California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA), in collaboration with the CSSSA Board of Trustees, announces a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Theater Chair position. The Theater Chair is an annually contracted position that oversees CSSSA’s academic programming of the Theater Department. 

The Theater Chair develops and implements curriculum, courses, and pedagogy, and may also instruct courses within the department. For a complete list of duties please see the Scope of Work Section below.   

Program Overview

Enabling legislation, Chapter 1131 of 1985, established the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) to provide a training ground for future artists who may wish to study and practice the arts, or to pursue careers in the major performing arts companies and commercial and fine arts institutions in California. 

CSSSA offers pre-professional training to approximately 500 talented and gifted high school students each summer. The 2026 hosting site will be announced before finalists are interviewed for the Theater Chair position. CSSSA offers seven disciplines, including Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing. The 2026 summer session runs from July 4 to August 1.

Individual housing will be provided for the contractor at the school site from July 4 through August 1, 2025.  Meals will be provided for the contractor in the host site cafeteria.

Eligible Applicants

CSSSA welcomes theater professionals with broad ranging skills and experiences in the arts and arts education. Artists with professional theater careers, educators, interdisciplinary artists, and more are welcome to apply. The Theater Chair shall not be subject to credentialing requirements or any other restrictions upon eligibility for employment generally applicable to public school instructors. This is in harmony with CSSSA’s legislation.

To apply for this opportunity, please submit a Curriculum Vitae/Resume and Statement of Qualifications by November 14, 2025 at 5:00 pm, Pacific Time. Please see additional submission details at the end of this Request For Applications (RFA).

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or advanced degree in the department’s discipline, or related field and/or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of teaching experience, preferably with some experience working with high school age students.
• Sustained record of creative / professional practice in the theater industry.
• Knowledge of cutting-edge trends in arts education as well as opportunities in the creative industries for young artists.
• Skills and expertise in multiple genres of the theater discipline.
• Ability to work creatively and effectively with diverse students of varying levels and demographics.
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to cultural and economic diversity in arts education.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, and able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team dynamic.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.

Scope of Work

The Theater Chair will be contracted to provide the following services:

• Recruit and hire faculty and teaching assistants as assigned by CSSSA’s Board of Trustees.
• Ensure that the CSSSA contract analyst has complete contract information for each of the department’s hires.  
• Review student applications and participate in the selection of students.
• Manage the scheduling of student and faculty class schedules and develop course rosters. 
• Create detailed supply orders for the entire department with estimates from competing vendors.  
• Develop and oversee the department’s curriculum, including courses, schedule, and pedagogy. 
• Participate in the program set-up and tear-down before and after the session. 
• Reside on campus during the summer session and supervise the work of full-time faculty, part-time faculty, teaching assistants, and visiting artists while the program is in session.
• Instruct courses and chair faculty meetings.
• Conduct pre-CSSSA webinars for student recruitment and theater department orientation. 
• Monitor student academic / artistic progress, as well as department policies for obtaining college credits.
• Work with faculty and CSSSA staff to resolve student conduct, and other student affairs issues.
• Work with other department chairs and faculty to develop an interdisciplinary and/or multi-disciplinary program.
• Follow and uphold CSSSA’s policies and procedures as outlined, including those in the Faculty / Staff Handbook.

Contract Status

The Department Chairs are paid on a contractual basis and are not considered state employees. The contract is preset by CSSSA. The contract amount is a comparable level set by the California State University System. 

The Theater Chair will report directly to the Director of CSSSA. The contract starting date will be immediately upon hire to begin planning for the 2026 session. The position is part-time during the planning stages of the Scope of Work and is full-time for the duration of the summer session.

The contract salary is a one-time payment of $12,600. This includes all aspects of the Scope of Work. Payment is made by check and is received within 45 days following the session.

Selection Process

Section 8955 of the California Education Code requires that faculty of the CSSSA Program be annually selected, subject to the final approval of the Director of CSSSA, and by the CSSSA Board of Trustees, upon consultation with a faculty selection panel convened by the CSSSA Board for that purpose. The faculty selection panel shall be composed of professional artists and arts educators, selected to be broadly representative of the schools, institutions, arts organizations, artists, colleges, and universities located throughout the state. Members of the CSSSA Board of Trustees may serve on the faculty selection panel but shall comprise no more than one-third of any faculty selection panel.

Upon review of submitted applications by the Selection Committee, select candidates will be contacted for an interview. The Selection Committee may request a second interview or additional materials for review by the CSSSA Board of Trustees before the final candidate is determined. 

The Theater Chair shall be chosen for their excellence in artistic production, direction, and teaching ability. CSSSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic which may be specified by law or state policy.

RFA Posting Information

Posting Date: September 8, 2025

Applications Due: November 14, 2025, at 5:00 pm, Pacific Time

RFA Submission Requirements

Applications are accepted electronically. Please submit required and/or optional documents as well as questions to comments@csssa.ca.gov. Incomplete and late applications may not be accepted and will be at the discretion of the Selection Committee. 

Required Documents

Statement of Qualifications – no longer than two pages, and address the following four areas:

1. Introduce why you are interested in this position.
2. Describe how your qualifications, professional training and/or experience makes you the ideal candidate for this position. 
3. Describe your ability to manage multiple, high priority tasks while maintaining both organization and flexibility. 
4. Describe your experience and commitment with cultural and economic diversity in arts education.

Optional Documents

1. Creative Portfolio/Website
2. Educational Philosophy
3. Weblinks to Creative Work

California State Summer School for the Arts

2026 Summer Session

The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA), in collaboration with the CSSSA Board of Trustees, announces a Request for Applications (RFA) for an On-Call Administrator for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session.   

Program Overview

Enabling legislation, Chapter 1131 of 1985, established the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) to provide a training ground for future artists who may wish to study and practice the arts, or to pursue careers in the major performing arts companies and commercial and fine arts institutions in California.  

CSSSA offers pre-professional training to approximately 500 talented and gifted high school students each summer. CSSSA offers seven disciplines, including Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing. The 2026 summer session runs from July 4 to July 31.

The contractor will serve as the On-Call Administrator for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session. The On-Call Administrator handles overnight student crises and emergencies. The position interprets and enforces CSSSA policies, works with housing, health services, and campus safety, works with parents in resolving student issues, and consults with faculty and staff regarding student conduct. The On-Call Administrator will report to the Director of the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA).

Individual housing will be provided for the contractor at the school site from July 4 through July 31, 2026.  Meals will be provided for the contractor in the school cafeteria.

Eligible Applicants

On-Call Administrators with broad ranging skills and experiences that include the ability to handle student crises and emergencies and work collaboratively with program administration are encouraged to apply. The On-Call Administrator must be available during evening hours as needed for student emergencies. The On-Call Administrator position shall not be subject to credentialing requirements or any other restrictions upon eligibility for employment generally applicable to public school instructors. 

Applications are collected and reviewed on a rolling basis. To be considered for the 2026 summer session, the California State Summer School for the Arts must have a submitted resume by May 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm, Pacific Time. Please see additional submission details at the end of this Request For Application (RFA).

Ideal Qualifications Include:

• Ability to handle student crises, and emergencies as they arise.
• Ability to interpret and enforce policies and rules.
• Ability to work with parents to resolve conflicts.
• Demonstrated experience working with housing, campus safety, and administration.
• Demonstrated experience consulting faculty and staff regarding student conduct.
• Ability to work creatively and effectively with diverse students of varying levels.
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to cultural and economic diversity in arts education.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, and able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team dynamic.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and collaborative skills.

Scope of Work

The On-Call Administrator for the 2026 CSSSA program will be contracted to provide the following services:

• Serve as On-Call Administrator for the 2026 CSSSA program.
• Serve on-call duties on campus as assigned from 5:00 pm to 9:00 am.
• Handle student crises and emergencies as they arise.
• Collaborate with program administration as situations arise that merit additional support.
• Interpret and enforce policies and rules.
• Work with faculty, staff, students, and parents to resolve conflicts.
• Work with housing, health services, campus safety, and program administration.
• Consult with faculty and staff regarding student behavior.

Contract Status

The On-Call Administrator for the 2026 CSSSA program is paid on a contractual basis and is not considered a state employee. The contract amount is preset by the CSSSA.

The On-Call Administrator for the 2026 CSSSA program will report directly to the Director, California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA). The contract starting date will be immediately upon hire to begin planning for the 2026 session. The position is part-time during the planning stages of the Scope of Work and is full-time for the duration of the summer session. On-Call Administrators will have at 5 nights per week assigned as on-call staff, which may include some weekends during the program.

The contract salary is a one-time stipend of $7,400. This includes all aspects of the Scope of Work. Payment is made at the close of the program.

Selection Process

Section 8955 of the California Education Code requires that faculty of the CSSSA Program be annually selected, subject to the final approval of the Director of the CSSSA, and by the CSSSA Board of Trustees, upon consultation with a faculty Selection Committee convened by the CSSSA Board for that purpose. 

Upon review of submitted applications by the Selection Committee, select candidates will be contacted for an interview. The Selection Committee may request a second interview with the CSSSA Board of Trustees before the finalist is chosen. 

CSSSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic which may be specified by law or state policy.

RFA Posting Information

Posting Date: September 9, 2025

Applications Due: May 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm, Pacific Time. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

RFA Submission Requirements

Applications will be accepted electronically. Please submit required and/or optional documents to CSSSA at comments@csssa.ca.gov. Incomplete and late applications may not be accepted and will be at the discretion of the Selection Committee. 

Required Document:

Resume

Optional Document:

Statement of Qualifications – no longer than two pages, and address the following four areas:

1. Please introduce why you are interested in this position.
2. Please describe how your qualifications, professional training and/or experience makes you the ideal candidate for this position. 
3. Please describe how as an On-Call Administrator you stay current with handling emergencies and resolving conflict processes.
4. Please describe your experience and commitment with cultural and economic diversity in arts education.

California State Summer School for the Arts 

2026 Summer Session 

The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA), in collaboration with the CSSSA Board of Trustees, announces a Request for Applications (RFA) for Part Time Instructors in the disciplines of Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session.  

Program Overview 

Enabling legislation, Chapter 1131 of 1985, established the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) to provide a training ground for future artists who may wish to study and practice the arts, or to pursue careers in the major performing arts companies and commercial and fine arts institutions in California.   

The CSSSA offers pre-professional training to approximately 500 talented and gifted high school students each summer. CSSSA offers seven disciplines, including Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing. The 2026 summer session runs from July 4 to July 31.

The contractor will serve as a Part Time Instructor for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session. The Part Time Instructor works with the students directly. The Part Time Instructor will demonstrate techniques in their selected discipline, lecture, and plan curriculum. The Part Time Instructor will report to the Department’s Chairperson.    

The State will provide one meal per day to the contractor from July 4 through July 31. 

Eligible Applicants 

Part Time Instructors with broad ranging skills and experiences that include the ability to demonstrate techniques in one of the seven disciplines, lecture to high school students, and plan curriculum are encouraged to apply. The Part Time Instructor position shall not be subject to credentialing requirements or any other restrictions upon eligibility for employment generally applicable to public school instructors.  

Applications are collected and reviewed on a rolling basis. To be considered for the 2026 summer session, the California State Summer School for the Arts must have a submitted resume by May 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm, Pacific Time. Please see additional submission details at the end of this Request For Application (RFA).

Ideal Qualifications Include: 

• Practicing professional artist. 
• Ability to demonstrate arts techniques in their discipline. Instructor positions are available in Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing.  
• Ability to lecture in their discipline and assign lessons to high school students. 
• Show demonstrated arts industry experience in their discipline. 
• Ability to work creatively and effectively with diverse high school students of varying levels and exposure to arts education. 
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to cultural and economic diversity in arts education. 
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, and able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team dynamic. 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and collaborative skills. 

Scope of Work 

The Part Time Instructor for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session will be contracted to provide the following services: 

• Serve as Part Time Instructor for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session in selected discipline (Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, or Writing).  
• Work with guest artists directly. 
• Oversee student’s class projects in selected discipline.  
• Demonstrate techniques in selected discipline. 

Contract Status 

The Part Time Instructor for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session is paid on a contractual basis and is not considered a state employee. The contract amount is preset by the CSSSA.   

The Part Time Instructor for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session will report directly to the Department’s Chairperson. The contract starting date will be immediately upon hire to begin planning for the 2026 session. The position is part-time during the planning stages of the Scope of Work and is part-time for the duration of the summer session. 

The contract salary is a one-time stipend of $2,550. This includes all aspects of the Scope of Work. Payment is made at the close of the program. 

Selection Process 

Section 8955 of the California Education Code requires that faculty of the CSSSA Program be annually selected, subject to the final approval of the Director of the CSSSA, and by the CSSSA Board of Trustees, upon consultation with a faculty Selection Committee convened by the CSSSA Board for that purpose.  

Upon review of submitted applications by the Selection Committee, select candidates will be contacted for an interview. The Selection Committee may request a second interview with the CSSSA Board of Trustees before the finalist is chosen.  

CSSSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic which may be specified by law or state policy. 

RFA Posting Information 

Posting Date: September 11, 2025

Applications Due: May 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

RFA Submission Requirements 

Applications will be accepted electronically. Please submit required and/or optional documents to CSSSA at comments@csssa.ca.gov. Incomplete and late applications may not be accepted and will be at the discretion of the Selection Committee. 

Required Document: 

Resume 

Optional Document: 

1. Statement of Qualifications – no longer than two pages, and address the following four areas:
   1. Please introduce why you are interested in this position and which discipline (Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, or Writing) you have selected to apply for. 
   2. Please describe how your qualifications, professional training and/or experience makes you the ideal candidate for this position.  
   3. Please describe how as a part time instructor you stay current with cutting-edge trends in your selected discipline (Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, or Writing).  
   4. Please describe your experience and commitment with cultural and economic diversity in arts education. 

2. Philosophy of Teaching 

3. Weblinks to creative industry work 

California State Summer School for the Arts 

2026 Summer Session 

The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA), in collaboration with the CSSSA Board of Trustees, announces a Request for Applications (RFA) for a Recreation Specialist for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session.      

Program Overview 

Enabling legislation, Chapter 1131 of 1985, established the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) to provide a training ground for future artists who may wish to study and practice the arts, or to pursue careers in the major performing arts companies and commercial and fine arts institutions in California.   

The CSSSA offers pre-professional training to approximately 500 talented and gifted high school students each summer. CSSSA offers seven disciplines, including Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing. The 2026 summer session runs from July 4 to July 31. 

The contractor will serve as the Recreation Specialist for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session.  The Recreation Specialist organizes and plans field trips, recreational activities, special events, and performs general administrative duties. The Recreation Specialist will report to the Director of the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA). 

Individual housing will be provided for the contractor at the school site from July 4 through July 31, 2026. Meals will be provided for the contractor in the school cafeteria.  

Eligible Applicants 

Recreation Specialists with broad ranging skills and experiences that include the ability to organize, plan, and arrange recreation activities for students, and perform miscellaneous administrative duties are encouraged to apply. The Recreation Specialist position shall not be subject to credentialing requirements or any other restrictions upon eligibility for employment generally applicable to public school instructors.  

Applications are collected and reviewed on a rolling basis. To be considered for the 2026 summer session, the California State Summer School for the Arts must have a submitted resume by May 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm, Pacific Time. Please see additional submission details at the end of this Request For Application (RFA). 

Ideal Qualifications Include: 

• Ability to organize field trips and arrange transportation. 
• Demonstrated experience planning, organizing recreational activities for students. 
• Ability to perform general administrative duties with CSSSA office staff. 
• Ability to work creatively and effectively with diverse students ranging from grades 9 through 12. 
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to cultural and economic diversity in arts education. 
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, and able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team dynamic. 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and collaborative skills. 

Scope of Work 

The Recreation Specialist for the 2026 CSSSA program will be contracted to provide the following services: 

• Serve as Recreation Specialist for the 2026 CSSSA program. 
• Organize field trips and arrange transportation. 
• Attend field trips as the lead chaperone. Manage all other participating chaperones.  
• Plan Recreation activities for students. 
• Check out sports equipment to students. 
• Organize student events. 
• Miscellaneous administrative duties as needed. 

Contract Status 

The Recreation Specialist for the 2026 CSSSA program is paid on a contractual basis and is not considered a state employee. The contract amount is preset by the CSSSA. 

The Recreation Specialist for the 2026 CSSSA program will report directly to the Director, California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA). The contract starting date will be immediately upon hire to begin planning for the 2026 session. The position is part-time during the planning stages of the Scope of Work and is full-time for the duration of the summer session. 

The contract salary is a one-time stipend of $4,000. This includes all aspects of the Scope of Work. Payment is made at the close of the program. 

Selection Process 

Section 8955 of the California Education Code requires that faculty of the CSSSA Program be annually selected, subject to the final approval of the Director of the CSSSA, and by the CSSSA Board of Trustees, upon consultation with a faculty Selection Committee convened by the CSSSA Board for that purpose.  

Upon review of submitted applications by the Selection Committee, select candidates will be contacted for an interview. The Selection Committee may request a second interview with the CSSSA Board of Trustees before the finalist is chosen.  

CSSSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic which may be specified by law or state policy. 

RFA Posting Information 

Posting Date: September 11, 2025 

Applications Due: May 15, 2026, at 11:59 Pacific Time. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

RFA Submission Requirements 

Applications will be accepted electronically. Please submit required and/or optional documents to CSSSA at comments@csssa.ca.gov. Incomplete and late applications may not be accepted and will be at the discretion of the Selection Committee. 

Required Document: 

Resume 

Optional Document: 

Statement of Qualifications – no longer than two pages, and address the following four areas: 

1. Please introduce why you are interested in this position. 
2. Please describe how your qualifications, professional training and/or experience makes you the ideal candidate for this position.  
3. Please describe how as a Recreation Specialist you stay current with planning Recreation activities for students. 
4. Please describe your experience and commitment with cultural and economic diversity in arts education. 

California State Summer School for the Arts 

2026 Summer Session 

The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA), in collaboration with the CSSSA Board of Trustees, announces a Request for Applications (RFA) for a Student Affairs Coordinator for the 2026 CSSSA Program.    

Program Overview 

Enabling legislation, Chapter 1131 of 1985, established the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) to provide a training ground for future artists who may wish to study and practice the arts, or to pursue careers in the major performing arts companies and commercial and fine arts institutions in California.   

The CSSSA offers pre-professional training to approximately 500 talented and gifted high school students each summer, hosted by California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in Valencia, California for the 2026 summer session. CSSSA offers seven disciplines, including Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing. The 2026 summer session runs from July 4 to July 31. 

The contractor will serve as a Student Affairs Coordinator for the 2026 CSSSA Program. The Student Affairs Coordinator supports all aspects of student success in the program. The Student Affairs Coordinator works closely with Department Chairs, Faculty, and Staff to address individual academic performance, accommodation needs, and any other student services required to ensure the health, safety, and success of students. The Student Affairs Coordinator manages student conduct issues, both interpreting and enforcing CSSSA policies. The Student Affairs Coordinator works closely with CSSSA Administration and Faculty as well as the program’s host site, CalArts, to resolve any and all student issues. The Student Affairs Coordinator also consults with parents of enrolled students as needed. The Student Affairs Coordinator will report to the Director of the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA). 

Individual housing will be provided for the contractor at the school site from July 4 through July 31, 2026.  Meals will be provided for the contractor in the school cafeteria. 

Eligible Applicants 

Student Affairs Coordinators with broad ranging skills and experiences in student affairs and student success are encouraged to apply. The Student Affairs Coordinators position shall not be subject to credentialing requirements or any other restrictions upon eligibility for employment generally applicable to public school instructors.  

Applications are collected and reviewed on a rolling basis. To be considered for the 2026 summer session, the California State Summer School for the Arts must have a submitted resume by May 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm, Pacific Time. Please see additional submission details at the end of this Request For Application (RFA).

Ideal Qualifications Include: 

• Knowledge and experience working with student success and / or student support services. 
• Ability to interpret and enforce school policies to ensure student success, health and safety. 
• Ability to work with a variety of program stakeholders, including staff, faculty, students, and parents to resolve conflicts. 
• Demonstrated experience addressing student conduct. 
• Ability to work with faculty and staff to provide accommodations for students with special needs. 
• Ability to work creatively and effectively with diverse students of varying levels. 
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to cultural and economic diversity in arts education. 
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, and able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team dynamic. 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and collaborative skills. 

Scope of Work 

The Student Affairs Coordinator for the 2026 CSSSA program will be contracted to provide the following services:  

• Serve as Student Affairs Coordinator for the 2026 CSSSA program. 
• Supports all aspects of student success as needed. 
• Works closely with program administration and faculty to address students’ emergencies. 
• Works closely with program administration and faculty to address academic performance and accommodations. 
• Interprets and enforces CSSSA policies, in close collaboration with CSSSA’s Administration. 
• Works closely and collaboratively with host site administration for all relevant student needs and issues. 
• Consults with faculty and staff regarding student conduct. 
• Collaborates with parents of enrolled students to ensure student success and resolve conduct issues. 
• Supports general administration support to the CSSSA Office as needed. 
• Supports general set up and break down of the program as needed, including walkthroughs of the facilities before and after the program. 

Contract Status 

The Student Affairs Coordinator for the 2026 CSSSA program is paid on a contractual basis and is not considered a state employee. The contract amount is preset by the CSSSA. 

The Student Affairs Coordinator for the 2026 CSSSA program will report directly to the Director, California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA). The contract starting date will be immediately upon hire to begin planning for the 2026 session. The position is part-time during the planning stages of the Scope of Work and is full-time for the duration of the summer session. 

The contract salary is a one-time stipend of $8,900. This includes all aspects of the Scope of Work. Payment is made at the close of the program. 

Selection Process 

Section 8955 of the California Education Code requires that faculty of the CSSSA Program be annually selected, subject to the final approval of the Director of the CSSSA, and by the CSSSA Board of Trustees, upon consultation with a faculty Selection Committee convened by the CSSSA Board for that purpose.  

Upon review of submitted applications by the Selection Committee, select candidates will be contacted for an interview. The Selection Committee may request a second interview with the CSSSA Board of Trustees before the finalist is chosen.  

CSSSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic which may be specified by law or state policy. 

RFA Posting Information

Posting Date: September 11, 2025

Applications Due: May 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

RFA Submission Requirements

Applications will be accepted electronically. Please submit required and/or optional documents to CSSSA at comments@csssa.ca.gov. Incomplete and late applications may not be accepted and will be at the discretion of the Selection Committee. 

Required Document: 

Resume 

Optional Document: 

Statement of Qualifications – no longer than two pages, and address the following four areas: 

1. Please introduce why you are interested in this position. 
2. Please describe how your qualifications, professional training and/or experience makes you the ideal candidate for this position.  
3. Please describe how as a Student Affairs Coordinator you stay current with handling emergencies and resolving conflict processes. 
4. Please describe your experience and commitment with cultural and economic diversity in arts education. 

California State Summer School for the Arts

2026 Summer Session

The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA), in collaboration with the CSSSA Board of Trustees, announces a Request for Applications (RFA) for Instructors in the disciplines of Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session.   

Program Overview

Enabling legislation, Chapter 1131 of 1985, established the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) to provide a training ground for future artists who may wish to study and practice the arts, or to pursue careers in the major performing arts companies and commercial and fine arts institutions in California.  

The CSSSA offers pre-professional training to approximately 500 talented and gifted high school students each summer, hosted by California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in Valencia, California for the 2026 summer session. CSSSA offers seven disciplines, including Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing. The 2026 summer session runs from July 4 to July 31.

The contractor will serve as an Instructor for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session. The Instructor works with the students directly. The Instructor will demonstrate techniques in their selected discipline, lecture, and plan curriculum. The Instructor will report to the Department’s Chairperson.   

For Instructors who are living withing a reasonable commuting distance to the CalArts campus, the State will provide one meal per day to the contractor from July 4 through July 31. For Instructors who are living outside of the region, the State offers housing and meals to the contractor from July 4 to July 31.

Eligible Applicants

Instructors with broad ranging skills and experiences that include the ability to demonstrate techniques in their disciplines, lecture to high school students, and plan curriculum are encouraged to apply. The Instructor position shall not be subject to credentialing requirements or any other restrictions upon eligibility for employment generally applicable to public school instructors. 

Applications are collected and reviewed on a rolling basis. To be considered for the 2026 summer session, the California State Summer School for the Arts must have a submitted resume by May 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm, Pacific Time. Please see additional submission details at the end of this Request For Application (RFA).

Ideal Qualifications Include:

• Practicing professional artist.
• Ability to demonstrate arts techniques in their discipline. Instructor positions are available in Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing. 
• Ability to lecture in their discipline and assign lessons to high school students.
• Show demonstrated arts industry experience in their discipline.
• Ability to work creatively and effectively with diverse high school students of varying levels and exposure to arts education.
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to cultural and economic diversity in arts education.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, and able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team dynamic.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and collaborative skills.

Scope of Work

The Instructor for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session will be contracted to provide the following services:

• Serve as Instructor for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session in selected discipline (Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, or Writing). 
• Work with guest artists directly.
• Oversee student’s class projects in selected discipline. 
• Demonstrate techniques in selected discipline.

Contract Status

The Instructor for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session is paid on a contractual basis and is not considered a state employee. The contract amount is preset by the CSSSA.  

The Instructor for the 2026 CSSSA Summer Session will report directly to the Department’s Chairperson. The contract starting date will be immediately upon hire to begin planning for the 2026 session. The position is part-time during the planning stages of the Scope of Work and is full-time for the duration of the summer session.

The contract salary is a one-time stipend of $5,100. This includes all aspects of the Scope of Work. Payment is made at the close of the program.

Selection Process

Section 8955 of the California Education Code requires that faculty of the CSSSA Program be annually selected, subject to the final approval of the Director of the CSSSA, and by the CSSSA Board of Trustees, upon consultation with a faculty Selection Committee convened by the CSSSA Board for that purpose. 

Upon review of submitted applications by the Selection Committee, select candidates will be contacted for an interview. The Selection Committee may request a second interview with the CSSSA Board of Trustees before the finalist is chosen. 

CSSSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic which may be specified by law or state policy.

RFA Posting Information

Posting Date: September 11, 2026

Applications Due: May 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. There is no closing date for submissions. 

RFA Submission Requirements

Applications will be accepted electronically. Please submit required and/or optional documents to CSSSA at comments@csssa.ca.gov. Incomplete and late applications may not be accepted and will be at the discretion of the Selection Committee. 

Required Document:

Resume

Optional Documents:

1. Statement of Qualifications – no longer than two pages, and address the following four areas:

1. Please introduce why you are interested in this position and which discipline (Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, or Writing) you have selected to apply for.
2. Please describe how your qualifications, professional training and/or experience makes you the ideal candidate for this position. 
3. Please describe how as an instructor you stay current with cutting-edge trends in your selected discipline (Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, or Writing). 
4. Please describe your experience and commitment with cultural and economic diversity in arts education.

2. Philosophy of Teaching

3. Weblinks to creative industry work