Grow as a Leader at APA
At Academy for the Performing Arts, we believe some of the best leaders start right here in our studios. Whether you dream of teaching, choreographing, working behind the scenes, or simply giving back to the APA community, our Student Leadership Programs are designed to help you grow both in and out of the classroom.
Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and real leadership opportunities, you’ll build confidence, develop valuable life skills, and make a meaningful impact on younger dancers and performers. Many of our current instructors and staff members began their journey as Teacher Assistants or Student Teachers—and yours could be next!
Why Become a Student Leader?
As a student leader, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills
- Gain hands-on experience in teaching and mentorship
- Build confidence and responsibility
- Earn volunteer or community service hours (when applicable)
- Strengthen college, scholarship, and job applications
- Learn from experienced APA instructors and staff
- Become a positive role model for younger students
- Explore future career opportunities in the performing arts
Leadership Opportunities
No matter where you are in your journey, there’s a leadership opportunity designed for you.
Teacher Assistant (5th Grade and Up)
- Perfect for students who love helping others and want to begin developing leadership skills while assisting in the classroom.
Student Teacher (High School)
- Designed for experienced leaders who are ready to teach, choreograph, and mentor younger dancers with guidance from an APA instructor.
APA Apprentice Program
- Explore the behind-the-scenes side of the performing arts through hands-on experience in marketing, administration, customer service, theatre production, costuming, camps, and more.
Your Journey Starts Here
Our leadership programs are about more than learning to teach—they’re about growing into a confident, responsible, and inspiring leader. Whether your future is on stage, in the classroom, or behind the scenes, APA is committed to helping you discover your strengths and prepare for what’s next.
We can’t wait to see where your leadership journey takes you!
Check out our open positions below
Teacher Assistant Program (5th Grade and Up)
Love working with kids? Interested in becoming a leader at APA? Our Teacher Assistant Program is the perfect first step! Open to APA dancers in 5th grade and up, TAs assist teachers in the classroom by demonstrating movement, helping dancers one-on-one, supporting classroom management, and being an encouraging role model for younger students. From tying shoes to helping dancers feel confident in class, TAs are an important part of the studio experience!
The TA Program is designed to help students grow as leaders, mentors, and future educators while gaining hands-on experience in arts education and classroom leadership. Whether your goal is to work at APA one day or simply give back to the studio community, this program is a great way to build responsibility, confidence, and leadership skills.
You’ll Learn:
- Classroom leadership
- Assisting teachers
- Working with young dancers
- Communication skills
- Responsibility & teamwork
Perfect for:
Students interested in mentoring younger dancers and learning what it’s like to assist in dance classes.
Student Teacher Program (High School Students)
Ready to take the next step in leadership at APA? The Student Teacher (ST) Program is designed for experienced high school dancers who are passionate about teaching, mentoring, and growing as leaders in the classroom. After completing at least one year as a Teacher Assistant, eligible students can apply to become a Student Teacher and begin hands-on training alongside one of our senior instructors.
Student Teachers are paired with a mentor teacher and assigned their own dance class for the season. Through guided observation, live training, and real classroom experience, STs gradually grow into leadership roles — starting with assisting and teaching small portions of class before eventually leading the full class independently by the end of the Fall semester.
In addition to teaching weekly classes, Student Teachers gain experience in lesson planning, classroom management, choreography, music editing, and recital preparation. STs are responsible for choreographing and teaching their class’s recital dance, selecting costumes, supporting dancers throughout recital season, and helping create a positive classroom environment for younger students.
The Student Teacher Program is a volunteer leadership position and is unpaid; however, after a minimum of two successful years in the program, Student Teachers may have the opportunity to interview for a paid staff position at APA during their Junior or Senior year of high school.
You’ll Gain Experience In:
- Teaching dance classes
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Choreography
- Music editing
- Recital preparation
Perfect for:
Students considering a future in teaching or leadership within the performing arts.
APA Apprentice Program (High School Students)
Apprentices can apply for different concentrations based on their interests, including costuming, administration, customer service, marketing & social media, seasonal camps, and theatre production. Each concentration provides unique projects and responsibilities, allowing interns to actively contribute while learning the planning, organization, and execution that goes into each department.
Internship sessions are offered in the Spring, Summer, and Fall and follow a flexible hybrid format. Throughout the program, apprentices will build leadership and communication skills, gain resume-worthy experience, earn community service hours, and potentially receive school credit when applicable. For students interested in future careers or leadership opportunities in the arts, the Apprentice Program can also serve as a pathway toward future paid opportunities at APA.
Concentrations Include:
- Marketing
- Social Media
- Costuming
- Administration
- Customer Service
- Theatre Production
- Camps & Events
Perfect for:
Students interested in arts administration, marketing, production, or studio management.