Artistic Associate
Reports to: Artistic Director
Status: Full Time, Year Round, Salaried with Benefits
Start Date: August of 2023
Salary Range: Salary: $40,000 - $45,000 with a benefit package that includes PTO, health/dental/life insurance and a 403b plan
Position Summary
American Players Theatre seeks a theater professional to join the full-time, year-round staff as an Artistic Associate. The Artistic Associate reports directly to APT’s Artistic Director. The Artistic Associate is responsible, in collaboration with other members of APT’s Artistic and Production staff, for producing a consistent level of quality across all productions and aspects therein.
The Artistic Associate will be instrumental in supporting the theatre’s work in the areas of inclusion and anti-racism; a nuanced understanding of and interest in this work is essential especially as it pertains to casting and storytelling.
The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator, possess up to 3 years of experience within artistic administration, preferably a not-for-profit organization, and have some experience directing theater professionally. A love of Shakespeare and new play development experience is a significant plus.
Duties include reading and analyzing scripts to consider in the repertory, communicating with auditioning artists, releasing breakdowns, managing submissions, coordinating auditions, researching potential talent, and collaborating on the intricate repertory casting chart.
The position will manage and supervise the understudy responsibilities of the actors, working to prepare actors to go on when needed. While this position includes general administrative duties, the Artistic Associate will play an integral role in assembling the artists in APT’s season, and will gain valuable experience in the fields of casting and producing.
Typical work hours in season are 40-50 hours/week, with evenings and weekends possible. Off season is a typical 40 hour week with flexibility.
Key Responsibilities, including but not limited to:
- Read and evaluate scripts for potential production in-collaboration with APT’s Artistic Staff and Literary Manager.
- Maintain and update casting databases, breakdowns, and spreadsheets.
- Work closely with APT’s Associate Artistic Director and seasonal directors to audition and evaluate actors for APT’s acting company.
- Manage and support the acting company understudy work, in-collaboration with the Stage Management team.
- Program and manage APT’s winter season staged reading series, Winter Words, in-collaboration with APT’s Literary Manager.
- Work in collaboration with the Apprentices to create their fall showcase.
- Work closely with APT’s Leadership Team to revisit and revise the theater’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility commitment and Land Acknowledgement statement annually.
- Travel to see productions and hold general auditions at other regional theaters, colleges/universities and training programs.
- Introduce the company “first day” documentation and codes of conduct in conjunction with Artistic Team for all new artistic hires, including actors, voice and text coaches, directors and designers.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- A genuine passion for, and interest in, language-based theater.
- A genuine appreciation and commitment to a healthy community work environment.
- A commitment to creating and sustaining an inclusive work environment, and to learning and practicing anti-racism.
- As the American Theater continues to elevate racial and gender identities historically underrepresented in the art form, and ideal candidate will be skilled in identifying the sensitive nature of casting a production within a director’s overall vision.
- A deep curiosity about and respect for both the theatrical art form and the artists who make it. Understanding the unique processes that go into making each stage of a production.
- An ability to share honest and direct feedback in a high-stress environment collaboratively.
- Should be detail-oriented and self-motivated.
- A collaborative spirit who thrives in a team atmosphere.
- An ability to work honestly and with discretion.
- An avid interest in how the theatrical industry is poised to evolve and how our institution can and should adapt while maintaining its unique identity.
- A deep interest in learning.
- A proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
To Apply
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume with references to: Brenda DeVita at [email protected].
Please include Artistic Associate in the subject line.
APT is committed to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
American Players Theatre is a fully COVID-19 vaccinated workplace. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for employment.
