Peer Mentor

About the role

The Peer Mentor is a part-time hourly position that mentors students once a week mid-October to mid-April with additional hours for tech week and the performance tour. Peer mentors work to support the creation and performance of an original play with their group of teen participants. Each group has one artistic mentor and two peer mentors.

Reports to: Director of Education and Artistic Mentor

Responsibilities

• Build healthy mentoring relationships with participants and act as a role-model for students through active participation in all class activities
• Perform with the students in the final production & lead the post-performance talk-backs
• Attend all trainings, meetings, sessions, rehearsals, and performances
• Assist the Artistic Mentors with the facilitation of weekly PMP sessions by working with small groups, mentoring students one-on-one, and/or leading warm-ups and activities as assigned
• Assist in the assessment and reporting of the progress of PMP students both artistically and personally
• Assist the students to set-up and break down the space before and after each session
• Assist the artistic mentor by modeling improvisational work, activities and theatre exercises

Qualifications

• Some experience with acting, improvisation and/or devising
• Strong communication skills
• Strong interest in youth development, arts education or youth mentorship
• Applicants should be at least 18 years old, with a minimum high school diploma or equivalent

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter that communicates how your educational and artistic background aligns with the mission of PMP
• Resume with relevant experience highlighting theatrical training, and education in youth development, social work, psychology or related field
• Three references with contact information who can speak to your experience particularly your background in the arts or education

About the program

PLAYWRIGHT MENTORING PROJECT: PMP is a six-month, out-of-school activity that uses theatre as a catalyst to help young people ages 12-19 learn valuable life skills that can aid them in developing positive self-images. Groups meet once a week from October to April in Pittsfield or North Adams. Experienced mentors guide each group to develop and perform an original play based on stories and experiences from their lives. This is a place to be authentic in a safe and confidential environment. PMP creates a brave and welcoming space where young people can share important ideas and generate exciting theatre that will be performed for their peers. No prior theatre experience is required—there are no auditions. For more information, visit www.bsceducation.org/pmp