Employment

American Players Theatre seeks an ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE 

American Players Theatre (APT) is a classical theatre company located in Spring Green, WI. In 2019 we celebrated our 40th season. APT’s mission is to perform timeless, challenging, poetic texts, with Shakespeare at the center, to the broadest audience possible.  We strive to share our understanding that great poetry and stories, both from our past and from the emerging voices of our future, can illuminate the ever expanding experience of what it is to be human.  At the heart of our work is our belief in the power of words to express deep human truths.

Situated on 110 acres of hilly woods and meadows, APT boasts two theatre spaces, a 1089-seat outdoor amphitheater and the 200 seat indoor Touchstone Theatre. In 2020 we will produce 9 shows in rotating repertory from June to November. On our outdoor Hill stage we will present ROUGH CROSSING, directed by William Brown, Jane Austen’s SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, directed by Marti Lyons, JULIUS CAESAR, directed by Stephen Brown-Fried, THE MADWOMAN OF CHAILLOT, directed by Aaron Posner, and LOVE’S LABOURS LOST, directed by Brenda DeVita.  In the Touchstone our season includes THE RIVER BRIDE, directed by Robert Ramirez, A PHOENIX TOO FREQUENT, directed by Keira Fromm, THE BROTHERS SIZE, directed by Gavin Lawrence and STONES IN HIS POCKETS directed by Tim Ocel.

Position Summary
APT seeks an early career theater professional to join APT as an Artistic Associate for a 12-week contract. This position reports to Artistic Director, Brenda DeVita. This position also works directly in collaboration with Associate Artistic Director Carey Cannon and Artistic Associate Evelyn Matten as part of the Artistic Team charged with casting the 2020 repertory season. The Artistic Associate will be instrumental in supporting the theater’s work in the areas of inclusion and anti-racism; a nuanced understanding and interest in this work is essential. Duties include reading and analyzing scripts, communicating with auditioning artists, releasing breakdowns, managing submissions, scheduling and coordinating auditions, maintaining casting databases, research, and collaborating on the intricate repertory casting chart. While much of this position will include general administrative duties, the Artistic Associate will play an integral role in assembling the artists in APT’s 41st season, and will gain valuable experience in the fields of producing and casting.

Typical work hours are 40 hours a week with occasional weekends and evenings.
It is our hope that this new position in the future will evolve into a full time, year round post.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

• Read and evaluate scripts in our 2020 / 2021 seasons for casting; specifically, in regards to the examination of race and gender in the casting process
• Assist and support the Associate Artistic Director in managing auditions
• Assist and facilitate communication between APT and artists and artists’ agents
• Schedule auditions in Spring Green, Chicago, and elsewhere as needed
• Maintain and update casting database, breakdowns, spreadsheets 
• Process and respond to artist correspondence
• Attend weekly meetings of the Artistic Team

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• A genuine passion for, and interest in, language-based theatre
• A collegial and collaborative spirit 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• A commitment to, and understanding of, anti-racism practices
• An interest in sharing your authentic identity and lived experience to aid the conversations regarding casting plays historically performed by white actors
• Superb organizational skills
• Honesty and discretion
• Ability to collaborate closely with a hard-working team
• Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent experience preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook

Compensation
This contract position is 40 hours a week for a 12-week period between the months of February and May. Specific dates of employment to be determined by APT in conjunction with the candidate’s availability. Spring Green housing is provided and it is expected the Artistic Associate will live locally during their employment. Salary is $550/week.

To Apply
APT is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in our hiring process as well as in all areas of our work. We strongly encourage Women, People of Color, LGBTQ+ and other candidates from populations underrepresented in the theater field to apply. Submissions will be reviewed, initial interviews will be conducted via video conference and final interviews will take place at American Players Theatre in Spring Green.

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume by January 10th 2020 to:

Brenda@americanplayers.org with the subject line to read ARTISTIC HIRE

We are currently accepting submissions for our 2020 season

Hard copies of headshots and resumes can be sent to:

Casting 
American Players Theatre
PO Box 819
Spring Green, WI 53588

Electronic submissions can be sent to casting@americanplayers.org

Our season runs from May 4th through October 4th, and as we play in rep, we are unable to consider actors who aren’t free for the entirety of the season.

Assistant Box Office Manager/Education Coordinator

American Players Theatre (APT) is searching for a friendly and detail-oriented Assistant Box Office Manager/Education Coordinator to join APT’s Box Office team and year-round staff. 

The Assistant Box Office Manager, along with the Manager, is involved in all aspects of box office operations, including: filling orders, training and managing staff, communicating with patrons, reporting, running shifts, and other duties. As Education Coordinator, this staff member manages teaching artist schedules, coordinates educational residencies, and other administrative tasks specific to education. 

APT is an equal opportunity employer, values equity and inclusion, and prioritizes representation and diversity. People of color, and/or from diverse backgrounds or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. 

APT is a professional, classical theater company located near Spring Green, WI, 40 miles west of Madison. Now in its 41st year, the theater produces nine productions each season, welcoming over 110,000 patrons at its two performance venues, the 1100-seat outdoor amphitheater and the 200-seat indoor Touchstone Theatre.  APT’s annual operations budget is $7 million, of which nearly $4.5 million comes from ticket sales. For more information about American Players Theatre, visit www.americanplayers.org. 

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities: 
• Along with the Box Office Manager, manage sales, events, and promotions using Spektrix, APT’s ticketing/marketing/fundraising system.
• Along with the Box Office Manager, run shifts in the box office, handling all aspects of ticketing services including responding to customer concerns, troubleshooting and supervising box office staff. 
• Coordinate a number of engagement and food events, including APT’s “Midsummer Music” program
• Schedule and coordinate student matinee bookings, school workshops and other aspects of APT’s education and engagement programs
• Work with the Box Office Manager and other APT staff to fulfill other duties as assigned. 
Qualifications and Essential Qualities:
• Management Experience: A collaborative and confident manager, able to model excellent customer service, and maintain a contented and effective box office staff. 
• Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite; database management experience is preferred
• Customer Service: Friendly and approachable with the confidence to meet customers’ needs
• Calm Under Pressure: Able to be effective and friendly in fast-paced situations, including during emergencies.
• Accuracy: Meticulous attention to detail; able to account and report on daily box office receipts 
• Communication Skill: Clear, tactful, and friendly written and oral communication; effective proofreading skill 
• Organization and Project Management: Meticulous attention to accuracy and detail; organization and multi-tasking abilities; able to prioritize tasks, prepare reports and reconcile daily accounts.
• Schedule: Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends, especially during APT’s performance season (June – November) 
• Collaboration: The ability to thrive in a collaborative environment, both within the box office and within the organization.

This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits and the expected salary range is $34,000 - $36,000, based on experience. Due to the responsibilities of this position, offers are contingent upon a successful completion of a criminal background check. 
To apply, please send letter of interest and resume to: Bruce Ehlinger, Box Office Manager, at bruce@americanplayers.org. To ensure consideration, applications must be received by December 20, 2019. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

All facilities positions are currently filled.

APT is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in our hiring process as well as in all areas of our work. We strongly encourage Women, People of Color, LGBTQ+ and other candidates from populations underrepresented in the theater field to apply.

Position: Master Electrician – Touchstone Theatre
Reports to: Lighting Supervisor
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: April 27, 2020 – October 8, 2020
Salary Range: $600-650 per week, housing provided

American Players Theater is currently seeking applicants for the position of Master Electrician in our Touchstone Theatre.  

This staff member is responsible for the installation, execution, and maintenance of all theatrical lighting and effects as designed for the Touchstone Theatre repertory season and 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:
• Communicate with lighting designers prior to focus
• Attend production meetings
• Hang and circuit all lighting as designed by Lighting Designer
• Supervise focus calls for repertory plot, as well as individual shows
• Execute wiring for all electrified and battery operated 
• 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
• Execute all lighting changeovers in the Touchstone Theatre
• Maintain and update all cue lights, house lights, work lights, and backstage blue lights
• Maintain and repair lighting cable and conventional lights as needed
• Assist with lighting calls in APT’s Hill Theatre, as directed by the Lighting Supervisor
• Other duties as assigned
Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references to Michael Broh at apm@americanplayers.org. Please include Master Electrician in the subject line.

Position: Wardrobe Assistant
Reports to: Wardrobe Supervisor
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: May 27, 2020 – October 11, 2020
Salary: $510 per week, 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 2020 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, pressing and alterations
• 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 Michael Broh at apm@americanplayers.org. Please include Wardrobe Assistant in the subject line.

Position: First Hand
Reports to: Costume Director
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: Contract dates of April 23, 2020-June 13, 2020 and 
July 2, 2020-August 15, 2020 Available
Salary Range: $500 - $520 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 45 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 1089-seat outdoor amphitheatre 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 Michael Broh at apm@americanplayers.org. Please include First Hand in the subject line.

Position: Stitcher
Reports to: Costume Director
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: Contract dates of April 28, 2020-June 11, 2020; May 5, 2020-June 18, 2020;
May 12, 2020-June 25, 2020 Available
Salary Range: $425 per week, housing provided

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 45 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 1089-seat outdoor amphitheatre and a 201-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 Michael Broh at apm@americanplayers.org. Please include Stitcher in the subject line.

Position: Sound Assistant

Reports to: Sound Supervisor
Status: Seasonal, Salaried
Dates: April 27 – October 8
Salary Range: $500-550 per week, housing provided

American Players Theatre is currently seeking applicants for the position of Sound Assistant. This staff member will assist with the installation, execution, and maintenance of all sound equipment for a repertory season of 5 plays in APT’s outdoor Up the Hill Theatre (1090 seats) and 4 plays in APT’s indoor Touchstone Theatre (201 seats). Qualified applicants will show a proficiency with programming QLab, and the ability to run a Yamaha DM1000 digital sound console. Experience with regional theater and/or repertory theater is preferred.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assist with the installation, maintenance, and strike of all sound equipment.
• Attend all work calls for as directed by the Sound Supervisor
• Program QLab and digital mixer as needed during technical rehearsals
• Run sound during performances
• Perform checks and ensure the integrity of all sound elements before each performance
• Perform changeovers of sound specials between performances, as directed
• Maintain and repair sound cables as directed
• Update Sound Supervisor with information from technical rehearsals and maintenance needs
• Other duties as assigned
Interested applicants should send a PDF resume with references to Michael Broh at apm@americanplayers.org. Please include Sound Assistant in the subject line.

All patrons services positions are currently filled.

Production Internships 

APT does not have a production internship program, though we offer a number of apprenticeships in acting and production that are posted in their department areas as they become available. Due to the nature of our repertory season and the speed at which we work we are unable to support interns in the way they should be. If you are available for our entire season, which runs from early May to mid-October, you may be interested in our Production Assistant position. We will be hiring for those positions soon, please check the Production Employment section for details in the coming weeks. 

APT Production Internship for Local High School Students

Theater is not just for actors. It takes of village of skilled craftspeople, engineers, technicians, and artists, to bring a play to the stage. At American Players Theatre, we build scenery from wood and steel, pattern and build costumes from scratch, tie wigs from real human hair, build, and upholster period furniture, make special effects, always custom, always for the first time. We have lighting technicians programming computers and working at great heights, sound technicians editing and creating effects, and, of course, no play could get from rehearsal to closing night without the talent of stage managers.

We are looking to share what knowledge and expertise we have with the students of our community, to help inspire the next generation of theater artisans, technicians, and managers. We’re looking for students who might love theater production, if only they knew more about it. 

Who is involved?
This is a unique learning experience working behind-the-scenes in costumes, scenic painting, lighting, sound, props, and more. The intern will spend a week in each different production department working alongside our artists and technicians, learning about our work, and assisting on projects for hands on experience. Some of this work may take place during a live performance. What happens during the internship?

What happens during the internship?
The time commitment for this internship is 20 hours a week for five weeks, usually Tuesday through Saturday, starting on July 2nd, 2019.   Some of this experience may include, but is not limited to: 

Prop Shop: Work with Prop Master to learn how a show is propped, determining whether to build, buy or refurnish each piece on the prop list.  Assist in finding rehearsal props and responding to changes coming out of rehearsals.  Work on specific small projects in soft goods, hand props or furniture.  Spend time in the props wood shop learning from technicians about building furniture.

Costume Shop: Work with the Costume Director to learn how a costume shop works and how a show is costumed.  Work with a costume team on small sewing projects.  Spend time in the wig shop learning about wig making and styling.  Spend time in the millinery shop learning about hats and their construction.  Spend time in the costume crafts shop learning about costume crafts, adaptation of shoes and the art of dying fabric.

Electrics and Sound Department: Work with the Lighting Supervisor to learn how a show is lit.  Learn about the lighting instruments APT has, how they are hung, maintained and how they work in a show.  Receive training for working safely at great heights, and explore our various lighting positions.  Work with the Sound Supervisor to learn about the sound support and equipment APT uses.  Spend time watching each technician run a show.

Stage Management: Work with the Production Stage Manager to learn how a stage manager shepherds a rehearsal process.  Spend time in rehearsals, both in the halls and on stage.  Assist the stage management team in preparing for rehearsal and shutting down afterwards.  Learn about the magic of scheduling rehearsals/fittings/vocal sessions/movement sessions/fight work and other one time things for the company.  Shadow a stage manager or assistant stage manager during a show and learn about show duties.

Paint Shop: Work with the Charge Scenic Artist to learn about paint treatments, how to use a model and paint elevations to create the designer’s vision and what it takes to keep the actors from slipping in the rain.  Assist the paint staff with painting scenery and props.  See how paint notes are dealt with during technical rehearsals and when the set is already installed up the hill onstage.

Anything else in mind? The intern will be personally granted a free ticket to any show (availability pending) through APT’s Employee Ticket Policy.  Ideally the intern will see many, if not all, of the shows at both our outdoor Hill Theatre and indoor Touchstone Theatre. 

For their safety while working in APT shops, the intern will read and agree to APT’s Employee Work Agreement.  The Employee Work Agreement will address special clothing requirements, such as closed, sturdy footwear in the prop wood shop.

Will there be an evaluation I can use for school credit? Each supervisor the student works with will provide a brief written evaluation of the intern.  These will be complied together at the end of the internship.

The internship will last approximately 80-100 hours and the student can earn one elective credit from River Valley High School for successfully passing the internship. The grading for the internship will be done on a pass/fail basis and this decision will be based on an overall review of the evaluations written by the supervisors.

The intern will have weekly meetings with the Production Manager during the internship, to ensure that it is going smoothly and to answer any questions.

Who is my contact during the internship? The overall experience is overseen by Production Manager Michael Broh.  The intern will also be supervised by each department head individually while working in their department.  If the intern needs to contact someone at APT and Michael is not available, his assistant, Sara Stellick will serve as a backup contact.  

Michael Broh   Production Manager 608-588-9218 broh@americanplayers.org
Sara Stellick   Assistant Production Manager 608-588-9213 apm@americanplayers.org

During the summer, all departments involved in this internship can be reached Tuesday through Saturday. Michael and Sara are also reachable by phone outside those days.  

How do I apply?

Fill out an application and either mail it in or drop it off! We would like to encourage not only students with theatrical interests, but painters, crafters, carpenters, and engineers to apply as well. Specific skills needed in various shops, such as sewing or using power tools, are helpful but not necessary. Please note: As a way to give back to our community, applicants from the River Valley School District will be the first candidates considered for this internship. If no appropriate candidate is found, APT will begin accepting applications from further abroad. 

When will I find out if I get the internship? Applications at due by May 17 and we will let you know by May 24. 

APT is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in our hiring process as well as in all areas of our work. We strongly encourage Women, People of Color, LGBTQ+ and other candidates from populations underrepresented in the theater field to apply.