Job Openings at Shakespeare & Company

Summer Season 2019 Technical Jobs

Shakespeare & Company, located in Western Massachusetts, is looking for technicians to join our summer Costume and Production Departments.

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.

SUMMER 2019 STAFF POSITIONS INCLUDE

• Technical Director 
• Assistant Technical Director 
• Scenic Charge 
• Carpenters 
• Props Artisan 
• Sound Engineer 
• Costume First Hand 
• Costume Stitcher 
• Wardrobe / Run Crew

These positions offer a weekly salary and housing. Send cover letter, resume, 3 references with e-mail contact to: jobsearch@shakespeare.org.  

Seasonal Costume Shop personnel sought for an Equity L.O.A. 7 show season at Shakespeare & Company.

Season runs from mid-May through September. Most contracts for shorter duration. Late season and early start contracts may include theater-in-education support. Housing available for most applicants, local transportation negotiable, though preferred candidates will have own transportation. Experience in fast paced Summer Theater helpful. E.O.E. Send cover letter, resume, 3 references with e-mail contact, and your dates of availability to: jobsearch@shakespeare.org

Rentals and Stock Manager: Applicant should have strong organizational and people skills, managerial experience helpful, and a thorough knowledge of costume & fashion terminology and time periods and solid stitching and wardrobe skills. This position is in effect a full time assistant to the Costume Director. A flexible and independent management style is helpful. Responsibilities include: administration of the established rental system, stock management, training younger staff and interns in stock maintenance and wardrobe methods, assisting in the running of the Costume and Wardrobe Department as needed by the Director and maintaining a large and carefully organized stock. Position may also require attendance at meetings & planning sessions, stitching and construction skills and wardrobe work, guiding tours and helping with shopping or displays. Preferred candidates will be available April 30 – Sept 16, 2019 and could extend longer.

First Hand: Applicants should have a strong background and preferably several years of experience in costume construction and some experience with draping and cutting. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to all tasks related to being a first hand for construction & alteration of costumes for productions as assigned, working directly with drapers, designers, and stitchers to lead the execution and completion of all aspects of costume designs in a timely manner. Preferred candidates will have good organization skills and a sense of humor. Participation in fittings, consultations, and shop work as needed. Other duties as assigned.

Stitchers: Applicants should have strong stitching skills, familiarity with all types of basic sewing machines and construction techniques. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to all tasks related to being a stitcher for construction and alteration of costumes for productions as assigned, working with Drapers, First Hands and shop staff as assigned to ensure execution of all aspects of costume designs. Participation in other shop duties as assigned. Preferred candidates will have good organization skills and a sense of humor and are good team players.

Wardrobe Staff: Looking for individuals with wardrobe experience to work as dressers during shows. Applicants will be responsible for preparation of costumes for each performance, assisting actors into and out of costumes, presetting backstage changes, performing quick changes, resetting costumes at end of show, maintenance and cleaning of finished costumes and wigs for assigned productions from technical rehearsals through closing. Some shop hours may be required as well, other duties as assigned. Previous experience, good people skills, good sewing skills, and some understanding of garment construction preferred. Dates are June 24 – Sept 1, 2019.

Summer Season Patron Services Jobs

Assistant Box Office Manager

The Assistant Box Office Manager reports directly to the Patron Services Manager and should be an outgoing, 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, a professional communication style, and effective conflict management skills when dealing with staff and patrons.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervision: Oversee the Box Office Staff during day-to-day operations and train staff on OvationTix and Company policies to provide optimum customer experience 
• Sales and Accounting: Assist Patron Services Manager and Box Office Manager in generating reports and preparing deposits. 
• Customer Service: Manage patron concerns, resolve conflicts, and communicate with House Management and Concessions before, during, and after show load-ins. 
• Work as a member of the Front of House team (Box Office, Concessions, Gift Shop, and House Management) 
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1-2 years of box office experience, preferably working with OvationTix 
• High levels of responsibility, dependability, and integrity 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize goals 
• Excellent communication, both oral and written 
• Proficiency in MS Office and Google Drive 
• Ability to lead in a fast paced environment 
• Strong conflict management skills 
• Ability to remain calm under pressure 
• Ability to learn and follow policies and procedures

This position offers a weekly salary. Send cover letter, resume, 3 references with e-mail contact to: jobsearch@shakespeare.org.  

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.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be on-site from at least 1 hour and 10 minutes prior to curtain until all audience members have departed and all house management duties have been fully completed
• Be familiar with emergency policies and procedures in case of accident or injury
• Ensure theatre cleanliness and security, as well as audience comfort and safety
• Supervise and train volunteers and ushers
• Set-up seating  and ensure programs are prepared for distribution
• Ensure validity of patron tickets
• Present an opening curtain speech if required
• Pick up programs and trash in the House at the end of load-ins, intermissions, and performances
• Leave the space prepared for the next House Management shift
• Other duties as assigned

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

This position offers a weekly salary. Send cover letter, resume, 3 references with e-mail contact to: jobsearch@shakespeare.org.  

Patron Service 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. This person should be outgoing and detail-oriented.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve food and beverages to patrons 
• Serve alcoholic beverages responsibly in accordance with Company policies and Massachusetts State Law 
• Sell tickets to patrons over the phone and in person using OvationTix 
• Handle monetary transactions and provide accurate reports 
• Maintain accurate records to facilitate clear communication with other team members 
• Keep concessions stands, retail stands, and Box Office sanitary 
• Understand, follow, and enforce Company policies and procedures 
• Work as a member of the Front of House team (Box Office, Concessions, Gift Shop, and House Management) to provide a positive patron experience 
• Other duties as assigned

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

This position offers a weekly salary. Send cover letter, resume, 3 references with e-mail contact to: jobsearch@shakespeare.org.