LEAF in Schools & Streets Artists
ARTIST APPLICATION

JOB OPPORTUNITY!!! LSS is currently seeking local teaching artists for our 2009-2010 Resident Teaching Artist program & more.

Job Description: Resident Teaching Artist, Asheville, NC
LEAF in Schools & Streets (LSS) is currently seeking applications for openings on our Resident Teaching Artist (RTA) roster for 2009-2010. RTAs design the class curriculum and teach classes in the performing arts during November 2009 – May 2010. Programs take place in learning centers in public housing communities in Asheville. The after school program, Project MARCH (Make A Right Choice), is operated by our partner agency Children First/Communities in Schools of Buncombe County. Classes are 1 hour weekly, with approximately 1 hour preparation time, incorporating time both before and after classes to coordinate with learning center staff. Age range is K-5 for approximately 20-25 youth. Additional time is required for meetings, trainings and evaluations. The program requires the RTA to develop a performance with youth program participants for LEAF in May 2010 and in the communities where LSS programs are located. RTAs have an opportunity to perform at both bi-annual festivals. Other opportunities for teaching artists are available beyond the RTA position through shorter term workshops and residencies. See our Teaching Artist application for more information.

Seeking experienced artists in the following performance genres, but are not limited to: DRUMMING, HIP HOP DANCE, CONTEMPORARY/URBAN DANCE, STEP DANCE, CAPOEIRA, AFRO-CARIBBEAN DANCE These are some examples of requested art forms. Other art forms, particularly in the performing arts, will be considered.

Qualifications:

  • Enthusiasm for the arts and teaching young people, coinciding with LEAF & LSS missions
  • Prior teaching experience necessary (NC Public School experience helpful)
  • Provides lesson plan in advance
  • Comfortable working in public housing communities in the Asheville area
  • Confident directing youth through positive reinforcement
  • Professional attire, appearance & manner required
  • Able to work with a wide range of skill levels and age range of K-5
  • Reliable communication extremely important for both phone and email correspondence
  • Engage/coordinate with partner agency & Americorps members when appropriate/applicable
  • Reliable transportation to program site/LEAF – responsible for getting instruments, supplies to/from LEAF as applicable
  • Available for periodic meetings, trainings and evaluations
  • Develop a performance for LEAF and in communities where LSS programs are located

    • LSS considers the following criteria when evaluating performance programs:

  • Artistic quality is high
  • Teaching artistry quality is high
  • Program is organized around certain “key” ideas
  • Ideas are clearly introduced (with student involvement if appropriate)
  • Ideas are reviewed at the close of program and/or at other appropriate moments
  • Ideas are illustrated/developed through performance moments
  • Students participate in the program in ways that further the artistic and educational goals of the program
  • Artists have an excellent rapport with students and display a keen enthusiasm for their material
  • Class design is innovative and well structured with a strong opening and closing and a diverse, age appropriate repertoire

    • Application must include the following materials:

    1. LSS Teaching Artist application form is complete.
    2. A resume. Performance ensembles must submit resumes and biographical information for each member of the group, plus the performance history of the group.
    3. Biographical information (1 paragraph to be used in LEAF promotions).
    4. Two letters of reference. (regarding teaching artistry)
    5. Sample lesson plan for after-school residency. (Resident Teaching Artists work in housing communities for 7 months, November-May, between 20-25 sessions).
    - Each session is approximately 60 minutes in length (most likely for 2 different age groups in 30 min. sessions)
    - Gear the outline towards K-5 age range
    - Class size for the outline is 20-25 students
    6. High resolution digital photo (minimum 300 dpi).
    7. CD and/or DVD, YouTube or MySpace links.
    8. Optional: Artist statement and/or promotional materials.

    Please email or mail the application with support materials to: outreach@theLEAF.org

    Loraine Martin, Outreach Director
    LEAF in Schools & Streets, Lake Eden Arts Festival
    377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711

    theLEAF.org
    Telephone: 828.68.MUSIC (686-8742)

    LSS staff will contact candidates to schedule interviews based on evidence of the criteria listed below and need of the particular performance genre or residency you propose at the time of submission. Only complete applications will be considered. To apply, download the Teaching Artist Application at: Click here for a LEAF in Schools & Streets teaching artist application (PDF format)
    PRIORITY DEADLINE: MONDAY, AUGUST 10th by 5pm
    SECONDARY DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd by 5pm

    Thank you!

    Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) happens twice a year in May and October and we seek new artists 3-6 months prior to our festivals. Artists are matched with schools, after school programs, community centers and prisons according to their needs and your abilities. Our booking complements the school year calendar and our Lake Eden Festival dates.

    for festive planning:
    Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) dates for the coming years are:
    OCTOBER 15-18, 2009
    MAY 13-16 & OCTOBER 14-17, 2010
    MAY 12-15 & OCTOBER 20-23, 2011
    MAY 10-13 & OCTOBER 18-21, 2012