Activity Specialist Day Camp-Drama Coach

Drama Coach (Summer) — Young Judaea Sprout Brooklyn Day Camp

Young Judaea Sprout Brooklyn Day Camp in Red Hook is seeking a dynamic Drama Coach to lead our performing arts program for campers entering Pre-K through 5th grade. We’re a Hebrew dual‑language camp that welcomes children from a wide range of backgrounds to build a joyful, inclusive community grounded in Jewish values, a connection to Israel, and exposure to Hebrew. No prior Hebrew knowledge is required to thrive here.

About the Role

The Drama Coach is the lead teaching artist for drama at camp. You’ll design and deliver imaginative, age‑appropriate theatre experiences that build confidence, ensemble skills, and creative expression. Sessions run approximately 30–40 minutes, with groups of 12–14 campers. You’ll collaborate closely with the Program Director and fellow specialists to align your activities with weekly themes and adapt for different developmental levels.

What You’ll Do

• Create a summer‑long vision and weekly lesson plans for drama, including warm‑ups, skill‑builders, and short creative projects that can be completed in a single session.
• Teach high‑energy, 30–40 minute classes daily that develop voice, movement, character, story structure, and ensemble collaboration.
• Coach campers through theatre games, improvisation, pantomime, reader’s theatre, simple scene work, and mini‑showcase moments tailored to each age band.
• Integrate at least one weekly theme (Jewish Value, Israel Spotlight, or Hebrew Spotlight) into your plans; support is available for theme integration.
• Differentiate activities by age group (Pre‑K/K; 1–2; 3–5) with clear progressions, ensuring safety, inclusion, and success for all learners.
• Prepare two core activities per age group per week, plus a ready‑to‑go backup “rain plan” set of drama games and no‑prep exercises.
• Track materials and setup needs; submit simple supply lists ahead of time.
• Collaborate with counselors to support behavior expectations, transitions, and camper engagement.
• Model positivity, flexibility, and professionalism — and embrace the joyful, silly spirit of camp life.

Qualifications — Drama Coach

Required:

• At least 18 years old.
• 2+ years of experience teaching or coaching drama/theatre to children ages 3–10 in schools, camps, studios, or community programs.
• Demonstrated skill in leading theatre games, ensemble building, and beginning acting/improv with young performers.
• Ability to create concise, 30–40 minute lesson arcs that start with a physical/vocal warm‑up and end with a quick share, reflection, or mini‑performance.
• Experience adapting instruction for multiple developmental levels and diverse learning styles.
• Strong classroom management and group facilitation skills in active, high‑energy settings.
• Reliable, organized, and communicative; comfortable collaborating with a Program Director and broader camp team.

Preferred:

• Experience at a summer camp or comparable youth program.
• Background in children’s theatre, acting, improv, movement, or musical theatre.
• Familiarity with integrating themes/values into curricula; willingness to incorporate Jewish values, Israel, or Hebrew elements with provided support.
• Basic movement, rhythm, or voice pedagogy suitable for young learners.
• Hebrew familiarity is a plus but not required.

Schedule and Commitment

• Camp runs Monday–Friday, June 22–August 14.
• Required staff training: June 14–18.
• Camp day: 8:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
• Approximately 15 hours of paid pre‑camp curriculum development.

Our Drama Goals

• Celebrate creativity and build confidence through performance.
• Teach ensemble awareness, listening, and collaboration.
• Grow foundational skills: voice, body, character, story, and stage presence.
• Offer inclusive, accessible activities that succeed in one 30–40 minute period.

How to Apply

Visit and email your resume and a brief note about your youth drama coaching experience to Sam Gelberg at [email protected]. Please include “Drama Coach — Sprout Brooklyn” in the subject line.

Sprout Brooklyn welcomes candidates from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. We provide guidance for integrating weekly values/themes; enthusiasm, adaptability, and a child‑centered approach are essential.

Pay: $2,800.00 - $4,900.00 per year

Work Location: In person