Job Openings at Shakespeare & Company

Public Relations Associate 

Shakespeare & Company seeks a talented and hardworking individual to serve as a Public Relations Associate. This position reports to Shakespeare & Company’s Marketing Director, and works closely with other members of the Communications team, including a PR consultant. They will create and distribute press materials, and contribute to the Company’s overall communications strategy related to Shakespeare & Company Performances, Education Program, and Center for Actor Training.

This position is public facing, and liaises with regional and national press and the Berkshire Community. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated recent graduate or an early-career professional with a high level of maturity who is passionate about arts management, publicity, and/or communications.

Candidates should be creative thinkers with a strong ability to multitask projects and meet deadlines within a fast-paced environment. Applicants should demonstrate a flexible upbeat attitude with strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with a high level of professionalism. The ideal candidate will have a deep passion for theatre, the arts and arts education. 

 DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Creates and maintains a favorable overall public image of Shakespeare & Company, contributing to increased attendance and enrollment 
• Guides the execution of Company-wide press & publicity plan including departmental press strategies and calendars for Performance, Education, Training, Development, and the Company as a whole
• Cultivates relationships with the media, stakeholders, and Berkshire community
• Attends Company performances and events, including on some nights, weekends and holidays, to represent the Company and/or to greet the press
• Creates strategic plans for publicity in association with supervisors and consultant
• Develops efforts towards international, national, and regional press representation with an emphasis on New York City and Boston
• Liaises with reviewing local and regional press, including the distribution of photos, advance listings, and soliciting advance feature stories for productions / programs / events (print, radio, television, electronic), and responding to inquiries
• Liaises with all company departments in regards to publicity needs, pitching stories to the press and scheduling photography for related events
• Writes, proofs, and distributes Company press releases 
• Coordinates and executes press conferences, media events, and press interviews
• Maintains current information on reviewers and other media contacts
• Maintains all Company events free listings in the press
• Contributes to a strategic Social Media plan and social media presence
• Tracks and analyzes press attendance
• Manages Company archives, including the distribution and/or storage of press clippings
• Leads and manages yearly Playbill creation process (120 page magazine piece), monitoring timeline, layout, printing, and budgeted expense as well as creating copy, proofing and editing
• Coordinates all Company Gift Certificates in support of other organizations
• Serves as Company Representative at professional community organizations as requested
• Supervises interns and other short-term assistants

Shakespeare + Company is an E.O.E. and this is a salaried position with benefits. Please send cover letter with dates of availability, resume, references and a writing sample to jobsearch@shakespeare.org. 

Summer Season 2020 Technical Jobs

Our summer season features eight shows on four different stages on our 30-acre campus. Shop spaces include natural light in second floor, air-conditioned Costume Shop, a 110’ x 60’ Scene Shop with a 20’ x 40’ Paint deck, and separate Props Shop. We also have separate Sound and Lighting facilities as well as 3,500 sq. ft. of costume stock and 12,000+ sq. ft. of props and scenic storage.

Technical Director

Shakespeare and Company, located in Western Massachusetts, is looking for a Technical Directors to join our scene shop staff. 

The Technical Director would take lead on and work closely with the ATD in the creation of working drawings from designer draftings. He or she would collaborate with the ATD and PM to determine materials and methods that should be used to build the scenic design. He or she would then lead in creating shop drawings and then ensure its proper construction and installation. The person in this position will find their time split between determining the build and supplies, drafting, attending production meetings, and solving problems in the field. The TD may lead the build of extremely complex projects. This position may also be responsible for digitizing scenic drawings from our designers if necessary. This person may also be required to take the lead in any complex rigging and be present at load ins and strikes in the theater according to the production schedule.

Preferred applicants will have a strong background in technical direction with experience in wood construction, welding, and rigging. A level of proficiency in Vectorworks or AutoCad is needed. An applicant with experience in welding aluminum and with Vectorworks is strongly desired. Completion or near completion of a degree in Technical Theater is preferred. Candidates should be able to lift 70 pounds, be comfortable working at heights, and have a valid driver's license.

Contract runs from mid-April through mid-September. Shorter or different availabilities will be considered. Housing for non-local applicants is available. There is a possible extension to work on our Fall Education program that ends just prior to Thanksgiving.

Shakespeare + Company is an E.O.E. and this is a salaried position with overtime. Send cover letter with dates of availability, resume, and 3 references with e-mail contact to: Kevin Harvell, Production Manager at  jobsearch@shakespeare.org. More information on the season and company can be found at Shakespeare.org.

Scenic Charge

The Scenic Charge would take lead on and work closely with the TD, ATDs, Designers and a scenic artist in the finishing of scenic elements, primarily through paint, to achieve the designer’s artistic vision. The Scenic Charge is tasked with determining the proper techniques and materials in which to complete the look of the set. The person in this position will find their time split between leading the scenic artist, liaising with directing and design teams, and determining materials and techniques that will be needed. The Scenic Charge may take on the task of creating small murals or paintings. Must be willing to work some nights or early mornings.

Preferred applicants will have a strong background in scenic painting technique, leadership skills, Photoshop, and in time management; especially estimation. There is a large emphasis placed on the knowledge of surface treatments including, texturing, ageing, foam carving and distressing. Prior experience as a scenic charge is required. Candidates should be able to lift 50 pounds, and be comfortable working at heights, and have a valid driver's license.

The contract runs approximately from mid-May through mid-September. It is important to note that shorter availabilities will be considered. Housing for non local applicants is available.

Shakespeare + Company is an E.O.E. and this is a salaried position with overtime. Send cover letter with dates of availability, resume, and 3 references with e-mail contact to: Kevin Harvell, Production Manager at jobsearch@shakespeare.org. More information on the season and company can be found at Shakespeare.org.

Costume Shop

Interns: please refer to Intern Program Page.

Patron Services

Patron Services Associate

The Patron Services Associate should be an enthusiastic and motivated individual with a passion for theatre. This position works in the Box Office and/or at the Shakespeare & Company concession stands. This person must display excellent communication and conflict resolution skills when dealing with patrons and staff. Under the supervision of the Box Office Manager & Concessions Managers, the Patron Services Associate is responsible for the sale of tickets, food, beverages, and gift shop items in accordance with Shakespeare & Company procedure, policies, and Massachusetts State Law.

We are looking for a team player who is outgoing, detail-oriented and calm under pressure.

QUALIFICATIONS
● 1 to 2 years’ experience with POS systems and customer service
● High levels of responsibility, dependability, and integrity
● Ability to work in a fast paced environment
● Strong attention to detail
● Ability to learn and implement policies and procedures

House Manager

The House Manager reports directly to the Patron Services Manager and should be an energetic and driven individual with a passion for theatre. As both a team leader and a team member, this person must display a great attention to detail, as well as effective conflict resolution and professional communication skills when dealing with staff, volunteers, and patrons.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1-2 years of front of house experience, either in concessions, box office, or house management
• High levels of responsibility, dependability, and integrity ● Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize goals
• Excellent communication, both oral and written
• Ability to lead in a fast paced environment
• Strong conflict management skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Ability to learn and implement policies and procedures Please send a resume and cover letter to jobsearch@shakespeare.org

Concessions Associate

The Concessions Associate should be an enthusiastic and motivated individual with a passion for theatre. This position works at the Shakespeare & Company concession stands. This person must display excellent communication and conflict resolution skills when dealing with patrons and staff. Under the supervision of the Box Office Manager & Concessions Managers, the Patron Services Associate is responsible for the sale of food, beverages, and gift shop items in accordance with Shakespeare & Company procedure, policies, and Massachusetts State Law. This person should be outgoing and detail-oriented. A background in food services is encouraged but not required.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• 1 to 2 years’ experience with POS systems and customer service
• High levels of responsibility, dependability, and integrity
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to learn and implement policies and procedures

Please send a resume and cover letter to jobsearch@shakespeare.org