Teaching Artist Instructor – Seniors in Play

Teaching Artist Instructor – Seniors in Play

Join to apply for the Teaching Artist Instructor – Seniors in Play role at Arts in Play / Seniors in Play

About Seniors in Play

Seniors in Play is an acting, Readers Theater, and storytelling program offered at senior and community centers throughout San Antonio, Texas. Founded and led by stage, film, and television actor Tony Plana
, the program currently serves 15 locations and is expanding to include a specialized class for military veterans.

Through theatre and storytelling, Seniors in Play fosters self-confidence, social connection, creativity, and cognitive wellness in older adults. Classes emphasize a joyful, playful, and supportive environment where vitality, curiosity, and community thrive.

Position Summary

The Teaching Artist Instructor is a working actor, director, playwright, drama educator, or advanced theatre student who leads weekly Seniors in Play classes. Instructors guide participants through creative writing, improvisation, Readers Theater, and storytelling exercises, culminating in showcase performances 2–3 times per year.

This role is ideal for artists who are passionate about using theatre to serve older adults and military veterans, and who are eager to make a meaningful impact in the San Antonio community.

• Facilitate engaging, accessible theatre-based classes for seniors in a bilingual (Spanish–English) environment.
• Adapt the seniors in play curriculum to meet the abilities, interests, and comfort levels of older adult learners.
• Lead participants through:
  • Improv and theatre games
  • Personal storytelling and writing exercises
  • Readers Theater using original and published works
  • Prepare and direct 2–3 culminating showcase performances annually
• Incorporate individual artistic skills into instruction, such as puppetry, mask-making, script writing, video production, or other creative disciplines.
• Create a welcoming, supportive, and playful classroom atmosphere that prioritizes participant well‑being.
• Attend required professional development workshops and staff meetings.

Schedule & Compensation

• Class Time: 1.5 hours per class
• Prep Time: 0.5 hours per class
• Current Commitment: One weekly class, with opportunity for additional classes in the future
• Pay Rate:
  • $30/hour for class instruction and showcase direction
  • $20/hour for professional development workshops and meetings

Qualifications

• Actor, drama teacher, director, playwright, or theatre student pursuing a BA or MA in a theatre-related discipline.
• Experience teaching, directing, or facilitating groups in an instructional setting.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English (required).
• Comfortable adapting curriculum for older adults and veterans.
• Creative, patient, and enthusiastic about working with seniors.
• Military veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Must pass background check and fingerprinting.
• Must stay up to date on flu and COVID vaccinations.

Why Join Seniors in Play?

This is more than a teaching job — it is an opportunity to bring joy, creativity, and purpose into the lives of older adults across San Antonio while working alongside an inspiring artistic team. If you believe in the transformative power of theatre at every age, we encourage you to apply.