CityKidz Studio Stage Host
Spring 2025
Are you ready to be part of a world-changing, life-giving, purpose-driven community? Do you have experience entertaining, inspiring, and teaching an audience of children ages 6-11? Are you a dynamic leader? Are you passionate about helping children from Hamilton’s most vulnerable communities build resilience, grow their character, and follow their dreams?
CityKidz is seeking skilled children’s program leaders and entertainers to host our CityKidz Studio shows held on scheduled Saturdays throughout the spring and fall seasons. The ideal candidate thrives in a team environment, has experience leading and hosting children’s programs, has a confident stage presence, and serves with humility.
About CityKidz:
In Canada, more than 1 in 5 children live in poverty: in Hamilton, it’s 1 in 4. For generations, poverty has stolen dreams and destroyed futures. At CityKidz, we think it’s time to change that, and we’re looking for committed people who will work with us to help kids dream big dreams and reach their full potential. CityKidz is a non-profit, Christian organization dedicated to increasing resiliency and inspiring big dreams for Canadian children living in low-income communities by providing inspirational experiences and nurturing personal relationships, one child at a time.
Profile:
The CityKidz Studio Stage Host is a seasonal part-time contract position reporting to the Manager of Children and Youth Programs. They are responsible for co-hosting the CityKidz Studio Show’s held on scheduled Saturdays through-out the spring season. The Stage Host works closely with their co-host and the CityKidz Studio Director to prepare and deliver live shows that are an immersive and interactive experience for children in grades 1-6. Show lessons teach children positive values and character traits and inspire them to dream big. At each CityKidz Studio Show, children can expect to fully participate and share impactful and meaningful moments with their friends and leaders.
Responsibilities:
Host Stage Performances:
Lead and facilitate stage performances, ensuring a fun, engaging, and positive experience for children.
Use a mix of humor, storytelling, and interactive elements to keep children engaged throughout performances.
Adapt content and delivery based on age groups, audience energy levels, and specific themes or events.
Engagement through Dance and Movement:
Lead children in age-appropriate dances and movement activities.
Choreograph simple routines or follow along with pre-designed movement sequences.
Incorporate interactive elements where children can participate and be part of the performance.
Incorporate Object Lessons:
Use everyday objects, props, or visual aids to teach lessons or illustrate important concepts (e.g., moral stories, science, life skills).
Explain complex ideas in an entertaining and understandable way using these objects as tools.
Teaching and Educational Content:
Integrate educational content seamlessly into performances, helping children learn while having fun.
Safety & Audience Management:
Ensure the safety and well-being of all children during performances.
Manage audience behavior in a friendly but firm manner, encouraging respectful participation.
Communicate with support staff to ensure a smooth running of the event and any additional safety protocols.
Collaborate with Team:
Work closely with Director, and other team members to create seamless performances and ensure all elements (e.g., music, props, visuals) are coordinated effectively.
Assist with set-up and break-down of the stage area, props, and costumes as needed.
Skills & Qualifications:
Energy & Enthusiasm:
High energy and a positive attitude that motivates children and staff.
Stage Presence:
Strong ability to command attention, confident both solo and with others.
Engagement Skills:
Skilled in captivating young audiences with humor, expression, and vocal variety.
Teaching & Communication:
Effective communicator, simplifying complex concepts for children in an engaging way.
Dance & Movement:
Comfortable teaching age-appropriate dances and adapting routines.
Creativity:
Creative and adaptable, generating unique ideas for performances and content.
Adaptability:
Quick to adjust content based on audience response or changes in the event.
Experience:
Prior experience in children’s entertainment, teaching, or performing arts preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Able to perform light physical activities and wear costumes during performances.
Assets:
Valid G Class driver’s license and access to vehicle
First Aid Certificate
Desire to work as part of a team in a faith based organization.
What We Provide:
A unique work experience which provides self-satisfaction and the opportunity to create positive change in our community
An opportunity to be part of a dynamic team where you will be able to develop your skills and increase your knowledge of the profession
CityKidz is committed to an inclusive, equitable, accessible workplace, and welcomes applications from racialized communities, persons with disabilities, members of minority groups, and all who reflect the diversity of our community. CityKidz accommodates the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please advise the hiring manager to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process.
Thank you for your interest in CityKidz and please note that only successful candidates will be contacted. For more information about CityKidz please visit www.citykidz.ca.