OPPORTUNITIES
Current Opportunities
Explore current openings, calls for artists, teaching artist positions, and more at Castle of our Skins. Join our mission to celebrate Black artistry and foster cultural curiosity through music and education.
Teaching Artist Mentorship Program
Deadline to Apply: April 24, 2026
About the Organization
Castle of our Skins is a Black performing arts institution dedicated to fostering cultural curiosity and celebrating Black artistry through music. In classrooms, concert halls, and beyond, Castle of our Skins invites Black heritage and culture exploration, spotlighting both unsung and celebrated figures of past and present. For more information, please visit www.CastleSkins.org.
About the Program
The Teaching Artist Mentorship Program is designed to educate and support Black performing arts students of Boston-based collegiate institutions on the practice of teaching artistry; especially current students and recent graduates of performing arts programs who may not have had exposure to teaching artistry.
Through professional development training, teaching observations, and support from the Castle of our Skins’ team, participants will gain a deeper understanding on what it means to be a teaching artist. With a specific focus on culturally responsive instruction and community workshop development, this program will also serve as an entryway for adding new Castle of our Skins teaching artists onto the roster.
Central to the program is having mentees developing a new community workshop (30-60 minutes in length). These workshops will be presented in shortened form at a December Edu-Tainment Showcase. Upon completing the showcase, mentees will officially join the Castle of our Skins Teaching Artist Roster, have their workshop be added to Castle’s educational workshop offering list, and be assigned to future paid education and community projects.
Stipend
Mentees in the program will receive a stipend of $750 for their full participation in the program, with payment being distributed after the Edu-Tainment Showcase in December. Mentees must attend both Professional Development Sessions, all four individual mentorship sessions, at least one teaching observation, and the EduTainment Showcase to receive the full stipend.
Schedule of Activities - All TBD Dates based on Mentee’s availability and specific program dates
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March 30 - April 24 — Application Window for Mentorship Program
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April 29 - May 15 — Acceptances and contracts sent to mentees to sign for upcoming Fall
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August TBD — First Teaching Artistry Professional Development (1.5 hours over Zoom)
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September TBD — First individual mentorship session for Workshop Development
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September TBD — First teaching or edu-tainment program observation
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October TBD — Second individual mentorship session for Workshop Development
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October TBD — Second Teaching Artistry Professional Development (1.5 hours over Zoom)
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November TBD — Third individual mentorship session for Workshop Development
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November TBD — Second teaching or edu-tainment program observation
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December TBD — Final individual mentorship session for Workshop Development
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December TBD — Presentation of Workshop at Edu-Tainment Showcase
Any questions can be sent to Ruben McFarlane, Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, at ruben@castleskins.org.
Inclusion & Accessibility
At Castle of our Skins, we're committed to building spaces of belonging, inclusivity, harmony, and true representation and warmly welcome people of all abilities, identities, and backgrounds to our events and community. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to diversity and accessibility in our creative space.
Should you need to submit an accommodation request, please contact Info@CastleSkins.org.
Open Call for Teaching Artists
Organization
Castle of our Skins is a Black arts institution dedicated to fostering cultural curiosity and celebrating Black artistry through music. In classrooms, concert halls, and beyond, Castle of our Skins invites Black heritage and culture exploration, spotlighting both unsung and celebrated figures of past and present. For more information, please visit www.CastleSkins.org
Position Description
Teaching Artists play a crucial role in executing various educational initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, Teaching Artists engage in projects centered around curriculum development, in-school instruction, and producing edu-tainment programs for community partners.
Duties and Responsibilities (assigned based on Teaching Artists’ interest areas)
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Edu-tainment Series Development and Instruction - Develop programs in one or both categories, to lead in community spaces:
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Recitals - 30-60 minute performative programs showcase the history and music of a singular black composers or collection of black composers
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Interactive Workshops - 30-60 minute culturally-responsive, interactive experiences for K-12 students and families around a central theme/idea in Black music or history
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In-School Classroom Visits - Instruct Castle of our Skins curriculum and/or other curated lessons in school classrooms or after-school music programs
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Instrumental Coachings - Lead sectional coachings in school classrooms or after-school music programs, either tied to Castle of our Skins’ side-by-side collaborations or general artistic support
Qualifications
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Prior teaching experience, including (but not limited to) direct student instruction, curriculum development, and community-based performances
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Students currently enrolled in an undergraduate music program that have participated in the Intercollegiate BSU Fellowship are eligible to apply
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A passion for working directly with the youth and diverse communities
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Highly organized with strong project management and communication skills, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with other teaching artists
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Committed to intersectional racial equity and anti-racism, with an interest in Black history and culture
Stipend
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Varies by Project
How to apply:
Complete the Teaching Artist Application Form, which will be accepted on a continuous rolling basis. Any questions can be sent to Ruben McFarlane, Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, at ruben@castleskins.org.
Castle of our Skins is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity
and accessibility in the workplace. Should you need help filling out the Teaching Artist Application Form, please contact info@castleskins.org.