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Acting Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Theatre Instructor

Bensenville, IL ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Under the direction of the Cultural & Fine Arts Supervisor, the Theatre Instructor plans, organizes ... Instruct ages 5 and up in a variety of acting techniques including vocal projection, improv, and ...

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Acting Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$5

$12

$13

How much do acting instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for acting instructor in Chicago, IL is $12.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $12.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Acting Instructors?

Acting Instructors are professionals who teach the art of acting to students of various skill levels, ranging from beginners to advanced performers. They design lesson plans, conduct acting exercises, and provide feedback to help students improve their performance skills, stage presence, and understanding of dramatic techniques. Acting Instructors may work in schools, universities, community programs, or private studios, and often have a background in theater, film, or television. Their goal is to help students develop confidence, creativity, and the technical abilities needed for acting careers.

What is the difference between Acting Instructor vs Acting Coach?

AspectActing InstructorActing Coach
CredentialsTypically requires acting experience, teaching credentials, or theater/film educationOften has acting experience, coaching certifications, or industry-specific training
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, theaters, acting schools, universitiesPrivate sessions, workshops, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, acting schools, universitiesIndividual clients, actors, industry professionals

Acting Instructors primarily teach acting techniques in educational settings, focusing on foundational skills. Acting Coaches work closely with individual actors to refine performances and prepare for auditions or roles. While both roles require acting experience, instructors focus on teaching groups, whereas coaches provide personalized guidance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Acting Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Acting Instructor, you need a strong background in acting techniques, theater arts education, and often a degree in drama or related field. Familiarity with stage equipment, video recording tools, and curriculum planning software is typically required, along with certifications in theater education or performance when applicable. Excellent communication, patience, creativity, and the ability to inspire and mentor students are standout soft skills. These skills ensure effective teaching, foster student growth, and contribute to a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

How does an Acting Instructor typically collaborate with other faculty and production staff?

Acting Instructors often work closely with other faculty members, such as voice, movement, and stagecraft instructors, to ensure a comprehensive learning experience for students. Collaboration with production staff is also common, especially during rehearsals and performances, to align acting techniques with technical elements like lighting, costumes, and set design. Regular meetings and joint workshops help synchronize curriculum goals and provide students with cohesive guidance throughout their training.
What are popular job titles related to Acting Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Acting Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Acting Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, and 70% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $26,804 per year, or $12.9 per hour.
Adjunct Faculty, Acting for the Musical Stage Instructor

Adjunct Faculty, Acting for the Musical Stage Instructor

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$3.9K/wk

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Rank
Adjunct Faculty
Track
Non-Tenure Track
Position Title
Adjunct Faculty, Acting for the Musical Stage Instructor
Category
Adjunct
Posting Number
T000178
Location
Chicago
Open Date
07/13/2026
Close Date
07/31/2026
Open Until Filled?
No
Job Type
Part-Time
Working Hours
Position Summary
Reflecting the ideals of its founders in 1945, Roosevelt University is a private, nonsectarian community of educators, scholars and learners committed to academic, creative and service excellence, who value differences in personal experiences and perspectives; ask difficult questions; and promote mutual understanding, inclusion, social consciousness and action toward social justice. Recognizing that difference broadens perspectives, Roosevelt University seeks and serves a diverse, promising student body from metropolitan Chicago and around the world. We invite you to contribute your talents to our community.
The Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) at Roosevelt is comprised of three Conservatories: Music, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Theatre. Our faculty and staff maintain successful professional careers in their chosen fields alongside their commitment to training and educating our students in preparation to enter performing arts industries.
CCPA is looking for an instructor for Acting for the Musical Stage courses and potential substitute teaching in this area. Acting for the Musical Stage courses are co-taught with a pianist/music director.
Class meets T/Th 3:30-4:45pm, Fall semester

Candidates should have extensive knowledge of the musical theatre canon across eras and performance practices, with demonstrated experience teaching acting and acting in musical theatre.
The salary for this position is based on $1,327.33 per credit hour, and classes and Music Director assignments ranges from 2-3 credit hours. Sub pay is prorated on this scale, based on the number of hours taught. This particular course is 3 credits, and will pay $3,982 for the semester.
Title IX Contact Information: Federal Title IX policy requires that all colleges and universities make known the contact information for the person responsible for coordinating its efforts to comply with Title IX regulations. At Roosevelt University, the Title IX Coordinator is Natasha Robinson. Her office is located in the Auditorium Building of the Chicago campus, 430 S. Michigan Avenue, AUD 476B. She can be reached at 312-281-3245 or TitleIX@roosevelt.edu.
Do not contact this email address for inquiries about your job application; if you have questions, you may email hrquestions@roosevelt.edu
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Years of Experience Required
1-2 years of university level instruction and/or professional musical theatre experience
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Certification/Licensure Required
Minimum Qualifications
Please see Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required section.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Music, Musical Theatre, or related professional experience.
Equipment Operated
Working Conditions
Normal climate-controlled office environment is provided. Occasional bending, stooping, lifting, pushing and/or pulling is required (typically less than 10-15 pounds).
Priority Application Instructions
Departmental Contact Information