Employment for Teens

Objective

The Student Assistant Director will work with the Director to put together a Mainstage show and learn about the process of directing a show. Job includes sharing production ideas, attending auditions, rehearsals and production meetings, and helping achieve the director’s vision through observation, direction tasks, and note-taking.

Assistant Director Tasks

• Please arrive 10 minutes before rehearsal to check in with the director about the goal of that evening’s rehearsal. Then expect to stay 10 min after rehearsal to help clean up and reset the space.
• Observe during rehearsal and take notes with observations and ideas.
• Share notes, ideas, & observations with the director during appropriate times such as breaks and transitions.
• Check with the director before enacting personal notes with the cast. Keep the director’s vision in mind as you work. Remember that while we want to utilize your skills that you are the assistant to the director and should support their work and vision.
• Do assigned direction tasks including blocking scenes, doing character work with actors, and running scenes that have already been blocked to review and hone scene-work.
• Take the lead when requested to share notes and observations with the cast.
• Help keep actors focused. Shush actors backstage, give the fidgets or separate students if needed.

Requirements

Applicant must be 13 years or older.

Applicant must be responsible, showcase quality leadership skills, and have good time management skills.

Applicant must be able to work independently and with a team. They must be able to be professional with their peers, adults, and kids of all ages.

Applicant should be able to take initiative and be self sufficient while also being able to take instruction and follow it.

Applicant should be prepared to learn by observing and by working hands on. Applicant should be invested in this learning opportunity by asking questions and taking construction criticism well.

Applicant must be available for 75% of the rehearsal schedule for the production.

Application

Please submit a cover letter and theatrical resume to [email protected]. Applications are due November 30.

Resume Instructions: Please include performance experience, technical experience, and any other applicable work, volunteer, or leadership experience.

Cover Letter Instructions: Please share in your own words why you’re interested in being the assistant director for Matilda. Feel free to answer the questions below in your letter or take your own approach to the prompt:

• What do you hope to learn?
• What elements of the job are exciting to you?
• What do you bring to the story of “Matilda” ?
• What specific strengths and skills do you have that would make you good for the job?

How old do I have to be to apply?
Students age 13 and older are invited to apply to be work study assistants for camps and classes.

What will I gain by being an assistant?
Besides having a ton of fun, giving back and learning about being an instructor? Assistants earn tuition credit for Studio East programs, or community service hours for school.

Am I a good fit for a class or camp assistant?
Ideal candidates are current Studio East students who are confident and mature, with some experience working with younger children in leadership roles. Assisting positions are available in our after school class programs as well as Mid-Winter Break, Spring Break and Summer Camps.

What is the commitment like for class assistants?
Classes meet once per week, usually for an hour and a half, and usually for an 8-week session. Assistants help the instructor 10 minutes before and after each class. Class assistants need only commit to one class, but several may be available.

For Summer Camps, what’s my commitment like? Where would I be working?
Work study assistants must commit to at least 2 weeks of camp. Assistants may need to be at a different Eastside location each week or two.

What is needed to be a Lead Summer Assistant?
We look for Studio East-trained teens with advanced theater experience, such as YAPI, who love to work with large numbers of children. Applicants for paid positions must be at least 16 years old and be able to commit to at least 6 weeks of camps. Some assistant positions require dance and choreography skills.

When does the Studio start hiring Summer Assistants?
Starting in January we hire our paid Summer Camp assistants. Our Work Study positions start solidifying in April.

What types of camps are available for assistants?
Positions include assistants for all types of camps including skills camps, 1-week play creation camps, 2-week production camps, and more. See our Summer Camps page for more information about each program.

I’m not old enough or do not have enough experience yet to be a paid assistant, but I still want to participate in Summer Camps. Is there anything else available?
Work Study and volunteer opportunities are also available for students age 13-19. See at top, Class and Camp Work Study.

Note: Priority in placement is given to students currently active in Studio East programs.

Alright, I’m sold! How do I apply to be Camp or Class Assistant?
Please send a letter and resume highlighting your relevant experience via email to: Kaysy Ostrom, Education Director. Or call Kaysy at 425.820.1800 x108 if you have further questions.