1

Improvisation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laguna Playhouse Education (LPE) employs skilled, experienced Theatre Teaching Artists from diverse backgrounds, who work in a variety of disciplines (acting, improvisation, spoken word, movement ...

The ability to demonstrate strong acting technique specifically improvisation. * Must be at least 18 years of age. * Constantly standing, talking, climbing, walking, reaching, using finger movement ...

Showing results 21-40

Improvisation information

See salary details

$29.5K

$76.9K

$119.5K

How much do improvisation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for improvisation in the United States is $76,855.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is improvisation in a professional context?

Improvisation in a professional context refers to the ability to create, perform, or respond to situations spontaneously without prior preparation. This skill is especially valued in fields like acting, music, and public speaking, where adaptability and quick thinking are essential. Improvisation encourages creativity, collaboration, and effective problem-solving, making it a useful asset in many workplace scenarios. Professionals who excel at improvisation are often able to handle unexpected challenges and communicate more effectively with their peers.

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

To thrive as an improvisational actor, you need a solid background in performance arts, quick thinking, and a familiarity with improv techniques, often developed through formal training or workshops. Experience using stage performance tools and familiarity with theater spaces or digital platforms for virtual improv is helpful. Outstanding soft skills include creativity, active listening, adaptability, and collaboration, which enable effective teamwork and audience engagement. These abilities are crucial for delivering spontaneous, entertaining performances and ensuring seamless interaction with fellow performers and audiences.

What are common challenges faced by improvisation instructors when working with diverse groups of students?

Improvisation instructors often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels, differing comfort zones, and diverse communication styles within their classes. Balancing the needs of beginners with more experienced performers while fostering a supportive, inclusive environment can be demanding. Instructors must also encourage risk-taking and creativity, helping students overcome self-consciousness and build trust within the group. Strong facilitation skills and adaptability are essential to ensure that each student feels engaged and able to contribute.

What is the difference between Improvisation vs Acting?

AspectImprovisationActing
Skills RequiredCreativity, spontaneity, quick thinkingMemorization, emotional expression, character development
Work EnvironmentRehearsals, live performances, workshopsFilm sets, theater stages, auditions
CertificationsNone typically requiredActing classes, drama degrees often preferred
Industry UsageComedy, improv groups, entertainment workshopsFilm, television, theater productions

Improvisation focuses on spontaneous creativity and quick thinking, often used in comedy and performance workshops. Acting involves portraying characters through memorized lines and emotional expression, common in film and theater. While both roles require performance skills, improvisation emphasizes spontaneity, whereas acting emphasizes character development and memorization.

Can you make a career out of improvisation?

A career in improvisation is possible, especially for performers such as improvisational actors, comedians, or trainers. Success often depends on strong communication skills, creativity, and networking within entertainment or education industries, and may involve freelance work, auditions, or teaching roles.
More about Improvisation jobs

What cities are hiring for Improvisation jobs?

Cities with the most Improvisation job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Improvisation jobs?

The most popular types of Improvisation jobs are:

What states have the most Improvisation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Improvisation jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Improvisation jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Improvisation jobs are:

Infographic showing various Improvisation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,855 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Shakespeare Laboratory Teaching Artist - Per Diem

92nd Street Y

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

$113/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

92NY School Engagement in the Arts brings arts residencies, performances, and learning experiences to thousands of K-12 students and educators across New York City each year.

We are seeking theater, English language arts, and arts education practitioners to lead Shakespeare Laboratory residencies in NYC public schools. The program helps students experience Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet through performance, storytelling, writing, improvisation, close reading, and creative collaboration.

This role uses a pre-developed curriculum to make classical text active, accessible, and meaningful for students. The residency includes classroom sessions that prepare students for a live in-school performance of Romeo and Juliet by professional actors and an interactive talkback.

Assignments may take place in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhattan, with priority given to candidates available to teach in Queens and Brooklyn.

Job Responsibilities Include
  • Facilitate Shakespeare Laboratory residencies in New York City public schools using an established curriculum, culminating in an in-school performance by a professional touring acting company.
  • Lead grade-appropriate theater and literacy activities connected to Romeo and Juliet, including close reading, scene work, storytelling, writing, improvisation, and discussion.
  • Help students connect classroom work to the culminating live performance and talkback.
  • Adapt instruction in collaboration with classroom teachers and school staff to support students with diverse learning needs.
  • Foster a positive classroom environment that supports participation, collaboration, creative risk-taking, and student voice.
  • Attend the culminating in-school performance and support student engagement as needed.
  • Participate in required trainings, curriculum meetings, planning meetings, and professional development.
  • Communicate consistently with 92NY staff, classroom teachers, and school partners.
  • Arrive prepared for each residency and manage scripts, materials, and classroom needs.
  • Complete required program documentation, including photos, attendance records, student reflections, or other materials requested by 92NY.
Experience, Education, & Skills Desired
  • Bachelor's degree in Theater Education, English Language Arts, Arts Education, or a related field preferred.
  • 3-5 years of experience teaching theater, drama, English language arts, or arts-integrated instruction in public schools or comparable educational settings preferred.
  • Strong understanding of Shakespeare's language, themes, and plays, with the ability to make classical text accessible and engaging for students.
  • Experience leading theater-based literacy activities, including close reading, creative writing, scene work, improvisation, storytelling, or public speaking.
  • Experience adapting instruction for students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
  • Ability to engage and support groups of students through active, participatory instruction.
  • Strong classroom management, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
  • Current fingerprint clearance through the New York City and New York State Departments of Education preferred.
  • Spanish language proficiency and/or experience working with multilingual learners preferred.
Work Environment & Requirements

Applicants should be available for professional development and planning meetings with 92NY staff in September/October 2026. Teaching takes place during regular school hours, 8:00 AM-2:30 PM, with occasional after-school hours, 2:30-5:00 PM, from October 2026-April 2027.

Residency sessions typically consist of 45-minute class periods. Teaching Artists may lead one to four classes during each school visit, with schedules determined by school assignment.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should forward a resume and a cover letter.

Due to a high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to contact those applicants whose experience most aligns with the position profile.

Compensation

$113 per class session.

Additional compensation is provided for curriculum meetings with 92NY staff, event attendance, and planning meetings with school partners.

Employment Type: OTHER