Theater Coach (Volunteer)

Theater Coach (Volunteer)

PromiseLearning | Arts Integration, Theater & Creative Expression

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Hybrid (NYC-based preferred) with virtual support as needed

Type: Volunteer

Reports To: Director of Afterschool & Enrichment / Director of SEL & Youth Development

Works Closely With: Teaching Artists, Mentors, SEL Team, Program Staff

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, social-emotional learning (SEL), and creative expression.

We believe that learning is not only academic—it is emotional, social, and expressive.

About PromiseLearning | Education & Enrichment

PromiseLearning is MAP’s education division, responsible for curriculum, programming, mentoring, and student development. The division integrates academic support with social-emotional learning and creative expression to support the whole child.

Within this model, the arts—especially theater—serve as powerful tools for communication, confidence, and identity development.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Theater Coach to support youth in developing performance skills, creative expression, and confidence through theater-based learning.

This role blends arts education and social-emotional learning, using theater as a medium to help students explore voice, identity, storytelling, and collaboration.

The Theater Coach will create a structured, safe, and engaging environment where students can express themselves, take creative risks, and build confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate theater-based sessions including acting, improvisation, and storytelling
• Support students in developing voice, movement, and performance skills
• Guide character development, scene work, and creative expression
• Integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into theater activities
• Create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment
• Collaborate with program staff to align sessions with curriculum and student needs
• Adapt activities for diverse learners and varying developmental levels
• Support preparation for student showcases or performances (if applicable)
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via email and chat in Google Workspace

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in theater, acting, performance, or drama education
• Strong facilitation and communication skills
• Ability to engage and support youth in group settings
• Sensitivity to working with diverse and high-need student populations
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred

• Experience working with children or youth (ages 5–18)
• Background in teaching, coaching, or youth development
• Experience integrating arts with SEL or education
• Experience in school-based or community-based programs

Commitment

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Hybrid with NYC-based programming preferred

What You’ll Gain

• Experience leading arts-integrated educational programming
• Opportunity to support youth development through creative expression
• Collaboration with educators, mentors, and program leaders
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A meaningful role helping students find their voice and confidence

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant theater or teaching experience and interest in MAP’s mission

Help create a learning space where expression becomes confidence, and confidence becomes possibility.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.