Teaching Artists Program
At the Astor, we offer a state of the art, Teaching Artists Program!
We are excited to welcome talented and passionate performers and artists to educate our Astor Academy students, as well as our Enrichment Class students.. In this role, our Artists design and implement an arts-centered curriculum for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, while showcasing their expertise in their respective artistic field.
What can you expect for your child in this program?
- Engaging Curriculum: Our Teaching Artists Program will develop an age-appropriate arts-centered curriculum that nurtures your child’s creativity and aligns with our organization’s mission and goals.
- Creative Expression: Through daily classes and activities, your child will be immersed in a world of creative expression, fostering their artistic development and imagination.
- Variety of Art Forms: Our Teaching Artists will collaborate with our dedicated staff to incorporate music, movement, theater, and other art forms into the curriculum, ensuring a diverse and exciting learning experience.
- Parent Involvement: Our Artists will provide instruction and guidance to parents and caregivers, empowering them to support their child’s artistic growth at home.
- Expertise on Display: The Artists will showcase their expertise in their respective artistic field through public performances, demonstrations, and workshops, inspiring your child with their talent and passion.
- Safe and Nurturing Environment: We maintain a safe and healthy learning environment that meets or exceeds licensing requirements and industry standards, ensuring your child’s well-being while they explore their artistic potential.
Meet our Teaching Artists for Winter/Spring 2024!
Mr. Cesar Gracia (Spanish/Preschool Performers):
Mr. Cesar is a teacher, actor, and filmmaker. For over a decade, he has appeared in BLOODLINE (Netflix), CHATEAU VATO (HBO Max), countless commercials, and TV appearances. Behind the camera, he has worked as a crew member and crew operator for UNIVISION, the short films: SECOND WIND (2015) and SHORT STEPS (2013) – he is a former student at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and Second City. Mr. Cesar loves mixing improvisation to create a genuine performance in from of the camera and on stage. While in Miami, Mr. Cesar was an instructor at the New York Film Academy in South Beach for over nine years, teaching adults and children. Through teaching, he has helped bring out every child’s confidence and inner creativity. Mr. Cesar is very excited to bring all his experiences to The Astor!
Mr. David Culliton (Preschool Performers/Kindergarten Prep/Coding):
Mr. David is a theatre artist, educator, and sociology enthusiast. His passion for sharing knowledge has led him to a myriad of educational positions across his professional life, including as a teaching artist for Shakespeare in Detroit where he brought a STEAM-based theatre education to Detroit students. He has also directed with the Players Guild of Dearborn’s Junior Guildlings program. David currently serves as the Publicity Governor for the Players Guild of Dearborn and has participated in numerous productions across Southeast Michigan over the years as performer, director, and crew member. David is elated to be joining the Astor Academy to help enrich the lives of the next generation with the power of arts education!
Miss Emily Barrett (Preschool Performers/Voice Lessons/Private Tutoring):
Miss Emily is a classically trained singer studying Choral Music Education at the University of Michigan. She has extensive experience working with and around children helping to instill a love of music, the arts, and learning in general. In addition to her musical background, Miss Emily has spent several years tutoring children in a variety of subjects and uses this background to create cross-curricular coursework, so students learn math, English, science, foreign languages, and more when learning music theory, repertoire, and general musicianship. Overall, Miss Emily’s goal is for her students to walk away from time with her feeling confident, more intelligent, heard and cared for, as well as happy!
We invite you to enroll your child in this unique program, where they can experience the transformative power of the arts while developing their creative potential. Our Teaching Artist and Early Childhood Arts Educator position offers an unparalleled opportunity for your child to explore their artistic passions in a safe and nurturing environment.
Don’t miss out on this chance to ignite your child’s imagination and foster their love for the arts. Enroll today and let’s embark on a remarkable journey of artistic discovery together!