Opportunities
Come Work With Encore
Encore Stage & Studio is committed to promoting inclusion and equitable access to all of its programs. We believe that an artistic community is enhanced through diversity. People of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply for all positions at Encore. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Opportunities for 2026/2027:
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Education Director
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Senior Teaching Artist
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Education Apprentice
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Choreographer/Dancing Teaching Artist
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Teaching Artist
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Board of Directors
2026 Summer Opportunities
2026 Summer Opportunities for Students
In-Season Opportunities for Students
Opportunities for 2026/2027
Education Director
Encore Stage & Studio is searching for a dynamic leader to join our team as Education Director.
What You’ll Do
As a member of our leadership team, you’ll be responsible for the strategic growth, operational excellence, and instructional quality of Encore’s education programming. This position reports to Encore’s Director of Programming and ensures the success of Encore’s award-winning classes, camps, and community-based programs.
This position will lead teaching artist training and management, develop new programming models, and expand Encore’s presence into new geographic communities. The Director supervises the Operations Manager and oversees a team of teaching artists and seasonal education staff.
Program Growth & Strategic Vision
- Using Encore’s 2026/2029 strategic plan as a guide, implement education program growth, including expansion into new geographic locations.
- Identify new partnership opportunities with schools and community organizations.
- Lead the creation of scalable program models that maintain quality while expanding reach.
- Set enrollment and programmatic goals in collaboration with executive leadership.
Teaching Artist Mentorship & Quality Assurance
- Oversee Encore’s comprehensive teaching artist recruitment, training, and evaluation system.
- Maintain clear instructional standards aligned with Encore’s artistic and youth development philosophy.
- Design and implement professional development opportunities for teaching artists.
- Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management for staff and independent contractors.
- Ensure consistency of student experience across all programs and locations.
Program Development & Innovation
- Enhance existing and create new classes, camps, and workshop offerings that respond to community needs.
- Collaborate with the Director of Programming to align curriculum with Encore’s artistic and strategic vision.
- Oversee curriculum refinement to ensure age-appropriate, process-based programs and align with Encore’s emphasis on youth character development.
- Evaluate programs using data and stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement.
Operational Oversight
- Work collaboratively with Encore’s Finance Director on budgeting and achieving revenue goals.
- Supervise the Operations Manager to ensure strong logistical execution of programs.
- Maintain policies related to student safety, accessibility, and program delivery.
- Share data and work with the Development Director on granting and materials as requested.
- Ensure smooth coordination between programming, marketing, and development teams.
Equity & Inclusion
- Advance Encore’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in hiring, curriculum, and community engagement.
- Develop strategies to increase access to programming for underrepresented communities.
Supporting Encore
- Represent Encore to stakeholders; act as an ambassador for the organization
- Teach classes, camps, and workshops based on organizational needs.
What’s In It For You
Encore is dedicated to a professional and engaged work environment where you will be a valued team member. This is a full-time position. Encore’s weekday office hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (camp hours begin at 8:15 am). Evening and weekend hours are required to accommodate classes, productions, and events.
You’ll receive a salary commensurate with your experience as well as benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, a matching retirement savings program, paid sick and vacation, holidays, and two additional weeks of paid leave the week before Labor Day and December 24 - January 1.
What We’re Looking For
Encore Stage & Studio is entering an exciting phase of growth and program expansion. We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on leader who is passionate about youth theatre and ready to help scale high-quality arts education programming to reach more young people across our community and beyond.
The ideal candidate is both a systems thinker and a practitioner — someone who can build strong program infrastructure while remaining connected to the classroom and the lived experience of students and teaching artists.
- 7–12+ years of progressive leadership experience in education, theatre, arts administration, youth programming, camps administration, or a related field.
- Demonstrated success leading and supervising staff and teaching artists, including coaching, performance evaluation, and professional development design.
- Proven experience building, refining, and scaling youth arts education programs, ideally including camps, classes, and school partnerships. Experience cultivating and managing partnerships with schools, PTAs, and community organizations.
- Deep understanding of elementary-age youth development and pedagogy, with a particular strength in designing engaging, age-appropriate theatre experiences for younger students.
- Experience in establishing and maintaining quality standards across multiple instructors or sites. Experience launching programming in new communities or locations is a plus.
- Budget management and revenue planning experience.
- Strong operational and systems-building skills, with the ability to design processes that support sustainable growth.
- Ability to think strategically about geographic expansion and program growth, including assessing new markets and launching new initiatives.
- Excellent communication skills and confidence in representing the organization publicly.
- Familiarity with risk management, student safety standards, and accessibility best practices
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in both hiring and program design.
- Alignment with Encore Stage & Studio’s mission to build character and community through transformative theatre experiences.
Additional Leadership Qualities We Value
- A builder’s mindset — energized by growth, innovation, and organizational evolution.
- Comfort balancing strategic leadership with hands-on engagement, including stepping into the classroom when needed to support program continuity and model instructional excellence.
- A commitment to maintaining Encore’s high-touch, process-based culture while expanding our reach.
- The ability to remain calm, flexible, and solutions-oriented in a dynamic, youth-centered environment.
The ability to stand, move, and engage actively with children for extended periods, and to lift up to 25 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation is required. Encore Stage & Studio will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
All employees must comply with Encore Stage & Studio’s child safety policies and mandatory reporting requirements and complete required training prior to working with students. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and reference check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Encore Stage & Studio is committed to promoting inclusion and equitable access to all of its programs. We believe that an artistic community is enhanced through diversity.
Encore Stage & Studio is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
If interested, please email a cover letter and resume to jobs@encorestage.org. Please include “Education Director” in the subject line.
Senior Teaching Artist (Part-time, 20 hours/ week)
Encore Stage & Studio is seeking an Education Apprentice for September 2026 - June 2027. This apprenticeship will provide recent college graduates with hands-on experience working at a non-profit children’s theatre company. You’ll work across a variety of Encore’s classes, camps, school residencies, and workshops for children and youth ages 3 - 18. The Apprentice will have the opportunity to train as a teaching artist and learn about all levels of theatre arts education before leading programs independently.
What’s In It For You
Encore is dedicated to a professional and engaged work environment where you will be a valued team member. This 20-hour per week position will typically work weekday afternoons and Saturdays with Sunday as a consistent day off. Some morning, evening, and weekend hours are required to accommodate Encore’s education program schedule. Schedules will be provided on a monthly basis.
Compensation is $640 paid biweekly, as well as benefits including a matching retirement savings program, paid sick and vacation, holidays, and a week of paid leave from December 24 - January 1.
This position will report to work at various programming locations in Arlington and Fairfax Counties, the Cities of Falls Church and Alexandria, and Washington, DC, as well as Encore's administrative office location in Arlington. Reliable transportation between sites is required.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking an energetic, imaginative, and organized individual with a passion for working with children daily. Applicants with specific skills and/or certifications in dance, movement, musical theatre, directing, and stage combat are particularly encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:
- A commitment to and understanding of Encore Stage & Studio’s Mission, Vision, and Values
- Previous teaching experience, particularly with elementary aged children
- Creativity and flexibility, coupled with strong classroom management abilities
- A team player with good time management and follow-up skills, a demonstrated ability to take initiative, and handle multiple projects concurrently.
- An excellent communicator with the ability to speak and write clearly.
- A problem-solver who thinks critically and plans strategically.
- Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to Madaline Langston, Programs Director, at jobs@encorestage.org with the subject line “Senior Teaching Artist —Your Name”.
The ability to stand, move, and engage actively with children for extended periods, and to lift up to 25 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation is required. Encore Stage & Studio will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Teaching Artists must comply with Encore Stage & Studio’s child safety policies and mandatory reporting requirements and complete required training prior to working with students. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and reference check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Education Apprentice (part-time, 20 hours)
Encore is dedicated to a professional and engaged work environment where you will be a valued team member. This 20-hour per week position will typically work weekday afternoons and Saturdays with Sunday as a consistent day off. Some morning, evening, and weekend hours are required to accommodate Encore’s education program schedule. Schedules will be provided on a monthly basis.
Compensation is $640 paid biweekly, as well as benefits including a matching retirement savings program, paid sick and vacation, holidays, and a week of paid leave from December 24 - January 1.
This position will report to work at various programming locations in Arlington and Fairfax Counties, the Cities of Falls Church and Alexandria, and Washington, DC, as well as Encore's administrative office location in Arlington. Reliable transportation between sites is required.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with a passion for working with children daily. Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:
- A commitment to and understanding of Encore Stage & Studio’s Mission, Vision, and Values
- Experience in the performing arts with a strong interest in teaching, particularly elementary aged children
- Creativity, flexibility, and strong organizational skills.
- A team player with good time management and follow-up skills.
- The ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally with students, patrons, and families.
- A problem-solver who thinks critically.
- Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to Madaline Langston, Programs Director, at jobs@encorestage.org with the subject line “Education Apprentice —Your Name”.
The ability to stand, move, and engage actively with children for extended periods, and to lift up to 25 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation is required. Encore Stage & Studio will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Teaching Artist
Encore Stage & Studio seeks energetic, imaginative, and organized Teaching Artists for the 2024/2025 season, with classes Monday – Friday for children ages 3 through 18.
Applicants must have a college degree and previous teaching experience. Desired skills include strong interpersonal skills, classroom management, creativity, flexibility, and a passion for working with children. Successful applicants will have experience in designing curriculum around a provided course description.
Teaching Artists must be able to work independently and as part of a team of educators to foster creative expression in students. Applicants with specific skills and/or certifications in dance, movement, musical theatre, stage combat, and technical theatre are particularly encouraged to apply.
This is a contracted position; please indicate your current availability in your cover letter. Encore offers various contracts, depending on the camp or class, with competitive hourly pay. Teaching Artists will be required to submit to a background check and provide proof of vaccination before beginning employment.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@encorestage.org with the subject line, “Teaching Artist Application–Your Name.”
Choreographer/Dance Teaching Artist
Encore Stage & Studio seeks a dynamic, skilled Choreographer/Dance Teaching Artist for the June 23-August 22, 2025 summer season. This position provides an opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience working with a nonprofit educational theatre company.
Applicants must have previous experience teaching dance and/or musical theatre for elementary and middle school students. Desired skills include strong interpersonal skills, excellent classroom management, creativity, flexibility, and a passion for working with children. The ability to teach musical theatre dance techniques and styles is required. Preference may be given to candidates who also have a background in choreography.
Teaching Artists must be responsible individuals who are able to work independently and as part of a team of educators to foster creative expression in students. Successful applicants will have experience in designing age-appropriate lesson plans around a provided theme.
This is a contracted position; please indicate your current availability in your cover letter. Encore offers 1, 2, or 3 week contracts, depending on the camp, from June to August with competitive hourly pay. Choreographers/Dance Teaching Artists will be required to submit to a background check and provide proof of vaccination before beginning employment.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@encorestage.org with the subject line, “Choreographer/Dance Teaching Artist Application–Your Name.”
Board of Directors
Who We Are
Encore Stage & Studio inspires young people to develop the creativity, empathy and confidence they need to create meaningful connections with peers and have a positive impact in their communities.
Encore Stage & Studio provides educational opportunities for young people throughout Northern Virginia using theatre to bring high-quality, age-appropriate theatrical productions that are staffed by young people to our community and offer a vibrant selection of educational classes, workshops and summer programs, including outreach to underserved children and youth with community partners.
Encore’s story is full of successes on the stage and in the community, including 250 shows with new works in each of the past seven seasons. Our Theatre for All! Fund, created in 2018, enables Encore to enrich the lives of our most vulnerable children through the arts. In 2019, Flip the Script became a cornerstone of our programming with The Day Nothing Happened, a student-devised piece highlighting African-American voices. Now on its third play, Flip the Script recently received a project grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
What You’ll Do
The Board will support the work of Encore Stage & Studio and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by Encore Stage & Studio’s Executive Director (ED), the Board-ED relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. Specific Board Member responsibilities include:
Leadership, governance and oversight
- Serving as a trusted advisor to the ED as she develops and implements Encore’s strategic plan
- Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by Encore Stage & Studio for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics; reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings
- Approving Encore Stage & Studio’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities
- Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of the ED
- Assisting the ED and Board Chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members
- Partnering with the ED and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out
- Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments
- Representing Encore Stage & Studio to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization
- Ensuring Encore Stage & Studio’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities Encore Stage & Studio serves
Fundraising
Encore Stage & Studio Board Members will consider Encore Stage & Studio a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that Encore Stage & Studio can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations and individuals, Encore Stage & Studio expects to have 100 percent of Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity.
Board Terms/Participation
Encore Stage & Studio Board Members will be elected to serve an initial two-year term. After that they are eligible for two additional terms. Board meetings will be held quarterly and committee meetings will be held at a minimum quarterly and more as needed.
What’s In It For You
Joining Encore Stage & Studio’s Board of Directors allows you to help kids fulfill their theatre dreams while you vicariously live yours. It is also an opportunity to work collaboratively with a devoted group while having fun and strengthening your strategy and leadership skills. While serving on Encore Stage and Studio’s Board of Directors is unpaid, you are paying it forward in service to your community.
What We’re Looking For
This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about Encore Stage & Studio’s mission, theatre, and children.
Ideal candidates will represent the ethnically diverse population we aim to serve and have the following qualifications:
- A commitment to and understanding of Encore Stage & Studio’s mission
- Connections to diverse sectors of our community
- Relationships with business, government and professional associations
- Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating and building consensus among diverse individuals
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and a passion for arts education
We are specifically seeking skills sets in any of the following areas:
- Communications and Public Relations
- Strategic Planning
- Community Organizing
- Nonprofit Governance
- Educational Curriculum Development
- Fundraising and Development
We strongly encourage people of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, identities, career stages and abilities to apply.
If interested, please contact boardsearch@encorestage.org
