Facilitator

Shakespeare In Prison is seeking new facilitators to work on-site with our ensemble!

Detroit Public Theatre is seeking facilitators for our signature community program, Shakespeare in Prison.  We are looking for 3-4 facilitators to join us once a week, on either a Tuesday or Thursday from 5:15 - 8:30 pm. Facilitators are compensated on an hourly basis.  The program runs roughly 40 weeks from early September until late June and culminates in a full-length Shakespearean production. The production, in its entirety, is collaboratively devised, produced, and performed by the SIP ensemble which consists of women at the facility and SIP staff. All performances take place on-site at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility and are performed for the other women and staff at the facility.

Experience and essential skills:

• An enthusiastic commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in all aspects of work, and a passion for community connection.
• Familiarity with, and interest in, issues related to the criminal legal system, mass incarceration, and challenges facing system-impacted people. This may include personal experience within and connected to the criminal legal system.
• Previous experience facilitating and/or leading collaborative programs with people in underserved communities.
• Previous experience with Shakespeare is preferred, but not required.
• Previous experience with playwriting is preferred, but not required.
• There is no formal education requirement for this position; however, a minimum of three years of related experience is required. This may include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following:
  • Formal training in theatre, education, social work, criminal justice, etc.
  • Professional experience in theatre, education, social work, criminal justice, etc.
  • Experience with conflict management, trauma-informed programming, etc.
  • Demonstrated success in a collaborative workplace and/or project-based environment.
• Exemplary writing, communication, presentation, time management, and organizational skills.
• We are looking for what you bring to the process–we are eager to learn about your special skills and what you would like to offer/bring to the  program!

On Site Duties

• Precise adherence to all facility policies with fidelity
• Manage relationships with MODC faculty
• Organize materials into and out of the facility as needed
• Lead group discussions
• Lead theatre-games
• Facilitate scene-work, textual work, improv games, and the devising of the SIP summer theatre piece
• Provide in-depth guidance and support to ensemble members (in creative process, performance, operational decisions, interpersonal challenges, individual challenges)
• Provide guidance and feedback to facilitators and apprentices on their work.
• Take notes of on the happenings of a given session
• Take on a role in the production as well as memorize lines and blocking as needed
• Join us for both the Tuesday and Thursday sessions in the 4-6 weeks leading up to the performance.
• Lead sessions if the senior SIP staff are absent or sick.

Off Site Duties

• Write formal write ups from field notes (make necessary redactions) within 24 hrs of each session
• Attend fundraising, social, and company-wide functions connected to SIP
• Help with the procurement of all props and costumes
• Assist in the organization and transportation of production materials from the theatre to the facility.

To Apply

• Send resume and cover letter to sophia@detroitpublictheatre.org, with “New Facilitator Application” in the subject line.
• In your cover letter include your relevant experience, your short and long term goals, and what you bring to the program.