Middle School Drama Teacher and Productions Manager

Position Type Full-Time Start 08/18/2025 School Name City, State Brooklyn, NY Posted 05/01/2025 POSITION STATEMENT Middle School Drama Teacher and Productions Manager Start Date: August 18, 2025

OVERVIEW Brooklyn Friends School (BFS), a thriving Early Childhood - 12th grade school located in vibrant Downtown Brooklyn, seeks a Middle School Drama Teacher and Productions Manager within a dynamic community of colleagues (BFS uses the all-inclusive term, colleagues, to refer to all rather than one that delineates faculty/staff). Founded in 1867, Brooklyn Friends School’s identity as a Quaker School and pillars (diversity, equity, and belonging; global social impact; and wholeness and well-being) serve as guideposts for our action-oriented collective work. has been illustrious and reflective of the expansive nature of human experiences. Guided by our , BFS provides a dynamic, diverse, and robust social/emotional environment and academic program that cultivates compassionate, intellectually curious, and confident changemakers. As a school, we affirm that human diversity includes, but is not limited to: race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic class, family structure and physical ability, as well as diversity of thought, talents, and learning style. Brooklyn Friends School does not discriminate based on these characteristics or any characteristic prohibited by law and provides reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified colleagues and applicants. If you need an accommodation related to any part of the hiring process, please send an email to .

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THE POSITION

Brooklyn Friends School seeks a creative, dynamic, and equity-focused Middle School Drama Teacher and Productions Manager to join our Performing Arts Department. Rooted in the school’s Quaker mission and values, this educator will foster a joyful, inclusive, and rigorous learning environment for students in grades 5–8, supporting their growth as empathetic, expressive, and socially conscious individuals.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep commitment to the school’s mission to nurture each child’s voice and potential within a community that honors peace, integrity, equality, simplicity, and stewardship. They will bring experience in theater education, acting pedagogy, stage direction, and public speaking, and apply this knowledge through culturally responsive, anti-racist and collaborative planning and teaching practices. A strong belief in the power of theater as a vehicle for social justice and change is essential.

This role includes directing two full-scale productions each year: the Middle School Play and a combined Middle & Upper School Musical. The candidate will be skilled in creating student-centered performance experiences that elevate diverse voices, experiences and foster collaboration, critical thinking, and self-expression.

RESPONSIBILITIES This position reports to the Head of Middle School in partnership with the Academic Leadership Team.

Mission-Aligned Teaching and Learning

Design and deliver inspiring, developmentally appropriate lessons that support students in building foundational and advanced theater skills. Teach all 5th and 6th grade students through semester-long Drama courses and guide 7th and 8th grade students who choose Drama as part of the Performing Arts Electives program. Employ culturally responsive and anti-racist pedagogies that honor diverse narratives and foster student identity development. Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment that encourages creative risk-taking and collaboration. Observe, assess, and document student progress and provide constructive feedback. Manage classroom behavior with respect and restorative practices, aligned with Quaker values.

Community-Engaged Productions

Direct and produce two full-scale productions annually (Middle School Play and Middle & Upper School Musical). Use theater as a platform to highlight social justice themes, amplify marginalized voices, and cultivate dialogue around meaningful topics. Engage the broader school community in production themes through workshops, discussions, or supporting resources. Communicate effectively with students, families, colleagues, and external collaborators regarding rehearsal schedules, expectations, and performance details.

Production Leadership and Technical Theater

Coordinate administrative elements of productions, including space reservations, program creation, and scheduling. Oversee all technical aspects of productions, including set and lighting design and construction, while ensuring student involvement in each phase. Instruct students in the responsible and safe use of props, tools, and stage equipment. Maintain clean and organized rehearsal, performance, and storage spaces. Encourage student leadership and engagement in the design and production processes.

Professional Collaboration and School Involvement

Collaborate with Performing Arts colleagues and other faculty to integrate arts education across the curriculum. Participate in departmental and full-faculty meetings, professional development, and school-wide initiatives. Contribute to the school’s advisory program as needed. Reflect the school’s Quaker values in professional conduct and relationships with students, colleagues, and families. All teaching colleagues are expected to be active community members and share duties and general support of the school community.

Qualifications and Characteristics Sought:

Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Theater Education, or a related field (Master’s preferred) Alignment with Brooklyn Friends School’s Quaker mission and educational philosophy Cultural competency and commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging Demonstrated experience teaching drama/theater to middle school students Directing and technical theater experience required Passion for theater as a medium for storytelling, activism, and inclusion Demonstrated organizational, collaborative and communication skills Enthusiasm for working in a collaborative, values-driven school community Ability to meet and adhere to multiple deadlines and strong organizational skills A creative, enthusiastic, and innovative attitude A high level of organization and self-initiative Approaches work with flexibility, patience, grace, connection, and a willingness to learn A respect for the life of the child Joyful and has a respectful sense of humor Compassion, integrity, and open-mindedness in all interactions Collegiality, approachability, flexibility, and adaptability Consistently strong, respectful, and gracious interpersonal and communication skills After-school hours are required at times for rehearsals and performances

Physical Requirements of the Job: Must be able to work in a school environment including prolonged periods of sitting and standing. Must be able to stand, bend over, twist and reach to access file cabinets, bookshelves and navigate office and workstation spaces. Must be able to ambulate through hallways and classroom settings, including walking up stairs. Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Must be able to carry and manipulate set pieces of varying weights, shapes and sizes. Must be able to climb ladders and reach/pull ropes.

Union Status: Union Salary Range: $71,601 - $97,540 This salary range represents the expected annual salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your education level, experience, and other job-related factors.

Benefits: Colleagues may be eligible to participate in employment benefits including, but not limited to, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance. Benefits are subject to change at any time, and are subject to applicable plan documents.

To apply, please provide the following: Cover letter addressed to Head of Middle School Nitya York. Along with punctuating your interest and experience, your cover letter should also address the ways in which you feel that your professional journey aligns with our school’s Quaker values and pillars of social justice and civic engagement, Resume/Curriculum Vitae List of three references (with emails, phone numbers, and relationship to you). Supporting materials encouraged (letters of recommendation, evidence of teaching, productions directing, and/or performing, etc.)

Please email the above attachments as a single PDF to: & , and put Drama Teacher in the subject line. Brooklyn Friends School COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: We appreciate your interest in employment at Brooklyn Friends School. We would like to note that the School has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.