Acting & Theater Instructor

Benefits:
Bonus based on performance Flexible schedule Opportunity for advancement Profit sharing Wellness resources
HG Discover | Higher Ground Knowledge Center
Location: Albany, NY / Capital Region

Position Type: Part-Time / Independent Instructor Partnership

Schedule: Flexible — Afternoons, Evenings, and Weekends

Estimated Earnings: $50–$140+ per teaching hour, depending on enrollment

Compensation: Revenue Sharing (60%–70% Instructor / 30%–40% HG Discover)

About HG Discover
HG Discover is a community education and enrichment initiative developed by Higher Ground Integrated Human Services (IHS), Inc., a nonprofit organization established in 2009.
Our mission is to provide affordable, accessible, and engaging educational opportunities that encourage creativity, personal growth, confidence, and community integration.

We believe the performing arts should be accessible to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Position Overview
HG Discover is seeking a passionate, energetic, and creative Acting & Theater Instructor to develop and lead engaging acting classes for children, teenagers, and community members.
The ideal candidate has experience in acting, theater performance, drama education, or performing arts instruction and enjoys helping students develop confidence, communication skills, self-expression, and creativity.

Classes will introduce participants to acting fundamentals, improvisation, character development, storytelling, stage presence, and performance techniques.

This position offers an opportunity to inspire emerging performers while creating an inclusive learning environment where individuals of all abilities can participate and express themselves.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and facilitate interactive, age-appropriate acting and theater classes.

Teach acting fundamentals, including voice projection, body language, facial expressions, and stage presence.

Introduce improvisation, storytelling, character development, and script interpretation.

Lead theater games, group exercises, and creative performance activities.

Help students develop confidence, communication, teamwork, and public speaking skills.

Guide participants through rehearsals, short scenes, monologues, and group performances.

Adapt instruction to different ages, learning styles, abilities, and experience levels.

Create an encouraging, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment.

Support students who may experience stage fright or performance anxiety.

Organize optional student showcases or small theatrical performances.

Collaborate with HG Discover staff on curriculum development, class scheduling, and program growth.

Maintain appropriate classroom safety, professional boundaries, and participant confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications

Experience in acting, theater, drama education, performing arts, or related fields.

Previous experience teaching, coaching, mentoring, or working with children and teenagers.

Knowledge of acting techniques, improvisation, script reading, and performance development.

Strong communication, creativity, and classroom management skills.

Ability to motivate students and encourage participation.

Experience adapting activities for individuals with developmental disabilities or different learning needs is a plus.

Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community education.

Preferred but not required credentials:

Degree in Theater, Performing Arts, Drama, or Education

Professional or community theater experience

Acting or drama teaching certification

Experience directing youth theater productions

Experience in film, television, or stage performance
A college degree is not required. Professional actors, theater performers, drama educators, directors, community theater participants, and experienced performing arts enthusiasts are encouraged to apply.
Compensation & Instructor Partnership

HG Discover offers a flexible instructor revenue-sharing model.

Instructors may receive 60%–70% of eligible class revenue, depending on the negotiated instructor partnership agreement.

Illustrative earning potential

5 students: Approximately $50–$70 per teaching hour

8 students: Approximately $80–$110 per teaching hour

10 students: Approximately $100–$140 per teaching hour

12 students: Approximately $120–$168 per teaching hour

These estimates assume 90-minute classes priced at approximately $25–$30 per student.
Actual earnings depend on student enrollment, tuition, scheduling, and agreed revenue-sharing terms. These figures represent gross teaching-hour equivalents, not guaranteed hourly wages, and exclude preparation, rehearsal planning, expenses, and taxes.
Why Partner With HG Discover?

Flexible teaching opportunities.

Opportunity to develop your own acting and theater curriculum.

Potential classroom and administrative support.

Ability to introduce performing arts to underserved communities.

Opportunity to build recurring classes, workshops, and youth theater programs.

Potential to organize student showcases and community performances.

Support an initiative focused on affordability, accessibility, creativity, and community integration.

Meaningful work helping participants build confidence and express themselves.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit

A résumé or professional background summary.

A brief description of their acting, theater, or performing arts experience.

Examples of previous productions, performances, or instructional work, if available.

Any experience teaching children, teenagers, or individuals with disabilities.

Preferred teaching availability.

Selected applicants may be invited to an introductory interview, teaching demonstration, and facility tour.
Help students discover their voices, develop confidence, and bring their creativity to life!
HG Discover — Learn. Create. Move. Grow.

Instructor engagement is subject to applicable screening and child-safety requirements, agreed compensation terms, and a written instructor agreement.

Flexible work from home options available.