances.


• Lead the group through a devised theatre process based on the students’ personal experiences once a week as scheduled.


• Facilitate issue-based discussions, making sure that each participant has an opportunity to participate at their comfort level


• Collaborate with the program playwright and the participants to establish themes, links, and transitions and to strengthen the monologues, scenes, and dramatic structure of the entire script


• Artistic mentors are mandated reporters who need to assess when and how to advocate for students at what level in consultation with the program director and clinical consultants.

• Serves as a role model for students and staff: stays positive, listens, mediates conflict, and encourages healthy choices


• Directs the final play


• Ensures the overall vision of PMP


• Absences are not permitted without prior approval from the Director of PMP


• Reports attendance and or tardiness of peer mentors, playwrights and students