Overview:

As a Puppeteer with the Kids on the Block program at the Barber National Institute, you’ll join a dedicated troupe that educates and raises awareness about disabilities through engaging puppet performances at schools and community events. By bringing characters to life, you will help foster empathy, inclusion, and understanding in a creative and interactive format.

This is a public-facing role requiring comfort with performance, teamwork, and flexibility. Puppeteers represent Family Focus Services professionally while helping to deliver powerful, positive messages to children and the community.

What You’ll Bring:

• Comfort performing in front of diverse audiences
• Creativity in bringing inanimate objects to life with voice, movement, and personality
• Flexibility to adjust performances based on audience engagement or technical issues
• Ability to work collaboratively with other puppeteers, directors, and staff
• Reliability in traveling to venues and maintaining performance schedules
• Care and responsibility in handling, maintaining, and storing assigned puppets

What You’ll Have:

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Experience in theater, performance, or working with children is a plus, but not required

A Typical Day May Include:

• Learning and accurately performing your assigned puppet character
• Attending rehearsals and training to ensure quality performances
• Traveling with the troupe to schools, community centers, and other venues
• Delivering interactive and educational performances to children and community groups
• Maintaining communication with the Kids on the Block coordinator regarding scheduling or availability
• Caring for your assigned puppet between performances and using it only for approved program activities
• Representing the Barber National Institute professionally at all events

Perks with a Purpose
Our benefits are created with YOU in mind.

Healthcare

• Teladoc Virtual Health
Financial Well-being
• On-Demand Pay
• Employee Referral Bonus program
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• College Scholarship & Tuition Discounts
• Employee Discounts
Life & Family Support
• Erie Campus*- discounted on-site weekday childcare
• Employee discounts for select events and services