Employment

Full-time and part-time positions available:

Box Office Associate

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE LEAD

AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE ASSOCIATE

TEACHING ARTIST

BOX OFFICE ASSOCIATE

SUMMARY

Writers Theatre seeks a Box Office Associate to assist in the daily operations of the Box Office including processing transactions and providing exemplary customer service.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Answering phones and emails.
• Processing ticket sales, exchanges and season subscriptions
• Providing tech support to patrons as they view digital programming
• Serving as a will call agent for performances, ensuring a smooth and efficient pre-show experience.
• Assisting patrons with questions, accessibility needs and/or ticketing issues.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Friendly personality and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multi-task.
• Professional demeanor while working under pressure with the ability to remain calm and collected.
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing policies and procedures.
• A combination of afternoon, evening and weekend availability is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook required.
• Previous customer service experience preferred.
• Cash handling experience preferred.
• Must be able to comply with organizational COVID safety policies and procedures
• A commitment to ethical conduct in all aspects of the work environment
• A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment
• A commitment to the protection of confidential information to which this position has access

COVID SAFETY

Writers Theatre requires proof of vaccination and face coverings for all employees.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

WT is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as promoting a safe, supportive and collaborative work environment conducive to professional and personal growth. A successful candidate will share these values.

WT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age, or veteran status.

Additional information about WT’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive workplace can be found at writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt.

COMPENSATION

This is a part-time, entry-level position. Starting rate is $15/hour.

TO APPLY 

Please send a resume plus an expression of interest (video, audio, written) that speak to interests, skills, accomplishments, and characteristics that distinguish yourself to Box Office Manager, Kara Watanachaiyot, at kwatanachaiyot@writerstheatre.org.

Please include in the subject line of the email “Box Office Associate Application”. No phone calls please. 

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

SUMMARY 

Writers Theatre seeks an Assistant Stage Manager for a season-long commitment. The Assistant Stage Manager is responsible for building run tracks, tracking of props and scenery, managing backstage traffic, and running the backstage ASM track during all 7 shows each week of the run. This position works closely with the Stage Manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre-production:

• Assist Stage Manager in creation of rehearsal paperwork.
• Assist in taping out the rehearsal room floor.
• Collaborate with Assistant Production Manager regarding supply purchases for the rehearsal room.
• Coordinate with Properties Supervisor regarding initial rehearsal needs.

Rehearsals:

• Create production paperwork including props tracking, entrance and exit charts, and initial run sheets.
• Coordinate prop changes and delivery of props to the rehearsal room with the Properties Supervisor.
• Coordinate and assist with the movement of props and scenic elements during blocking rehearsals.
• Maintain an orderly, clean, and productive rehearsal room.
• Responsible for hospitality related items.
• Be on book for actors.

Technical rehearsals:

• Prepare and organize the backstage area for the run of the show.
• Assist with movement of production props and scenic elements out of the rehearsal room and into the theatre.
• Train deck run crew on individual show tracks as required by production needs.
• Manage all backstage traffic.
• Finalize production paperwork including preshow checklists, entrance and exit charts, and run sheets.
• Maintain and update inventory of run related consumable items.
• Attend all tech production meetings.

Performances:

• Perform preshow checks of props, scenery, and other elements integral to the run of the show.
• Execute backstage ASM track.
• Ensure safe working environment on deck and backstage daily.
• Purchase consumable props as needed.
• Participate in understudy rehearsals. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience running a production crew track
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Clear and effective communication with colleagues from a variety of theatrical backgrounds
• Strong organizational, leadership, and time management skills
• Availability to work nights and weekends as needed
• Must be able to comply with organizational COVID safety policies and procedures
• A commitment to ethical conduct in all aspects of the work environment
• A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment
• A commitment to the protection of confidential information to which this position has access 

COVID SAFETY 

Writers Theatre requires proof of vaccination and face coverings for all employees.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

WT is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as promoting a safe, supportive and collaborative work environment conducive to professional and personal growth. A successful candidate will share these values.

WT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age, or veteran status.

Additional information about WT’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive workplace can be found at writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt

COMPENSATION

This is a part-time position at $17/hour.

TO APPLY

Please send a resume plus an expression of interest (video, audio, written) that speak to interests, skills, accomplishments, and characteristics that distinguish yourself to Adam Friedland, Director of Production and Facilities at productionjobs@writerstheatre.org.

Please include in the subject line of the email “ASM 2021” and in the body of the email indicate how you learned of the position. No phone calls please.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

ABOUT WT EDUCATION

Mirroring Writers Theatre's mission, the Education Department reflects our commitment to the written word and the cultivation of young artists.

WT Education programs are aimed at exploring text, nurturing the creativity of young people and instilling appreciation of the arts for future generations. Through comprehensive programming in schools, at the theatre, and through community-based initiatives, WT Education’s curriculum is designed to emphasize collaboration, cultivate self-expression, encourage imaginative inquiry and promote civic responsibility and social justice.

From this mission, WT Education programs fall under four pillars: Onsite Creative Learning, Residency Programs, Touring Outreach and Student Matinees. Each of these pillars reflect the distinct objectives of the department across multi-faceted programming. In conjunction with these pillars, WT Education also oversees professional Internships and actively collaborates in planning and producing Audience Engagement efforts.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Education & Community Engagement (DOE&CE) develops, produces and oversees all of the Theatre’s pre-existing education programs, including in-school residencies, a student matinee series, onsite classes and workshops, an internship program, and a teen Youth Council. The DOE&CE also collaborates with the Artistic Department in choosing and supporting an annual season of mainstage productions and accompanying audience engagement programs. Future organizational opportunities under discussion include expanded family theatrical offerings, touring productions, and adult education programs.

Reporting to the Artistic Director and Executive Director and serving as a member of WT’s senior management team, the DOE&CE manages one full-time employee and a roster of freelance teaching artists. The DOE&CE collaborates closely with other departments to advance the organization’s long-term and day-to-day interests.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

• Oversee the vision, leadership and strategic planning of all WT Education programs.
• Collaborate with the Artistic Director, Executive Director and senior leadership team to ensure a clear and accurate interpretation of the organization’s vision and mission.
• Hire, supervise, motivate and support a team of one full-time Education Manager and up to 9 freelance Teaching Artists.
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship to Teaching Artists and school staff throughout the school year.
• Participate actively in the Chicago and national arts education community to stay current on best practices. Maintain strong school, community and industry partnerships.
• Coordinate and contribute to fundraising efforts to support Education programs. Maintain strong relationships with donors and funding organizations.
• Manage the departmental budget and contracts with partner organizations.

In Schools and the Community

• Responsible for training Teaching Artist staff annually, which includes ensuring programs are aligned with best practices in the field and offering professional development sessions to classroom teacher partners.
• Serve as a Teaching Artist in the classroom as necessary.
• Oversee curriculum development for all residencies.
• Actively solicit and coordinate in-school and community-based residencies through the Write On! program.
• Supervise the Education Manager’s work coordinating the Novel Series residencies.
• Analyze and document all programming and report on the programs to major funders.
• Create and evaluate program curriculum through the lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• With the Artistic Department, strategize on the development of new touring productions.

At the Theatre

• Actively coordinate and arrange Student Matinees and the accompanying ACTIVATE residency in schools.
• Schedule, promote and coordinate onsite classes for young people and adults.
• Strategize on the development of onstage family programming and other arts education programming in the WT theatre building.
• Select WT’s Teen Youth Council and coordinate opportunities for their engagement with WT programming, artists and staff.
• Strategize on the resumption of an internship program for the Theatre.
• With the Artistic Department, curate and facilitate a series of audience engagement events throughout the season that support and expand on the mainstage programming.
• Collaborate on the recruitment and training of discussion moderators for audience engagement events. Moderate discussions and events as needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrable commitment to cultivating and managing a diverse staff and creating a positive, collaborative and productive culture.
• Ability to plan long term and collaborate to improve the future of the Education Department and overall Theatre.
• Intellectual curiosity, drive, and enthusiasm.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and time management skills.
• Experience in building and managing a team of full-time, part-time and hourly employees while fostering a welcoming environment.
• Demonstrated history and success with projecting expenses and managing a budget.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite and Google Suite.
• Tessitura experience a plus.
• Availability to work nights and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to comply with organizational COVID safety policies and procedures.
• A commitment to ethical conduct in all aspects of the work environment.
• A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment.
• A commitment to the protection of confidential information to which this position has access.

COVID SAFETY

WT requires proof of Covid-19 vaccination as a term of employment.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

WT is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as promoting a safe, supportive and collaborative work environment conducive to professional and personal growth. A successful candidate will share these values. 

WT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age, or veteran status.

Additional information about WT’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive workplace can be found at writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt

BENEFITS INCLUDE

Medical, dental and disability insurance, vacation and other paid leave, a 403(b)-retirement plan (with employer match) and medical and dependent care cafeteria plans.

COMPENSATION

Salary starts at $55,000.

TO APPLY

Please send a resume plus an expression of interest (video, audio, written) that speak to interests, skills, accomplishments, and characteristics that distinguish yourself to jobs@writerstheatre.org.

Please include in the subject line of the email “Director of Education”. No phone calls please.

AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE LEAD

SUMMARY

Writers Theatre seeks an Audience Experience Lead to be responsible for maintaining a high-level patron experience in all of our spaces and guide part-time Audience Experience Associates in being successful in their roles.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as Manager on Duty during performances.
• Maintain clean and safe lobby, bar, restrooms, seating area, and front of building.
• Keep intermissions to within allotted time.
• Manage and report incidents, as necessary.
• Be an engaging and welcoming presence with our patrons.
• Assist Audience Experience Manager with training of new Audience Experience staff and execute training refreshers with staff as necessary.
• Maintain high customer service standards at the bar and in the theatre.
• Serve as House Manager and/or bartender, as necessary.
• Work with Audience Experience Manager to maintain and expand access services.
• Ensure appropriate accommodations are made for patrons based on weekly ADA report.
• Manage audience engagement events.
• Manage building rental events.
• Maintain print material in lobby displays; order more materials as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2 years of high-level customer service experience required.
• Knowledge of proper bar and food sanitation practices and BASSET and Food Handlers’ certifications preferred; training and certification will be provided to selected candidate.
• Experience in bartending a plus.
• Outgoing, accessible personality.
• Comfortable with meeting deadlines and maintaining a professional demeanor while working under pressure.
• Afternoon, evening and weekend availability is required and will be taken into serious consideration when selecting candidates.
• Strong interest in and passion for live theatre.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to comply with organizational COVID safety policies and procedures.
• A commitment to ethical conduct in all aspects of the work environment
• A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment
• A commitment to the protection of confidential information to which this position has access

COVID SAFETY

Writers Theatre requires proof of vaccination and face coverings for all employees.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

WT is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as promoting a safe, supportive and collaborative work environment conducive to professional and personal growth. A successful candidate will share these values.

WT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age, or veteran status.

Additional information about WT’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive workplace can be found at writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt

COMPENSATION

This is a part-time, hourly position with paid sick days and the option to opt into the company’s 403(b) retirement plan (with employer match). Starting rate is $17/hour.

TO APPLY

Please send a resume plus an expression of interest (video, audio, written) that speak to interests, skills, accomplishments, and characteristics that distinguish yourself to Jason Vences at jvences@writerstheatre.org.

Please include in the subject line of the email “Audience Experience Lead Application”. No phone calls please.

AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE ASSOCIATE

SUMMARY

Writers Theatre seeks an Audience Experience Associate to coordinate front of house operations during performances and special events and will collaborate with the Box Office and Stage Management staff to maintain smooth front-facing operations and provide industry-leading customer service, with the ultimate goal of maximizing the customer experience. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

House Management

• Serve as House Manager for public performances and special events.
• Coordinate with box office staff on seating holds and patron information.
• Assist patrons with questions, accessibility needs and/or seating issues.
• Train and manage volunteer ushers on a nightly basis.
• Communicate with stage management staff on nightly operations schedule (house opening, start of performance, late seating).
• If the production allows, late seat patrons after the performance begins.
• Monitor activity during performances.
• Communicate and assist with security and emergency incidents.
• Prepare House Manager and Concessions performance reports
• Operate WT Digital Signage during performances and special events, as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness of Front of House areas including lobby, restrooms, concession center, and other public spaces.
• Assist with other duties, as assigned.

Concessions

• Provide Bar/Concessions service for public performances and special events.
• Set up and tear down bar, including displays, concessions, and drink preparation.
• Assist patrons with concessions and drink selections, providing descriptions and suggestions
• Process payments through Square POS system.
• Prepare and deliver pre-order intermission drinks and concessions.
• Track concessions inventory and communicate restocking needs.
• Prepare and reconcile concessions sales reports.
• Ensure displays and lobby areas are clean and accessible.
• Other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Top level customer service experience required.
• Experience in theatrical operations preferred.
• Bartending or foodservice experience a plus.
• Outgoing, accessible personality with the ability to speak in front of people.
• Superior organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multi-task.
• Professional demeanor while working under pressure.
• Experience with POS systems a plus.
• Strong interest in and passion for live theatre.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• BASSET and Food Handlers’ certifications preferred; training will be provided to selected candidate.
• Afternoon, evening and weekend availability is required and will be taken into serious consideration when selecting candidates.
• Must be able to comply with organizational COVID safety policies and procedures
• A commitment to ethical conduct in all aspects of the work environment
• A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment
• A commitment to the protection of confidential information to which this position has access

COVID SAFETY

Writers Theatre requires proof of vaccination and face coverings for all employees.

COMPENSATION

This is a part-time, hourly position with paid sick days and the option to opt into the company’s 403(b) retirement plan (with employer match). Starting rate is $15/hour.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

WT is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as promoting a safe, supportive and collaborative work environment conducive to professional and personal growth. A successful candidate will share these values.

WT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age, or veteran status.

Additional information about WT’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive workplace can be found at writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt

TO APPLY

Please send a resume plus an expression of interest (video, audio, written) that speak to interests, skills, accomplishments, and characteristics that distinguish yourself to Jason Vences at jvences@writerstheatre.org.

Please include in the subject line of the email “Audience Experience Associate Application”. No phone calls please.

TEACHING ARTIST