Job Openings at Shakespeare & Company

FACILITIES DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATE

Full-time; seasonal - April through September; reports to Director of Facilities, General Manager.

SCHEDULE:  flexible, including some evenings and weekends

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: Assists in all aspects of the upkeep and maintenance of facilities. As instructed, tasks include general grounds keeping, mowing, weeding, spring and fall clean-up, trail, walkway and road maintenance, etc., some operation of vehicles, power and heavy equipment (depending upon capability); ordering and maintaining supplies; general building maintenance, minor repair work, light carpentry and painting projects; vehicle and equipment maintenance; general assistance with company activities’ and programs’ set up and clean up as needed;  participates in needed and annual maintenance / repairs of mechanical systems / plumbing /electrical; on-site trash hauling and recycling; other general repairs; helps to insure that Shakespeare’s buildings are in a safe and sanitary condition when occupied, and secure when unoccupied.   In addition, S&Co expects the following from each employee: adheres to Company policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about departmental issues; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; participates in Company events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Working knowledge of Microsoft programs including Outlook, Word, and Excel;
• Training / certification / experience in one or more related technical trades preferred;
• Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record;
• Familiarity with power and hand tools;
• A positive work attitude;
• Regularly required to sit; stand; push and pull with force; reach with hands and arms; use hand to finger objects and controls;
• Occasionally be required to climb and stoop; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds;
• Vision abilities must include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision; and reading of written, printed and/or computer screen data. 

TO APPLY: Send resume and letter of interest to jobsearch@shakespeare.org or to Jobsearch, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox MA 01240.  Applications accepted through March 31st.

KITCHEN ASSISTANTS

Shakespeare & Company is seeking Kitchen Assistants for its residential summer actor training program. Candidates should have an understanding of a working kitchen, should be team players, and be able to work under the direction of the Chef around meal prep and planning. They should be able to make logical, intellectual, and critical decisions, as well as maintain a confident and calm presence.  Housing is available, and positions start on May 27 and end on June 26.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year or greater experience working in food or culinary services.
• Ability to walk, stand, and/or bend continuously to perform essential job functions including lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work under pressure and deal with stressful situations during busy periods

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide support preparing all meals in a cafeteria setting.
• Assist with receiving food and supplies.
• Ensure that all menu items are labeled accurately.
• Keep all refrigeration, storage, and working areas in clean, working condition in compliance with Department of Health Regulations.
• Display ability and willingness to work all stations in the kitchen.
• Be dependable and timely for scheduled shifts.
• Practice “Teamwork” and “Clean as you go” policies.
• Adhere to company policies/procedures and safe work practices and guidelines.
• Act as backup for the Chef in the event of their absence.

HOW TO APPLY: Candidates are invited to submit a resume and a list of three references. All submissions should be emailed to jobsearch@shakespeare.org with Kitchen Assistant position as the subject line. Please do not submit any application materials through the US mail or phone regarding the status of the submission. 

Production Department Positions

Shakespeare and Company, located in Western Massachusetts, is looking for technicians to join our Production Department. Our season features 8 shows on four different stages.  Shop spaces include natural light in 2nd floor, air-conditioned Costume Shop and our Scene Shop is 110' x 60' and includes a 20’ x 40’ Paint deck. We 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. The Props Department has a separate shop from the Scenic Department. Shakespeare & Company has an Equity LORT D playhouse seating approximately 400, an Equity SPT 4 black box theater with a 200 seat house, and two outdoor theaters, one LORT D and the other non-equity, both which have a capacity over 290. 

Shakespeare & Company is an E.O.E. and  these are typically salaried positons with the potential  to earn overtime unless noted. Send cover letter with dates of availability, resume, and 3 references with e-mail contact to: Kevin Harvell, Production Manager at Jobsearch@shakespeare.org. 

ASSISTANT TECHNIAL DIRECTOR

The ATD would take lead on and work closely with the Technical Director in the creation of working drawings from designer drawings. He or she would collaborate with the TD to determine materials and methods that should be used to build the scenic design. He or she would then lead in creating shop drawing and then with the scene shop staff oversee the build. The person in this position will find their time split between drafting, ensuring quality on the shop floor, and solving problems in the field. The ATD may lead the build of complex projects. This position may also be responsible for digitizing scenic drawings from our designers if necessary. This person would take the lead in rigging any scenic elements in the air 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 approximately from mid-April through early-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. 

SCENIC CARPENTER/WELDER

The Scenic Carpenter/Welder would work closely with the TD, ATD, and the scene shop staff in the building of scenic elements efficiently and to shop drawings. This position would take the lead on all metal working projects and experience in rigging is also desired. In addition to the build in the shop the Scenic Carpenter/Welder will also assist with load-ins, strikes, and notes of all of the sets. 

Applicants must have a good knowledge of standard theatrical wood construction and of shop tool operation. An extensive MIG welding history is required. Previous work with aluminum MIG welding and roll bending is helpful. The Scenic Carpenter/Welder must be able to read and interpret technical construction drawings.  Candidates should be able to lift 70 pounds, be comfortable working at heights, and have a valid driver's license.

The contract runs approximately from mid-April through mid-September. Shorter 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.

SCENIC CARPENTER

The Scenic Carpenter would work closely with the TD, ATDs, and the scene shop staff in the building of scenic elements efficiently and to shop drawings. In addition to the build in the shop the Scenic Carpenters will also assist with Load-ins, strikes, and notes of all of the sets.

Applicants must have a good knowledge of standard theatrical wood construction and of shop tool operation. Some experience with welding and rigging would be helpful. The Scenic Carpenter must be able to read and interpret technical construction drawings. Candidates should be able to lift 70 pounds and be comfortable working at heights, and have a valid driver's license. Preference will go to those who have USITT’s ESET certification though not required.

One contract runs approximately from late April through mid-September; another runs early may through mid-September; and the last runs early May though late August. Shorter 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. 

PAID CARPENTRY INTERN

The Carpentry Intern would work closely with the TD, ATDs, and the scene shop staff in the building of scenic elements through an educational process and assist in inventory control in the shop and shop tool maintenance. Classes, lecturers and other events for the internship company will be held throughout the summer season.

Applicants must be familiar with standard theatrical wood construction and of shop tool operation. Some experience with welding and rigging would be helpful. The Carpenter must be able to read and interpret technical construction drawings. Candidates should be able to lift 50 pounds, be comfortable working at heights, and over 18 years of age. This position is geared for those early in their college career.

Contract runs approximately from early-May through end of August. Shorter availabilities will be considered. Housing for non-local applicants may be available through local applicants are preferred. This is a stipend educational position.

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 early May through mid-September. Shorter availabilities will be considered. Housing for non-local applicants is available.

PROPS ARTISAN

The Props Artisan would work closely with the Props Master and other Props staff by assisting in the acquisition and building of all of the summer seasons properties. The Props Artisan would also assist in the maintenance of the props inventory and the shop. 

Ideal applicants will have knowledge of shop tools, paints, sewing, crafts and preferably some carpentry experience. All candidates should be able to lift up to 50 lbs, be comfortable working at heights, and ideally have a valid driver’s license.

The contract runs approximately from early-June through late-August. Shorter availabilities will be considered. Housing for non local applicants is available.

PROPS CARPENTER

The Props Carpenter would work closely with the Props Master and other Props staff by assisting in the acquisition and building of all of the summer seasons properties. The Props Carpenter would also assist in the maintenance of the props inventory and the shop.

Ideal applicants will have knowledge of shop tools, paints, sewing, and crafts. General carpentry experience is required and a history of furniture building is desired. All candidates should be able to lift up to 50 lbs, be comfortable working at heights, and ideally have a valid driver’s license.

The contract runs approximately from mid-May through mid-September.  Shorter 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.