Employment

Head Electrician

Reports to: Lighting Supervisor
Status: Seasonal, Hourly
Dates: April 27, 2026 to November 11, 2026, preferably, or October 18, 2026
Salary Range: $938.40 per week, housing provided by APT

American Players Theater is currently seeking applicants for the position of Head Electrician. This staff member will support the installation, execution, and maintenance of all theatrical lighting and effects as designed for the repertory season and supervise the same for APT’s Fall Show. Qualified applicants will show a proficiency with programming ETC Ion Control Board and with electrical wiring. Experience with regional theater and/or repertory theater is preferred.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• Supervise work calls
• Hang and circuit all lighting as designed by Lighting Designer
• Execute wiring for all electrified and battery operated practicals and props
• Supervise the build and execution of lighting and atmospheric effects
• Program ETC Ion light board during technical rehearsals
• Run light board during performances
• Ensure the integrity of all lighting elements before each performance
• Participate in lighting changeovers
• Maintain and update cue lights, house lights, work lights, and backstage blue lights
• Maintain and repair lighting cable and conventional lights as needed
• For APT’s Fall Show in the Touchstone Theatre:
o Communicate with lighting designers prior to focus
o Attend production meetings
o Supervise focus calls for repertory plot, as well as individual shows
• Other duties as assigned

Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include Head Electrician in the subject line.

Scenic Artist

Reports to: Scenic Charge Artist
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: April 27, 2026 – August 8, 2026
Salary: $627 per week, plus housing provided by APT

American Players Theater is currently seeking applicants for the position of Scenic Artist. This staff member will assist the Scenic Charge Artist and Assistant Charge Artist in executing the finishing and painting of scenery and props furniture for a repertory season of 5 plays in APT’s outdoor Hill Theatre (1075 seats) and 3 plays in APT’s indoor Touchstone Theatre (201 seats). Experience with outdoor theater and/or repertory theater is preferred. The Scenic Artist acts as part of the 3-person paint team. Most work happens in an indoor paint shop, with occasionally outdoor work, when required.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the finish texture, treatments, carving, and painting of all scenery and props furniture, front and back, as assigned
• Assist with routine paint shop cleanliness
• Participate in all paint note calls during tech
• Other duties as assigned

Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references, and photographs of work samples (or a link to the same) to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include Scenic Artist in the subject line.

Stage Operations Supervisor

Reports to: Production Manager
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: April 13, 2026 – November 15, 2026
Salary Range: $850-$900 per week, housing provided

American Players Theatre is currently seeking applicants for the position of Stage Operations Supervisor. This department head will schedule and supervise a crew of 6 Production Assistants (Deck Crew) for all scenery changeovers, daily rehearsal set ups, run crew rehearsals, and other work calls, as well as ensure that all scenic elements are in place and in proper working order prior to each performance and rehearsal for two theaters in repertory (1075 seat outdoor theater and 200 seat indoor theater). This position involves a significant amount of outdoor work in all types of weather, and requires working with and supporting a variety of other department heads.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise and assist Deck Crew for all scenery changeovers

• Supervise and assist daily preparation of outdoor rehearsal space

• Repair and maintain scenery, props and other backstage materials and organize their storage

• Maintain a safe working environment

• Organize and schedule all shop and work calls for the Deck Crew

• Generate daily and weekly crew schedules, and coordinate with other departments

• Communicate schedule needs and changes daily with affected departments

• Manage the budget for the Deck department

• Serve as swing understudy for backstage crew

• Order supplies needed for the Deck Crew

• Supervise and/or assist other department heads with season strike of all production elements.

• Attend all production meetings and department head meetings

• In coordination with the Production Manager, attend appropriate tech and dress rehearsals

• Ensure props consumables are supplied for all performances

Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include Stage Operations Supervisor in the subject line.

Assistant Costume Designer

Reports to: Costume Director/Costume Designer
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: April 24, 2026 to June 20, 2026
Salary: $893 per week, plus housing provided by APT

American Players Theater is currently seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Costume Designer for their production of The Matchmaker in the outdoor Hill Theatre.
This position reports to the Costume Designer. Although Employee will work with the Costume Designer to establish a regular daily schedule, Employee is responsible for discussing and communicating daily and weekly schedule/hours information at least 48 hours in advance with the Costume Director.

APT boasts two theaters, a 1075 seat outdoor amphitheater and a 200 seat indoor theatre, and produces eight plays in repertory in the wooded hills of southwest Wisconsin.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assist Designer in locating and tracking rentals and purchases for the show
• Take notes during fittings and Production meetings and distribute as needed
• Serve as a liaison between designer/shop, designer/director
• Serve as the Designer’s representative when the Designer is unavailable
• Responsible for pulling, locating and/or coordinating all footwear
• Responsible for compiling a complete show “Bible” including final costume plot, dressing lists, rental documentation, sourcing information, expense records, wig/hair information
• Coordinate all understudy fittings
• Creating Hot/Cold/Rain plans for the show
• Attend regular shop meetings
• Attend APT’s March Design Conference March 13, 2026 to March 17,2026
• Other duties as assigned

Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references, and photographs of work samples (or a link to the same) to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include Assistant Costume Designer in the subject line.

Assistant Costume Shop Director

Reports to: Costume Director
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: April 28, 2026 – August 8, 2026
Salary Range: $675 - $715 per week, plus housing provided


American Players Theater is currently seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Costume Shop Director. This staff member is responsible for assisting the Costume Director with ongoing support for APT’s Costume Shop as a whole, as well as supporting individual shows as needed. Applicants should have a strong organizational and communication skills, as well as experience with costume construction and crafts. The Costume Shop Assistant helps to support a shop of 30 in providing costumes for an 8 play repertory season in two theaters, one of which is outdoors.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• Keep track of Costume Shop supplies inventory
• Source and order shop supplies
• Track and check in orders on Purchase Orders
• Work with vendors for the return of Sales Tax
• Local shopping in Madison
• Assist Costume Design Assistants with shopping and sourcing for shows
• Assist with stitching and costume crafts as needed
• Attend regular shop meetings
• Attend technical rehearsals as assigned
• Other duties as assigned
Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include Assistant Costume Shop Director in the subject line.

Crafts Artisan

Reports to: Costume Director
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: May 12, 2026 - June 27, 2026 and July 7, 2026 - August 8, 2026, subject to adjustment during hiring.
Salary: $790 per week, plus housing provided by APT

American Players Theater is currently seeking applicants for the position of Crafts Artisan. This staff member will be part of a team building period costume crafts primarily for our outdoor classical theater. Work hours average 40 per week in a shop filled with natural light. Must have experience with leather tooling and jewelry. Experience with period construction, construction for outdoor theatre and/or extended runs preferred. APT boasts two theaters, a 1075-seat outdoor amphitheater and a 200-seat indoor theatre, and produces eight plays in repertory in the wooded hills of southwest Wisconsin.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assist in the construction and maintenance of all costume detail accessories, craft work, armor and related items
• Assist in executing the painting and dyeing needs for the season
• May also involve some millinery tasks and assistance with shoes (distressing, rubberizing, accessorizing)
• Attend all work calls as directed by the Costume Director
• Maintain a clean and safe work area
• Attend regular shop meetings
• Other duties as assigned

Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references, and photographs of work samples (or a link to the same) to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include Crafts Artisan in the subject line.

Draper

Reports to: Costume Director
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: April 28, 2026 - June 27, 2026
Salary Range: $933 per week, plus housing provided by APT

American Players Theatre is currently seeking applicants for the position of Associate Draper. This staff member will be part of a team building high-quality period costumes. Work hours average 40 per week in a shop filled with natural light. Experience with period construction, construction for outdoor theatre and/or extended runs preferred. APT boasts two theaters, a 1075-seat outdoor amphitheater and a 200-seat indoor theatre, and produces eight plays in repertory in the wooded hills of southwest Wisconsin.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• In conjunction with the Draper
o interpret Costume Designer’s renderings into actual clothing
o Organize work load to complete by opening
o Supervise and direct the work of First Hand(s) and Stitcher(s) on the Team
o Draft and drape patterns, cut fabrics, tailor menswear, attend all fittings
o Responsible for all alterations
o Attend APT’s March Design Conference March 13, 2026 to March 17,2026
Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include Draper in the subject line.

First Hand 1

Reports to: Costume Director
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: April 28, 2026 – June 27, 2026
Salary Range: $765 per week, housing provided

American Players Theatre is currently seeking applicants for the position of First Hand.This staff member will be part of a team building high-quality period costumes. Work hours average 40 per week in a shop filled with natural light. Experience with period construction, construction for outdoor theatre and/or extended runs preferred. APT boasts two theaters, a 1075-seat outdoor amphitheater and a 201-seat indoor theatre, and produces eight plays in repertory in the wooded hills of southwest Wisconsin.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assist the Cutter/Draper in the construction of costumes for the team’s play, possibly involving machine and hand stitching and alterations of garments
• Responsible for some lighter patterning and cutting of the patterns provided by the Cutter/Draper
• Provide assistance to other plays in the shop as directed
• Other duties as assigned
Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include First Hand in the subject line.

First Hand 2

Reports to: Costume Director
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: May 7, 2026 – June 27, 2026
Salary Range: $765 per week, housing provided

American Players Theatre is currently seeking applicants for the position of First Hand. This staff member will be part of a team building high-quality period costumes. Work hours average 40 per week in a shop filled with natural light. Experience with period construction, construction for outdoor theatre and/or extended runs preferred. APT boasts two theaters, a 1075-seat outdoor amphitheater and a 201-seat indoor theatre, and produces eight plays in repertory in the wooded hills of southwest Wisconsin.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assist the Cutter/Draper in the construction of costumes for the team’s play, possibly involving machine and hand stitching and alterations of garments
• Responsible for some lighter patterning and cutting of the patterns provided by the Cutter/Draper
• Provide assistance to other plays in the shop as directed
• Other duties as assigned
Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include First Hand in the subject line.

Painter/Dyer

Reports to: Costume Director
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: May 5, 2026 to June 25, 2026
Salary: $893 per week, plus housing provided by APT

American Players Theater is currently seeking applicants for the position of Costume Painter/Dyer. The Painter/Dyer is responsible for executing the painting and dyeing needs for all costumes for the season of 8 plays in repertory. As time allows, the painter/dyer will assist in the construction and maintenance of costume detail accessories, craft work, armor and related items. APT boasts two theaters, a 1090 seat outdoor amphitheater and a 200 seat indoor theatre, and produces eight plays in repertory in the wooded hills of southwest Wisconsin.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• Execute all costume painting and dyeing needs for the season
• Meet with designers to approve color samples and other prototypes
• Attend APT’s March Design Conference March 13, 2026 to March 17,2026
• Ensure a safe working environment by following all safety protocols, and keeping management apprised of safety needs
• Assist in the construction and maintenance of all costume detail accessories, craft work, armor and related items should time allow
• Attend all work calls as directed by the Craft Supervisor
• Maintain a clean and safe work area
• Attend regular shop meetings
• Other duties as assigned
Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references, and photographs of work samples (or a link to the same) to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include Painter Dyer in the subject line.

Stitcher 1

Reports to: Costume Director
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: April 28, 2026 - June 11, 2026
Salary Range: $663 per week, plus housing provided by APT

American Players Theatre is currently seeking applicants for the position of Stitcher.

This staff member will be part of a team building high-quality period costumes. Work hours average 40 per week in a shop filled with natural light. Experience with period construction, construction for outdoor theatre and/or extended runs preferred. APT boasts two theaters, a 1075-seat outdoor amphitheater and a 200-seat indoor theatre, and produces eight plays in repertory in the wooded hills of southwest Wisconsin.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• Machine and hand assembly of costumes for team’s play
• Provide stitching assistance to other plays in the shop as directed
• Other duties as assigned
Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include Stitcher in the subject line.

Stitcher 2

Reports to: Costume Director
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: June 30th, 2026 – August 6th, 2026
Salary Range: $663 per week, plus housing provided by APT

American Players Theatre is currently seeking applicants for the position of Stitcher.
This staff member will be part of a team building high-quality period costumes. Work hours average 40 per week in a shop filled with natural light. Experience with period construction, construction for outdoor theatre and/or extended runs preferred. APT boasts two theaters, a 1075-seat outdoor amphitheater and a 200-seat indoor theatre, and produces eight plays in repertory in the wooded hills of southwest Wisconsin.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• Machine and hand assembly of costumes for team’s play
• Provide stitching assistance to other plays in the shop as directed
• Other duties as assigned
Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include Stitcher in the subject line.

Wardrobe Assistant

Reports to: Wardrobe Supervisor
Status: Seasonal, Hourly
Dates: May 27, 2026 to October 10, 2026
Salary: $17 per hour, plus housing provided by APT

American Players Theater is currently seeking applicants for the position of Wardrobe Assistant. This staff member is responsible for assisting the Wardrobe Supervisor in preparing costumes for each performance and production of the 2026 season, as well as serving as run crew for specific productions as assigned. Applicants should have a strong organizational and communication skills. Prior experience with an Equity company highly preferred and repertory and/or outdoor experience is helpful. The Wardrobe Assistant works with a caring and committed resident acting company for an 8 play repertory season in two theaters, one of which is outdoors.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learn quick-changes as directed and assist with same
• Help create show check-in sheets, prep sheets and run sheets
• Assist actors with dressing and undressing as requested
• Assist with the maintenance of costume pieces, including laundering, repairing and pressing
• Assist in strike at the end of the season
• Make dry cleaning runs as directed by the Wardrobe Supervisor
• Other duties as assigned

Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include Wardrobe Assistant in the subject line.

Lighting Supervisor

Reports to: Production Manager
Status: Seasonal, Hourly
Dates: March 13 – 17, and April 20 – October 24
Salary Range: $1,000 per week, housing provided

American Players Theater is currently seeking applicants for the position of Lighting Supervisor. This staff member will oversee the execution of the lighting designs, including the supervision of hang and focus, maintenance of instruments, light board operation, wiring and rigging of electrical special effects and practicals, and lighting changeovers. They will supervise a staff of 3, with additional labor from APT’s deck crew, and execute advance work with lighting designers. Qualified applicants will show a proficiency with programming ETC Ion Control Board and with electrical wiring. Experience with regional theater, repertory theater, and/or working outdoors is preferred.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• Supervise Lighting Department for 9 shows in 2 theatres, including Lighting Assistant, Lighting Associate, and Head Electrician.
• Communicate with lighting designers for show needs and in response to deliverables
• Attend production meetings and Department Head meetings
• Supervise lighting hangs
• Supervise focus calls
• Supervise all electrified and battery-operated props, lighting and atmospheric effects
• Program ETC Ion light board during technical rehearsals
• Run light board during some performances
• Ensure the integrity of all lighting elements before each performance
• Supervise lighting changeovers
• Maintain and update all cue lights, house lights, work lights, and backstage blue lights
• Maintain and repair lighting cable and conventional lights as needed
• Maintain inventory and make recommendations for improvements
• Other duties as assigned

Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references to Laura Arnold at productionjobs@americanplayers.org. Please include Lighting Supervisor 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.

All front of house positions are currently filled.

For more information about Acting Apprentice Auditions for the 2025 season, please click here.