Faculty Position:

BAX’s Education Department seeks a new Director for its advanced Dance Performance Workshop (DPW) Level III class for ages 13-18. Direct teaching includes a 3-hour weekly class and additional indirect administrative hours towards departmental meetings and curriculum planning based on need. Preference will be given to candidates who can commit to the position for at least two years. Position to begin in the 2023/24 school year (approx. September through June 2024) with late-spring and summer orientation, training and planning, schedule & compensation TBD at mutually agreed upon scope.

About the Program:

BAX Youth Education’s progression of dance, theater and tumbling classes culminate in a series of truly exceptional Performance Workshop programs for our most motivated students (ages 9-18). For nearly 30 years, these programs have offered young artists opportunities to deepen their practice as performers, creators and collaborators in their chosen discipline and, uniquely, develop and direct original work for performance. BAX’s focus on technical and improvisational skill, creative risk-taking, and performance helps create intelligent, flexible, deeply creative young artists who often continue their study at the college or professional level. These programs require a full-year commitment and each culminates in a showcase of student-directed composition and performance work. 

BAX programming pays special attention to community, social/emotional, and leadership development in addition to providing exceptional arts education. In the 2023/2024 Season, Performance Workshop students will have opportunities to develop performance skills through pre-professional dance projects, work with guest artists, and collaborate with other teen ensembles across the city.

BAX seeks a new Part-time Dance Performance Workshop (DPW) Level III Director to lead its most advanced level and students (typically high school aged students, approx. 13-18). In addition to direct teaching responsibilities, the director will work closely with the Education Department leadership staff to support overall program cohesion and help to envision the next chapter of this long treasured program at a critical moment in its history following years of covid impact and longstanding leadership transitions. 

Qualifications: 

An established, NYC-based professional dance artist and choreographer with experience teaching dance and choreography as well as working with teens and ensemble groups. The ideal candidate for this position will be an inspiring arts educator whose teaching philosophy is rooted in anti-racist and inclusive practices, who is able to create a responsive studio environment while maintaining a culture of rigor that helps individual students realize their unique creative voices and generative potentials. 

Responsibilities:

Plan year-long and multi-year workshop curriculum, integrating a balance of modern/contemporary dance techniques, history, composition and ensemble-building, and performance skills. 
Provide overall mentorship to students as they create, direct, and perform in original dance composition and build a healthy ensemble dynamic.
Choreograph and direct at least one annual group piece in collaboration with the ensemble. 
Prepare students for performance, including confidence in presenting and as reflective audience members. 
Prepare students to engage in regular peer-to-peer feedback.
Prepare annual student work for DPW showcases at BAX as well as BAX student concert performance pieces. 
Participate in sustaining and growing the integrity of the overall Dance Performance Workshop program through collaborations with BAX Education Department, DPW director colleagues, guest artists, and through opportunities to connect with other ensembles throughout the NYC dance and performance community. 
Participate as a Group Representative during day-long festivals such as BAX’s Teen Artist Exchange and external pre-professional performance opportunities. 
Advise students in school and early-professional audition and application processes. 
Ideal candidates will also be interested in teaching 1-2 younger BAX studio modern/contemporary dance classes to help bolster BAX’s overall dance program and trajectory, making connections and cultivating the next generation of students working towards the Performance Workshop program. 

Compensation: 

The DPW III Director receives an hourly class rate (weekly class is 3 hours) as well as a stipend towards performance, professional development, and administrative responsibilities amounting to a total annual compensation range of $8,000-9,000. Additional compensation is provided for any additional BAX studio classes and/or guest technique courses the director might teach. 

The Education Department offers its faculty access to a rich variety of Professional Development resources and experiences, in addition to other BAX resources, including a complimentary ticket to BAX Artist Services performances, youth and adult class discounts and rehearsal space. BAX faculty are invited to special BAX events as well.

To apply, please send the following materials (PDF preferable) via email and address to Lucia Scheckner, Director of Education & Artist Programs, at education@bax.org. Application subject should please read as “Dance Performance Workshop Director Application_YOUR NAME.” 

Timeline:

This position will remain open until filled with a goal of hiring by the end of May 2023. Final candidates will be asked to attend a current class, meet students, and facilitate a brief warm-up and/or technique class in May 2023. Position to officially begin in the 2023/24 school year (approx. September through June 2024) with late-spring and summer orientation, training and planning, schedule & compensation TBD at mutually agreed upon scope including opportunity to attend June year-end showcases of student work. Only applicants with whom we wish to interview will be contacted.

Current teaching resume and performance CV 
Letter of interest and scheduling availability. (Include any prior connection to, or experience with, BAX.)

The most successful applicants will become familiar with BAX, our education philosophy, and youth programs. More information is available on our website: www.bax.org.
Preference will be given to candidates who can commit to at least two years. 

A sample lesson plan/materials relevant to the position as well as any video samples of student and/or professional choreography.
Two professional references with titles, contact numbers AND emails, and relationship to you.

About BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange: 

BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange is a multigenerational arts organization nurturing creative expression and artistic process through education, residencies, and performance at the intersection of arts and social justice. 

BAX was founded in 1991 and serves over 10,000 artists, students, families, audience and community members each year. The organization is dedicated to serving artists in progress, from children to professionals, at all ages and stages of development. The multi-faceted nature of BAX programs invite artists to embark on creative journeys to develop their unique and authentic creative voices. BAX honors the power of performing arts to connect and transform individuals and communities.

BAX’s staff and board actively engage in discussions about how race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and other aspects of identity affect access to, representation in, and experience within all of our programs and services. BAX is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and developing an inclusive staff team. People of color and individuals of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Strongest candidates will familiarize themselves with BAX’s mission statement, community, and programs. More information can be found at www.bax.org. 

BAX’s building does not currently have an elevator and is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors located at 421 Fifth Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215