Drama Assistant

Job Description

Chesterton Academy is seeking a part-time Drama Assistant to join our passionate and dedicated faculty starting in the 2026-27 school year. Applicants are welcome who have a strong background in theater production, acting, and technical theater.

Philosophy and Teaching the Art of Drama at Chesterton Academy

Chesterton Academy insists that the Arts are paramount to the formation of the students and gives them pride of place as fundamental and vital disciplines in its Integrated Curriculum. Drama takes the written word and brings it to life. It is one of the most incarnational forms of art and one of the most tangible ways for students to experience "the Word becoming flesh." Drama serves as a powerful medium for experiencing Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, and facilitates a deeper understanding of the human condition, one's neighbor, and the Creator. Plato argued that the arts shape and order the soul, a principle central to the Art of Drama: words, music, movement, lights, and live action touch the senses and move the soul. Through this physical, "sacramental" experience, students will explore the human condition and will come closer to understanding the heart of man, his motivations, and his spiritual struggle. Drama forms students in virtues that are necessary not only for a successful play but also for faithful Christian discipleship: self-awareness, self-control, courage, sacrifice, teamwork, leadership, and empathy. It is a microcosm of the Christian life, where student-actors, like believers, must follow the author and director's (Creator's) plan while using their own creativity to bring the story to life. The actor must learn to see the work as a whole, understand the author's vision, and imagine the time in which it was written - that is, the actor must learn to be a good literary critic, philosopher, and historian all at once. Thus, in order to successfully portray a character on stage, students learn to bring together knowledge that they have acquired in all their classes and many skills, making Drama one of the most integrated subjects.

Qualifications

Candidates must be practicing Catholics who can provide a credible witness to the harmony between faith, reason, and life, and must be willing to take the Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church.

A bachelor's or master's degree in Drama or a related field is required.

Experience in and a strong knowledge of acting techniques, directing, and stage production is required.

Three to five years of teaching experience, as well as experience in and passion for Catholic classical education, is preferred.

Additional experience in teaching outside of Drama is a significant plus. Applicants who have received an integrated, Catholic liberal arts high school or college formation, or interdisciplinary teaching or learning experience, will receive priority consideration.

Applicants must be willing and able to offer formal and informal mentoring to students as the school is committed to a strongly relational approach to formation, the pursuit of excellence, and personal discipline.

Preference is given to those who have familiarity with the Chesterton Academy community, and are passionate about our joyfully Catholic, classical approach to high school formation.

Teachers should possess teaching excellence, subject matter knowledge, classroom management, excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills, and possess a track record of contributing passionately to the Catholic vision and mission of an apostolic and educational enterprise.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position please send the following to Brad Mitchell (bmitchell@chestertonacademy.org):

1. Cover letter

2. Resume

3. Three professional references

About the Employer

The mission of Chesterton Academy is to help parents raise up a new generation of joyful leaders and saints, educated in the classical tradition and the truths of the Catholic faith. Our rigorous, integrated curriculum unlocks student's potential and prepares students to succeed in college and professional life, and to excel in service of family, of country, and of Christ our Lord.

Chesterton Academy offers:

A well-rounded education that develops strong intellectual habits
A supportive community growing in virtue and holiness
A catalyst for promoting character and leadership skills