Newark School of the Arts

Newark, NJ

Posted February 3, 2010

The Newark School of the Arts seeks an individual to serve as Executive Director upon the retirement of Stephan Shiman at the end of June 2010.

Incorporated in 1968, the Newark School of the Arts (NSA) provides after-school, evening and Saturday classes in music, dance, drama and the visual arts for about 500 students of all ages and abilities from Newark and a nine-county area in northern New Jersey.  Nearly a quarter of the student body is comprised of adults.  NSA sponsors over 50 performances, exhibitions and events each year at the school and in the community.

There are two divisions of NSA: a community division for children and adults with no requirements for admission, and a professional division for students who qualify for intensive training.  NSA has a joint program with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, known as the Carollo Scholarship Program, which has attracted some of the best talent in the area.

The school is housed in a 100-year old four-story structure facing Lincoln Park which was originally a private home and then medical headquarters.  The first floor of the 36-room building has been extensively renovated in the past year to add dance and visual arts training space, an art gallery and performing space.  There is ample parking from two adjacent lots.

To ensure access to its programs, the school’s tuition rates are modest, and there is an extensive financial aid program based on documented need.  Scholarships are available for students who demonstrate talent.  Using City Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds, there is currently a special introductory program at very low tuition rates for Newark residents.

The Newark School of the Arts has an international faculty with degrees and advanced degrees from leading conservatories.  Many are performers and artists of note in their own right, who occasionally perform for students, parents and others within the community.

NSA has been financially responsible with a balanced budget or surplus in most of the 42 year history and is in sound financial condition.  It is supported by a combination of foundation, business, individual, and government funds.  It has been widely recognized for its work, including two Challenge Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1982 and 1988, a "Citation of Excellence"  (2003 to 2006) and designated as a "Major Presenting" and/or "Service Organization" by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (2003 to present).

For qualifications and how to apply, click on the following link:  http://newarkschoolofthearts.org/jobopportunities/index.htm