Theater School Sketch Comedy Instructor

Theater School Sketch Comedy Instructor

Status: Part-Time Temporary / On-site

Hours: 1 hour per week, Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 PM (12 total sessions)

Pay rate: $65 per session Location: Paper Mill Studios, Millburn NJ Reports to: Theater School Manager

Approximate Employment dates: February 2026 – May 2026

Position Overview

Paper Mill Playhouse seeks an instructor for our Sketch Comedy Youth and Teen course. The instructor will lead youth and teen students ages 9-16 in creative, collaborative comedy training. The course is open level, but instruction should be beginner friendly, as it serves primarily novice students.

The instructor will guide students toward the following learning outcomes: identifying the core elements of a sketch and generating sketch ideas using these elements, collaborating effectively in a writers’ room setting, writing short sketch scripts using basic structure, developing clear comedic characters, editing and revising sketches based on feedback, and performing sketches with commitment and clarity.

This position is best suited for a teaching artist with 5 years of experience in theater education, specifically related to writing, comedy, and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and lead weekly sketch comedy classes
• Guide students in writing and performance
• Rehearse a culminating class sharing for families
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience teaching youth and teens
• Background in sketch comedy, improv, performance
• Strong communication and classroom management skills
• Proficiency and demonstrated experience creating art with youth and teen populations
• Friendly, professional, and flexible attitude with excellent communication skills
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultures and socio-economic experiences, free from prejudice and aggressions
• Alignment with Paper Mill Playhouse’s mission and values

Apply

Paper Mill Playhouse is committed to hiring high-caliber individuals of diverse backgrounds. We strive to provide our staff with a nurturing and inclusive environment, equal for all employees and optimal for their success.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter describing how your experience makes you the right

candidate for this position to [email protected] with the subject line: Sketch Comedy Instructor. No phone calls, please.

The successful candidate will be required to authorize a background check, which will be conducted at Paper Mill's expense in full compliance with relevant law. The offer to the successful candidate will be contingent on the results of the background check.

About our Theater School

Paper Mill Playhouse offers joyful, skill-building classes for performers of all ages. With a focus on musical theatre technique—singing, acting, and movement—our weekly classes help students grow confidence, connect with others, and explore their creativity in a supportive environment.

About Paper Mill Playhouse

Founded in 1934, Paper Mill Playhouse has been a cherished New Jersey arts institution for more than 80 years. Paper Mill brings new American Musical Theater to life, with a national reputation that continues to grow. Collaboration with other regional theaters and leading independent producers brings over 200,000 New Jersey audience members annually the best in musical theater, from celebrated revivals to groundbreaking new works. In 2016, Paper Mill received the Regional Theatre Tony award in recognition of its contribution to the national field, the industry’s highest honor.

Paper Mill Playhouse facilities include a 1,150-seat theater with attendant backstage dressing rooms, offices, and production support areas; front-of-house lobbies with bars, concessions and restroom facilities; an 80 seat restaurant; a small house with two apartments; 2,500 square feet of education studios; a NY Costume Shop; three parking lots and grounds.

Our Mission

Paper Mill Playhouse entertains, inspires, and enriches lives. As the nation’s premier musical theater, we foster a creative environment to advance the art form, educate students, develop future theater lovers, nurture inclusion, and provide access for all.

Paper Mill Playhouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer where the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything we do. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. We strive to create opportunities, access, resources, and rewards that are available to and benefit everyone.

Paper Mill Playhouse is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender equity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $65.00 per hour

Expected hours: 1 per week

Work Location: In person