Theater in a Box Camp Internship (12-day opportunity)

Des Moines Performing Arts has an exciting short-term opportunity for current teachers or college students interested in art literacy and theater education to serve as an assistant instructor with our Theater in a Box camp for 12 days (about 2 and a half weeks) in June 2026. Come work with first through third graders as they create a story characters and sets for their box-sized theaters.

Camp weeks: June 15-19 2026 and June 22-26 2026; Training tentatively June 1-2 and/or June 12 2026

OVERVIEW:

• Pay - $16.00 per hour
• Seasonal opportunity June 2026
• Reports to Camp Director
• Deadline to apply: February 20 2026
• Twelve-day commitment
• Must be available 30-40 hours during the weeks of camp
• Please submit your cover letter and resume via the online application at org
• Interviews scheduled in March and early April
• Note: A cover letter is REQUIRED.

At DMPA we are dedicated to building a diverse inclusive and authentic workplace so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the lead teaching artist in working with students on lessons in storytelling and creating character.
• Support students as they create stories characters and sets for their mini-theater boxes.
• Assist students in creating and editing short performances using iMovie or similar tools.
• Supervise students during breaks and transitions keeping things fun and safe.
• Select and lead theater games and activities that spark creativity and teamwork.
• Prep materials for the next day and help prepare student performances.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Have experience working with 1st-3^rd grade students (and love their energy!)
• Be a certified pre-k or elementary teacher or college student majoring in education (art music theater elementary preferred)
• Are tech-savvy and comfortable with video recording and basic editing.
• Know or can find theater activities appropriate for the camps learning objectives.
• Enjoy working with students on art projects as they create their sets and characters
• Are organized and know how to balance fun and focus in a classroom.
• Are passionate about the arts and love bringing creativity to life!

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Assist and collaborate with the lead teaching artist in implementing lessons.
• Assist students with recording their presentations and helping them shine
• Assist and/or lead theater and/or literacy activities that support lessons in story writing character and staging to K-5 students
• Classroom management and support for students as they create and rehearse their Theater in a Box projects.
• Lead/Assist with art and other classroom activities as assigned
• Create a safe and supportive environment for participating youth.
• Passionate about the arts

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Art literacy or theater background and knowledge of storytelling character development and theater activities appropriate for grades K-5
• High comfort-level with technology specifically IMovie and video and basic editing skills
• Organization skills and the ability to keep self and others moving toward goals
• Ability to monitor the flow of energy in a classroom environment between focus and fun on-task and creating.

QUESTIONS:

Contact Lynnae at

Required Experience:

Intern