Performing Arts Mentor

Performing Arts Mentor – Iron Village Preparatory Academy (K–8 Microschool)

Location: Richmond, VA
Schedule: 3 hours/week (flexible weekdays, Monday–Thursday, 9:30 AM–2:30 PM)
Compensation: $300/month

About Us

Iron Village Preparatory Academy (IVP) is a small, student-centered K–8 microschool in Richmond, focused on academic growth, cultural joy, and creative expression. Our performing arts program introduces students to drama, vocal music, creative writing, and more, with a focus on cultural inclusion, creativity, and personal expression.

We are building a Juilliard-inspired microschool arts program for our 11 students (6 K–2, 5 grades 3–8). We may be small and scrappy, but we’re creating something impactful—and you can help make it happen!

What You’ll Do

Lead weekly performing arts sessions for K–8 students:

Innovators (K–2): 30–45 minutes/week

Trailblazers (3–8): 45–60 minutes/week

Rotate through themes such as:

Drama: Character walks, emotion masks, storytelling, ensemble games

Vocal performance: Using the voice as an instrument, solfege, call-and-response, rhythm exploration

Creative writing integration: Collaborating with OJO Studio prompts

Collaborate with the Executive Director to co-create the lesson framework and pacing guide

Use provided templates to guide sessions while incorporating your own creativity and artistic voice

Model the skills and mindset of a working artist

Maintain a joyful, low-pressure learning environment for students

Weekly Schedule (Sample, 3 hours/week)

Time

Group

Activity

9:30–10:15

Innovators

Drama / Vocal / Creative Play (30–45 min)

10:15–10:30

Prep / Coordination

Collaborate with ED, prep materials

10:30–11:15

Trailblazers

Drama / Vocal / Creative Writing (45–60 min)

11:15–11:30

Wrap-Up & Observation

Notes on student progress, set up next week

Schedule flexible within Monday–Thursday window (9:30–2:30). Exact times coordinated with Executive Director.

Qualifications

Current performing arts student or early-career artist (college-level or equivalent experience)

Comfort leading K–8 students in creative, age-appropriate activities

Collaborative mindset: willing to work with the Executive Director to shape curriculum

Passion for student expression, creativity, and arts education

Benefits

$300/month stipend

Hands-on experience building a performing arts program from the ground up

Opportunity to mentor students and develop teaching/facilitation skills

Flexible schedule and collaborative environment

How to Apply

Please email Devon Copeland at Devon.Copeland@ironvillageprep.org with:

A short introduction about yourself and your performing arts background

Why you’re interested in mentoring young artists

Your availability for a weekly 3-hour block