A scene from an Improv 1 course in September 2023. PHOTO: Mike Marbach
Crossroads is looking to bring on an improv instructor to join our already great team of instructors! Do you have a passion for comedy and love of the arts? Prior experience performing improv or even teaching improv to kids, teens, and adults? We want to talk to you!Â
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Crossroads is looking to add to its team of improv instructors as we strengthen and expand our education program in Indianapolis. This position is very part time as classes are assigned based on student demand and the availability of instructors and as such are not guaranteed. Most classes run on weeknights with the occasional class offered on a Saturday or Sunday. Crossroads runs four sessions of classes over the year. Each improv course runs for eight weeks meeting once a week for two hours. Instructors brought on board will have the chance to shadow current instructors, meet to discuss curriculum, and provide other training where necessary. People in this position are also eligible to lead one-off improv workshops, practice groups and participate in special shows and corporate improv training events. Classes currently take place in downtown Indianapolis, but we are looking to venture into the suburbs of Indianapolis soon. This position reports to the managing director.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE
- Exudes a deep passion for comedy and the arts.
- Demonstrates a continuous drive for enhancing their skills and comprehension of the subject matter they teach.
- Cultivates a secure, supportive, and inclusive learning atmosphere for students across all developmental stages.
- Possesses at least one year performing in and/or teaching improvisation.
- Has general availability on weeknights and/or weekend afternoons for up to two months at a time.
- Has a reliable way to get to and from classes, workshops, training, and performances in downtown Indianapolis and the surrounding suburbs.
- Experience educating kids, teens, and adults
- Is looking to help grow our efforts in Indianapolis and beyond
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the above ideal qualities. If you feel you would bring experience and insight to Crossroads, we want to hear from you!Â
Additionally, we highly encourage applicants who are: women & non-binary people, persons with disabilities, BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ and other members of traditionally underrepresented communities in the comedy / theater scene.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Follow the Crossroads curriculum to the best of your ability
- Keep accurate attendance records
- Provide relevant feedback to students both in class and via email when requested
- Email provided and tailored follow-up notes to students after each class
- Attend / host student performances associated with any assigned classes
- Complete course evaluations at the end of each session in a timely manner
- Provide relevant feedback about the class, curriculum, students, and overall experience to the managing director
- Positively represent Crossroads Comedy Theater to the public and in social media
- Communicate with the Managing Director in a timely manner about teaching availability, substitution needs, student issues, etc.
- Participate in the sharing of class information in a way that is not disruptive or spamming
COMPENSATION
$40/hr for in-class teaching hours ($700 if nothing is missed). Instructors are paid as independent contractors at this time. Payment is made following the successful completion of the course or class showcase if applicable. Payment can be made via check or direct deposit. Tax forms will be collected during the first course for which instructor is assigned.
PUBLIC HEALTH POLICIES
Masks will be optional during this course. Though Crossroads does not require proof of vaccination to teach our classes at this time, we highly encourage all instructors to be up to date on vaccinations. These guidelines can be updated based on the mandates or suggestions of the City of Indianapolis, the CDC, or other public health experts.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Treat people with respect. We do not tolerate hateful, discriminatory, or disruptive behavior. Behavior that is racist, misogynist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic, ageist, or any other unacceptable behavior not here mentioned will result in removal from the class. We strive to be inclusive of all experiences. We are always learning and aim to keep the class safe and respectful for everyone. The use of recreational drugs, illegal drugs, and/or alcohol is not permitted during class. The use of substances in class or the impact of reasonably suspected prior usage exhibited in disruptive ways in class may result in termination.
HOW TO APPLY
Send an email to Mike Marbach (Founder & Managing Director) at indy@xroadscomedy.com with the subject heading IMPROV INSTRUCTOR Email should include some info about yourself, why you are interested in the position, and what you feel you will add to Crossroads. Please attach a resume that includes relevant information about teaching, improv, etc. If you do not have a resume or a resume that includes relevant information, please provide as much detail as you can in the body of the email.
ABOUT CROSSROADS COMEDY THEATER
Crossroads Comedy Theater is a nonprofit theater and arts education company. Our 501c3 application has been submitted and we are awaiting approval for that full exempt status! Crossroads was founded by Mike Marbach in Indiana in 2021. Mike has about 20 years experience performing and teaching as well as 15 years experience on the admin side having served as Artistic Director and Education Director of another theater company in Philadelphia. Crossroads is committed to offering the best arts and skills training we can to residents of the greater Indianapolis area and doing so in a way that is safe, inclusive, supportive, and fun. Through our classes in improv, comedy writing, stand-up, and more, we provide people with skills that go beyond the stage and page and benefit them in their everyday life and work. Crossroads is a very community minded organization and wants to include as many people as possible in what we do whether it is in the classroom or on the stage. We do not believe that income should be a barrier to the life skills and creative expression that our classes offer. For that reason we offer student aid in the form of financial aid and scholarships that cover some or all of a student’s enrollment as well as EDU discounts, re-enrollment discounts, and more. Crossroads does not yet produce live shows, but this is a goal we are working toward.