What are the responsibilities and job description for the VCUarts, Department of Theatre - Improv Instructor/Coach - Direct Appointment position at vcu?
Summary:
The VCU Improv program is a dynamic initiative under the Department of Theatre, featuring four distinct teams that showcase a wide range of improvisational styles. Each team is guided by skilled coaches with a wealth of professional experience, fostering creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. These teams are audition based. The VCUarts Department of Theatre is seeking instructors/coaches for any of the following VCU Improv programs.
1. Long-Form Improv Team: “The Stepkids” - Long-form improvisation, emphasizing storytelling, character development, and ensemble-driven performances.
2. Community Outreach Short-Form Team - Short-form improv designed for community engagement, including performances for local organizations, schools, and events.
3. All-Women’s Team: “Toxic Shock” - Empowering female-identifying performers through improvisational comedy, emphasizing collaboration and inclusivity
4. BIPOC-Only Team: “Black Brown and Honey” - Providing a dedicated space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to explore improv in a culturally responsive and supportive environment.
Coaches are vital to the success of the VCU Improv program, ensuring high-quality instruction and meaningful engagement for all team members.
Typical Duties
• Instruction and Leadership: Guiding rehearsals with
structured exercises tailored to the team’s focus (long-form, short-form, or
identity-based improv).
• Mentorship: Providing individual feedback and creating a
supportive environment for performers to grow.
• Performance Direction: Preparing teams for on-campus and
community performances, including technical and artistic guidance.
• Outreach Coordination (as applicable): Facilitating
community connections and organizing performance opportunities for the outreach
team.
Rehearsal Schedule:
Each of the four improv teams—Long-Form Improv Team,
Community Outreach Short-Form Team, All-Women’s Team, and BIPOC-Only Team—holds
weekly rehearsals. Rehearsals typically last 2 hours, once per week in the
evenings.
Performance Schedule:
Each team presents at least two-four
major performances per semester at venues on campus such as the Grace Street
Theater and Singleton Performing Arts Center. The teams also perform at local
venues such as Coalition, ComedySportz, and Bridge 9. These shows are in
addition to the on-campus scheduled performances.
The Community Outreach Short-Form
Team performs at local schools, community centers, and events throughout the
Richmond area, with engagements occurring monthly.
Select teams may participate in regional improv festivals
and competitions, providing additional performance experiences. This structured
schedule ensures that students receive consistent training and ample opportunities
to apply their skills in diverse settings, fostering personal, professional,
and artistic growth.
