Employment

Full-time and part-time positions available:

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF TICKET SERVICES
AUDIENCE SERVICES ASSOCIATE
COVER SOUND TECHNICIAN

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF TICKET SERVICES 

Location: Glencoe/Chicago, IL (in-person)
Department: Administration / Box Office Department
Classification: Full Time
Salary Range: $45,000 – $50,000 commensurate with experience
Start Date: February 1, 2023
Reports To: Director of Marketing & Communications, and works closely with the Associate Director of Audience Services (ADAS)
Supervises/Manages: Patron Services Managers and the Box Office department

About Writers Theatre

Writers Theatre (WT) is a nationally-recognized, award-winning theatre company located on the North Shore of Chicago with a pre-pandemic annual operating budget of $6.5 Million. Known for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its productions, WT is focused on the power of the written word and dedicated to the artists who bring that word to life. Having captivated audiences for years with its commitment to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible, the theatre is now a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called “America’s finest regional theater company” by The Wall Street Journal. Under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, the company is charting a path forward for its future.

Position Summary

• ADTS leads the Box Office team in maintaining a high level of professionalism and industry-leading customer service. 
• The ADTS will advocate for the needs of the WT audience by building deep relationships with subscribers and patrons, acting as the face of customer service for WT. 
• Working with the Director of Marketing (DOM), the ADTS helps set and manage earned ticket revenue strategies including but not limited to single tickets, subscription sales and benefits, and other special programs.
• The ADTS will be required to work nights and weekends during performances.

Primary Responsibilities

Box Office & Customer Service Leadership:

• Serve as the primary ticket inventory manager for the company.
• Hire, train, supervise, motivate and support a strong and strategic team.  
• Schedule Box Office staff for box office shifts, will call shifts, audience engagement events.
• Working closely with the DOM and ADAS, create and ensure a streamlined and welcoming audience experience.
• Lead and supervise Tessitura and customer service training of Box Office associates. Serve as a Tessitura superuser within the Box Office.
• Create Box Office, ticketing and customer service policies with the goal of providing industry-leading patron services.
• Work with ADAS to oversee Access programs and budgets to consistently be an industry leader in Access services. (ie. Large print programs, listening devices).
• Supervise interactions with patrons over the phone, in person and via email, as necessary.
• Resolve patron issues/complaints in a timely manner that is in keeping with organizational policy.
• Greet patrons, customers, donors, artists and vendors with a welcoming presence.
• Maintain Box Office spaces, ensuring appropriate materials are stocked and organized at all times.
• Lead and supervise outreach to and cultivation of group sales, assisting and offering coaching as necessary.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Season Maintenance & Planning: 

• Develop, maintain, and track departmental income and expense budgets; ensure accurate and timely box office records (daily, weekly, quarterly); generate specialized reports, records, and statistical data.
• Provide input on ticket and subscription pricing and packages.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Database staff to structure demand-based pricing models, sales projections and corresponding pricing to maximize revenue.
• Track and monitor ticket sale trends (single/subscription) to help the Marketing department in planning effective strategies for future subscription and sales campaigns.
• Partner with Database Administrator & Technology Manager on Tessitura operations including season setup, maintaining a clean database, and streamlined purchase paths.
• Edit marketing and advancement materials as necessary.
• Help finalize the season calendar.
• Additional Duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Key Competencies

The successful candidate will have:

• Two or more years of team management experience.
• Extensive customer service experience.
• Working knowledge of Tessitura ticketing software preferred.
• The ability to empathize with patrons and staff.
• Enthusiasm and appreciation for live theatre.
• Flexibility, creativity and poise under pressure.
• Superior organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to correctly assess priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

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, or veteran status.

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.

To Apply

Qualified and interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume and any salary requirements to jobs@writerstheatre.org. No phone calls please.

AUDIENCE SERVICES ASSOCIATE

Location: Glencoe, IL 
Department: Audience Services
Classification: Part-Time/Seasonal (February 15 - March 26)
Salary Range: $15.50/hour

Position Summary

Writers Theatre seeks an Audience Services Associate to coordinate front of house operations during performances and special events, including third party rentals at Writers Theatre. This role 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.
• 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.
• 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
• Must be able to communicate with internal and external stakeholders both in-person and in a written format
• Must be able to both sit and stand for extended periods of time as well as move about the theatre building, including the use of stairs
• Must be able to occasionally crouch, climb, and reach
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds

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, or veteran status.

Please find more information on our culture and specific policies at the following links:

• https://www.writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt
• https://www.writerstheatre.org/our-code-of-conduct
• https://www.writerstheatre.org/edi-at-wt

To Apply

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to jobs@writerstheatre.org. Please include in the subject line of the email “Audience Services Associate Application”. No phone calls please.

Want to help us improve our hiring process? Please include where you found this job posting when you email us your materials.

COVER SOUND TECHNICIAN

Location: Glencoe, IL 
Department: Audio/Production
Classification: Part-Time/Seasonal
Salary Range: $18/hour, 4-hour minimum per call

Position Summary:

Writers Theatre seeks a Cover Sound Technician/Cover A2 for an upcoming production. The Cover Sound Technician is responsible for testing and maintaining wireless microphones, helping actors with microphone placement, troubleshooting wireless microphone issues as needed, and troubleshooting with head of audio as needed. This position will be called for most of tech and at least 3 shows per week during the run. This position works closely with the head of audio and video.

Responsibilities:
Schedule (off on Mondays and Tuesdays):

• Tech – Sunday 2/3 – Sunday 2/12
• Final dress – Wednesday 2/15
• Previews – Thursday 2/16 – Thursday 2/23
• Opening – Friday 2/24
• Closing – Sunday 3/26

Technical rehearsals:

• Assist in system tuning, if needed (2/1 and 2/2)
• Check and maintain wireless microphones
• Assist actors with wireless placement (both lavalier and mic pack)

Performances:

• Perform preshow audio and any video system checks with head of audio
• Trouble shoot audio issues as needed
• Work with head of audio to ensure microphone tape and other needs are on hand
• Participate in understudy rehearsals as needed

Qualifications & Key Competencies:

• Experience working with wireless microphones, Shure and Wireless Work bench familiarity a plus
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Clear and effective communication with colleagues from a variety of theatrical backgrounds
• Strong organizational, 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:

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, or veteran status.

Please find more information on our culture and specific policies at the following links:

• https://www.writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt
• https://www.writerstheatre.org/our-code-of-conduct
• https://www.writerstheatre.org/edi-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.

To Apply:

Qualified and interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to ahosking@writerstheatre.org. Please include “ONCE Cover Sound Technician” in the subject. No phone calls please.

Want to help us improve our hiring process? Please include where you found this job posting when you email us your materials.