Playwriting Directing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Philadelphia Youth Basketball, Inc. (PYB) was officially launched in June 2015, with a mission to create transformative opportunities for thousands of young people, especially those from under-resourced families and communities, to reach their full potential as students, athletes, and positive leaders. A diverse and impassioned group of individuals, including leaders from the grass-roots to the tree-tops, have been working diligently to execute upon this mission by building an impactful program, a robust and sustainable organization, and ultimately a state-of-the-art youth basketball and education center to enable us to provide empowering experiences to many more children, youth, and families.

PYB aims to instill six key tenets of its community agreement principles across its organization with Coach-Mentors and young people:

• Trust – We deeply believe in each other and will work to form positive relationships.
• Safe Space – It is our responsibility to create a judgment-free environment where everyone feels welcome.
• Teamwork – We find strength in our peers and strive to create an environment that honors all of our roles on a team.
• Integrity – We strive to create an environment where honesty and equity are valued and we have a responsibility to restore relationships when necessary.
• Care – We strive to be empathetic in protecting the health and welfare of each other and our space.
• Respect – We will honor each individual and treat everyone with a high level of respect. We strive to treat others how they want to be treated and ask for the same in return.

Summary

We are seeking an engaging, creative, and dependable Theater Coach-Facilitator to lead our after-school Teen Theater Lab programming. Our coaches must be capable of delivering theater, playwriting, and stagecraft curriculum, guiding participants through both on-stage performance (acting, storytelling, character development) and behind-the-scenes production (playwriting, directing, set design, lighting, sound, and stage management). We are seeking smart, caring, and engaged adults with a growth mindset and deep passion for helping young people become their best selves through artistic expression and collaborative performance.

Primary Scope of Duties

Reporting to PYB’s Director of Enrichment, in collaboration with Revolution High School staff, the Theater Coach-Facilitator will be responsible for PYB’s Teen Theater Lab programs, including hands-on instruction, scriptwriting, mentorship, program coordination, and continuous improvement.

This position includes the following functions and activities:

• Facilitate engaging workshops on acting, improvisation, playwriting, storytelling, and stagecraft using PYB-approved curriculum.
• Guide and coach participants through both on-stage roles (acting, stage presence, character work) and behind-the-scenes roles (playwriting, directing, set design, lighting, sound, stage management).
• Lead student teams to write original monologues, scenes, and short plays, bringing them from concept to stage production.
• Partner with the Director of Enrichment to establish program goals, learning objectives, curriculum, and implementation strategies.
• Plan and coordinate workshop sessions, guest artists, events, calendars, schedules, stage setup, and materials.
• Organize and prepare student performances and set designs for the end-of-term Student Theater Showcase at The Sixth Man Center.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and youth-centered learning environment aligned with PYB’s Community Agreements.
• Ensure proper handling, care, and safety of all theater props, set pieces, and production equipment.
• Track attendance, participation, outcomes, and required participant data and submit accurate information to PYB’s Impact and Evaluation team.
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate changes to the program when necessary.
• Ensure that the program complies with PYB Policies and Procedures, city and state regulations, and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Enrichment team and PYB’s mission.

Position Requirements

• Expertise in acting, playwriting, and technical stagecraft (set design, lighting, audio), with curriculum development experience.
• Experience working with youth in schools, afterschool programs, summer camp programs, or community settings.
• Demonstrated ability to engage, motivate, and positively mentor young people.
• Strong facilitation, conflict-resolution, and problem solving skills.
• Positive communication skills and prideful attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• A genuine comfort level with diverse communities and commitment to on-going growth and professional development.
• Shift Availability: Assigned shifts are scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays between 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM at The Sixth Man Center, supporting two core cohorts:
  • Revolution School Elective: Mondays & Wednesdays, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Revolution School students only)
  • Teen Rec Media Club: Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:30 PM to5:30 PM (Open to all high school students)
  • Prep & Team Meetings: Additional paid hours allocated weekly for session preparation, setup/breakdown, and team meetings/staff check-ins

Program Schedule

September 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027

Clearances

All staff members must possess or obtain the following state and federal clearances before engaging in any hands-on activities with young people participating in Philadelphia Youth Basketball programs:

1. Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check (SP4 164)
2. Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY113)
3. Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Background Check (Criminal History Report), if applicable.
4. Mandated Reporters – Certificate
5. National Sex Offender Verification