We are looking for experienced facilitators who have used Theatre of the Oppressed techniques.

Job Title: Joker, Theatre of the Oppressed NYC
Deadline to apply: January 19, 2026. We may continue to review applications submitted after this date if new needs arise. 
Schedule: We plan to interview candidates in February-March, 2026.

What We Do: Theatre of the Oppressed NYC works with communities to confront systemic oppression, using Augusto Boal’s theatre practices and Paulo Freire’s liberatory pedagogy as powerful tools for systemic transformation. Our work doesn’t just raise awareness; it demands change. Our mission is to turn passion into action by equipping communities with tools for driving narrative; to foster solidarity and ignite awareness by creating space for marginalized people to build solidarity; and to shake the foundations of power through participatory theatre that disrupts the status quo.

Work With Us: Theatre of the Oppressed NYC (TONYC) is opening an application for experienced facilitators to join our Joker team. Jokers facilitate rehearsals & performances with Forum Theatre Troupes around NYC, and workshops for various groups and organizations around the US. We believe in developing a community of Jokers and Actors who learn and engage in social change efforts together, so we prioritize training, networking and community-building. 

Jokers are scheduled to work on assorted private workshops and public trainings, and possibly 1 weekly residency each season, in collaboration with a co-joker. Jokers are expected to plan with their co-joker, attend facilitation practice sessions (aka “Joker Workouts"), and participate in seasonal program meetings and public events. 

We are looking for experienced facilitators who have used Theatre of the Oppressed. Ideal experience and skills include:

• A facilitation practice
• Engagement with undoing systems of oppression in one's profession and/or community
• Familiarity with event/performance production 
• Openness to dialogue & feedback to develop one's practice
• Public speaking
• Collaboration in an artistic practice or in facilitation
• Readiness to participate in democratic workplace practices

Responsibilities of TONYC Jokers

Plan with co-joker to:
• Facilitate a workshop agenda
• For residency programs, facilitate rehearsals, performances, and a celebration for the program
• Support residency actors’ participation by communicating schedule, planning transportation & food when needed
• Maintain reports & evaluations as requested by the administrative staff
• Coordinate promptly with the administrative team on scheduling, supplies, and various workshop or production needs
• Communicate promptly with the TONYC office any personal, partner, or actor updates that will impact rehearsals or performances
• Engage in TONYC’s ongoing planning & learning by attending internal trainings and seasonal meetings .

Compensation: Jokers are employees of Theatre of the Oppressed NYC and paid $90.41/hr for facilitation of rehearsals, shows, and workshops. Additionally, jokers staff are paid $30.15/hour for administrative tasks, meetings, training time, or attendance at related events when requested by TONYC. Hourly employees accrue paid sick time and paid vacation time, have access to pre-tax Commuter benefits and free access to TONYC's space in midtown.  

COVID-19 Vaccination: Our staff-updated vaccination policy requires employees to have received the 25-26 COVID-19 vaccine or a COVID vaccine received in 2025. TONYC will consider accommodation requests from individuals who are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccination due to either an underlying medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs on a case-by-case basis in accordance with TONYC's policies as well as federal, state, and local laws. Supporting documentation may be requested. 

To Apply, please complete this form. We will contact people who we wish to interview, and at that time, we may request a resume, work sample, and information about references. If you apply, you will automatically receive a copy of your form to confirm that is completed. We request that applicants do not send additional information or materials via email, or contact TONYC to follow up about their application.

Any questions about this application can be emailed to Sulu LeoNimm at [email protected]. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT

Theatre of the Oppressed NYC is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages all interested and qualified applicants to apply. TONYC does not discriminate based on age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, housing status, disability, or previous incarceration.