Children’s Fairyland is seeking an enthusiastic and creative Summer Camp Theater Lead to inspire young performers through storytelling, imagination, and collaborative play. This role is ideal for a strong leader who is passionate about youth development, arts education, and community engagement.

The Theater Lead works closely with a Summer Camp Associate and Summer Camp Intern to guide a cohort of 15+ campers through the process of creating, rehearsing, and performing an original theatrical production. Through this experience, campers explore creativity, confidence, teamwork, and self-expression in a supportive and fun environment.

All successful candidates must attend paid staff training from May 26 – May 29, which includes First Aid and CPR certification (if not already certified), team building, and program preparation. The duration for this role will be from May 21 - July 24, 2026.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead a cohort of campers in developing and producing an original theatrical performance
• Facilitate scriptwriting, rehearsals, staging, and performance preparation
• Guide campers in prop, costume, and set creation using creative and reusable materials
• Design and implement engaging daily activities that integrate storytelling, arts, and play
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment
• Collaborate with camp staff to ensure smooth daily operations
• Communicate regularly with parents and caregivers regarding camper progress and program activities
• Support positive behavior management and promote teamwork and respect
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and organizational policies
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience working with school-aged children in educational or camp settings
• Demonstrated ability to lead youth in theatrical production and creative collaboration
• Knowledge of script development, performance techniques, and production basics
• Commitment to child-centered, culturally responsive teaching practices
• Strong classroom and group management skills
• Ability to create inclusive, welcoming, and emotionally safe environments
• Understanding of diverse learning styles and developmental needs
• Basic arts and crafts skills, including use of recycled or reusable materials
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience communicating with families and caregivers
• Ability to pass a background check and meet requirements for 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. 
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• College coursework or degree in theater, performing arts, education, or a related field
• Experience in acting, singing, dancing, or stage movement
• Prior experience leading theater programs for youth
• Experience working with diverse student populations

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. 
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• 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;

Benefits & Compensation

This is a seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position. The rate of pay is $26.00 per hour. After an introductory period, team members get the following benefits:  

• Ability to participate 401k plan savings plan
• Employer Assistance Program
• Paid Sick Leave accrues on 1st day and eligible for use after 90 days

How to join Team Fairyland

To apply for a position with Fairyland, please complete the application here. Due to the size of our operations, we are unable to take phone inquiries about positions.

Children's Fairyland fully and actively supports equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Our commitment applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We see candidates with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, community building, and meaningful connection with a broad range of people and institutions.

About Fairyland

Featured in the Wall Street Journal’s travel section on unique places to visit in Oakland and touted by BuzzFeed as “The Most Amazing Place to take Kids” in California, Children’s Fairyland is the first storybook theme park in America! In 1950, a group of visionary Oaklanders partnered with the city’s park superintendent and garnered support from enthusiastic citizens to build the outdoor 10-acre theme park on the shores of Lake Merritt in the heart of Oakland. Visited by Walt Disney as he was conceptualizing Disneyland, Fairyland has inspired many other fairytale-themed parks across the United States. Over 220,000 visitors enjoy Fairyland’s many activities and programs annually, and through our outreach program, free or reduced admission is offered to over 16,000 children and families every year. Fairyland operates 362 of 365 days a year, weather permitting.