The Children’s Theatre Manager (Contract)  is responsible for creating and executing Fairyland’s youth theater programming for the 2026 season.  Reporting to the Senior Director of Education & Community Engagement, the Children’s Theatre Manager is responsible for producing two shows that are reflective of the parkwide summer programming and training youth performers ages 8-12 to deliver performances. This role is also responsible for the supervision and management of the actors and production assistants.

This is a 2.5 month contract position, working approximately 12 hours/week on Saturdays and Sundays. Some remote work during the weekdays may be scheduled as needed.  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Youth Theatre Program Management 

• Use provided scripts to adapt two different 20-minute plays inspired from classic and renowned literature for Children’s Theatre
• Develop and implement lesson plans and group activities aligned with California State Standards 
• Create and use mechanisms allowing participants to reflect on their growth, documenting successes and challenges
• Track participants attendance and other documents in a timely manner in accordance with deadlines
• Report weekly with any workshop concerns including lessons, learning, attendance, and facility issues
• Manage all aspects of the program including coordinating with families, setting the program schedule, coordinating events related to the program and/or create lessons to support social and emotional development through theatre arts instruction
• Collaborate with production assistants on costume selections, and oversee all stages of their design/fitting meetings with each family.
• Participate in pre-planning and post-planning meetings with Fairyland staff
• Collaborate with Fairyland teams to ensure successful communication on marketing efforts, facility’s needs, show schedules, and operational support
• Communicate with caregivers about the actors’ progress and any incidents concerning their experience and wellbeing, as needed.
• Participate in parkwide special events
• Committed to on-going professional development as an arts practitioner and educator and to participate in Fairyland community events
• Be a positive role model to students, families, and external and internal stakeholders
• Additional tasks may be assigned based on Fairyland’s needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Team Leadership

• Schedules, trains, assign work responsibilities, counsels and evaluates performance of production assistants
• Acts as a mentor to develop excellent leadership traits and high morale for the actors and production assistants
• Coordinates with other Fairyland staff (both office and grounds) and management
• Demonstrates superior customer service, both internal (i.e. co-workers) and external (vendors, visitors, customers, etc.)
• Demonstrates knowledge of, and supports, Oakland Children’s Fairyland’s mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of behavior.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in performing arts (or equivalent experience).  
• At least three (3) years teaching experience in Children’s Theatre
• At least two (2) years experience working with a theatre company
• Demonstrable skill in one or all of the following theatre arts disciplines; acting, improvisation, playwriting, movement, vocal production, or technical theatre
• Documented execution and experienced at guiding students to full-scale productions 
• Ability to lead, develop and encourage children and involve parents in the process.  
• Ability to communicate clearly with children, adults, and co-workers from diverse backgrounds.  
• Work well independently and as a team member
• Pleasant, considerate, and respectful demeanor to children and adults at all times
• Good communication is essential
• Possess a clear background history with no barriers to working with children

Personal Attributes/Values

• People-orientation- able to interact effectively, politely, and productively with all types of people from all types of backgrounds and experience and in all types of situations. Comfortable working with non-English speaking and culturally diverse stakeholders
• Professional maturity to manage composure during stressful interactions
• Energetic, diplomatic, adaptable and with a good sense of humor.
• Passionate about the mission, vision, and goals of Fairyland and possess an understanding of how this position contributes to the organization’s success. 
• Strong work ethic with an orientation toward process improvement.
• Impeccable integrity and honesty

Physical Requirements 

This position is primarily located in an outdoor environment.  Able to perform the following duties with or without accommodation:

• Stand, sit, kneel, walk, bend, and perform repetitive motions for the duration of an eight (8) hour shift
• Traverse safely over uneven terrain throughout the entirety of the 10-acre amusement park 
• Safely lift and transport items of up to 50 lbs. 
• Respond quickly to sounds
• See and respond quickly to situations
• Communicate in clear, loud voice 
• Operate two-radio for communications with park personnel
• Work in outdoor, seasonal weather conditions for 100% of shift
• Ability to work on weekends and holidays
• Proven track record of punctuality and attendance
• Current COVID-19 Requirements: Ability to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to start of employment

Compensation: This is a 2.5 month contract role, not to exceed 120 hours worked within the contract duration. The hourly rate is $35.00 - $40.00.