Open Positions

RELEVANT DATES FOR TECHNICAL PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES:

AIN’T NO MO – JAN 6TH – FEB 9TH, 2025
A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE – FEB 10TH – MARCH 23RD, 2025
JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING – APRIL 28TH – JUNE 1ST, 2025

Various positions with the company are open on a rolling basis year around as needed for seasonal, project based, and freelance positions.

SpeakEasy Stage Company is an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sexuality, gender identification, or physical ability. The company is deeply committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Artistic Director

This search is being facilitated by Syrah Gunning, Senior Consultant, Executive Search & Development and Brett Egan, President of the DeVos Institute of Arts Management, a leading provider of arts management services, training and thought leadership for arts, cultural, and educational sectors worldwide. Learn more here.

Applications are no longer being accepted. For questions, please contact Syrah Gunning at segunning@devosinstitute.net.

After leading SpeakEasy for over three decades, from idea to fledgling theatre company to major regional force in the arts, Founding Artistic Director Paul Daigneault is stepping down to make room for the next artistic visionary to lead the company. The current 2024-2025 season will be his final season.

Since 2022, our Board and Staff leadership have been laying the groundwork for a successful evolution of artistic leadership. We restructured the organization to a dual Artistic and Executive leadership model, established a co-chair model of the Board to support it, and hired our first Executive Director (David Beardsley, who assumed the role in July 2023). We are currently in the process of updating our strategic plan, which will address strategies for financial sustainability, community cultivation, and organizational development, and ensure that we continue to fully integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion in all our efforts. We benefit from a committed Board of Directors, each of whom are deeply engaged in the life of the organization. At this exciting juncture, we invite artistic leaders who are inspired by our work to apply to become our next Artistic Director.

What we are looking for in SpeakEasy’s next Artistic Director

• A compelling vision and exceptional producing and directing ability – We are looking for an Artistic Director who is driven to produce timely and captivating theatre that challenges, inspires and entertains our community. You will articulate a clear vision for how you will deliver our mission, take our work to the next level, and support a smooth transition in artistic leadership. You will be an experienced director with a track record of producing and directing moving, high quality plays and musicals that speak to our time. You will bring the ability to curate balanced seasons, take artistic risks, and engage our community.
  
• A commitment to inclusive practices – We are looking for an artistic leader who will advocate for and continue to advance the inclusive practices we have built into every aspect of our organization. You will be able to reflect and explore your lived experience in your work, and champion artists, directors, designers, and administrators with lived experiences different from your own.
  
• Alignment with our values – Our values are Heart, Loyalty, Excellence, Courage, Respect, and Joy. We are looking for an Artistic Director who will lead with these values and inspire and guide others to do the same. You will be an empathetic, down-to-earth leader who celebrates others’ successes. You will set the tone for our collaborative and positive theatre-making culture. You will listen, consider diverse perspectives, provide insightful feedback, and make bold, smart decisions.
  
• The ability to consider the business implications of programming – We are looking for a pragmatic Artistic Director who values balancing the artistic and business implications of their choices. You will bring the ability to make – and inspire others to make – smart creative choices within the parameters of the organization’s financial and human resources. You will be committed to increasing our long-term sustainability and interested in exploring models, approaches and/or partnerships that advance this. You will partner with the Executive Director to grow and diversify streams of earned and contributed income.
  
• A commitment to investing in Boston’s theater community – We are looking for an artistic leader who will prioritize opportunities for engaging local talent and use this directive to inform their choices. You will have a track record of identifying potential in others, supporting them to develop it, and fostering talent onstage and off. If not already part of this community, you will relocate and commit yourself to it.
  
• A persuasive, public-facing communicator – We are looking for a charismatic artistic leader who will actively work to build SpeakEasy’s ‘family’ of audiences and supporters over time, in partnership with the Executive Director and senior leadership team. You will be an inspiring speaker able to represent SpeakEasy publicly and compellingly articulate SpeakEasy’s mission, goals, and values. You will be committed to increasing SpeakEasy’s visibility locally,  regionally and nationally.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership

• Lead SpeakEasy’s artistic vision and execute the mission. Inspire the staff and Board to create the best possible work at SpeakEasy, ensuring the artistic excellence of the company.
• Provide exceptional role modeling and a positive environment for everyone involved in SpeakEasy. Reflect SpeakEasy’s culture of collaboration, team-building, mutual respect, and artistic advancement. In partnership with the Board, Executive Director, staff, and creative and production teams, continue to advance the company’s inclusive practices.
• Work with the Executive Director and Board to develop and implement strategic priorities and ensure financial viability and stability of organization. In coordination with the Executive Director, be responsible for sound financial management and adherence to budget.
• Work closely with all departments and staff to ensure all planned activities will achieve the artistic vision consistent with the financial resources of the organization.
• Participate in the development of the company’s annual budget and manage this budget as it pertains to artistic endeavors.

 Artistic Direction

• Develop, implement, and evaluate SpeakEasy’s artistic programs, existing and new. Ensure programs stay true to mission and core values and advance strategic priorities. Track success of all productions and programs. In collaboration with staff, invent and develop new artistic and outreach programs that further SpeakEasy’s mission.
• Direct up to two mainstage productions per season.
• Hire and supervise all artistic and creative staff for individual productions including directors and designers. Attend design meetings, approve designs together with the directors, provide input on rehearsals, and provide feedback on creative processes and productions.

Outreach, Marketing, and Fundraising

• Participate in institutional marketing, including but not limited to season announcement parties; the choreography of major announcements; the forging of innovative and bold partnerships; the development of new means to engage audiences.
• Manage existing, and identify/new, artistic partnerships with other community organizations and artistic institutions to advance SpeakEasy’s mission.
• Actively participate in fundraising activities, including, but not limited to, events, donor development, and routine engagement with individual donors and funding organizations.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization’s artistic purpose via external speaking engagements, and as part of fundraising events and solicitations.
• Interact with the press and maintain a positive social media presence.
• Attend evening and weekend programs, meetings and events, including productions, Board meetings, fundraising events, and activities that provide opportunities to engage SpeakEasy’s constituents.

Board Engagement

• Work effectively with the Board of Directors. Carry out such other duties (not otherwise described above) as assigned by the Board from time to time.
• Assist with recruitment and orientation of new members.
• Serve as an ex officio member of the Board.

Who you’ll be working with

The Artistic Director will lead SpeakEasy’s artistic and programming strategy in partnership and collaboration with its Executive Director. The Artistic Director and Executive Director dually report to the Board of Directors. Read about SpeakEasy’s staff and Board here.

The Director of Artistic and Community Programs reports directly to the Artistic Director. The  Director of Production dually reports to the Artistic Director and the Executive Director. The Artistic Director also selects and oversees all creative teams, inclusive of directors, designers, performers, technicians, and consultants contributing to the artistic and production process, in consultation with the Executive Director on contracting details and adherence to production budgets. 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• A demonstrated track record of directing and producing plays and musicals that speak to our time.
• Experience season planning for an established theater company is valued. First time artistic directors who have contributed to season planning and can make a case for their ability are welcomed.
• Experience, and a personal interest, in investing in talent on and off stage, including identifying, nurturing, mentoring, supporting and advising artistic, technical and administrative teams.
• A commitment to supporting Boston’s theatre community.
• High attention to detail and the ability to deliver exceptional production values.
• Experience in a non-profit arts management/leadership position including participating in fundraising & audience engagement activities and working with Board members.
• Experience leading, managing, motivating, and inspiring a team.
• Excellent interpersonal leadership and communication (both written and oral) skills.
• A strong work ethic, passion, and humility.
• The ability to make SpeakEasy your top professional priority. If you have an existing practice, such as teaching, that you wish to continue in a limited capacity, we welcome this and will discuss it in the interview stage.
• In line with its mission, SpeakEasy welcomes inquiries from all interested candidates and strongly encourages individuals identifying as Black, Indigenous, and people of color, LBGTQIA+, neuro-diverse, and differently-abled to consider the opportunity, as well as individuals who meet some, but not all, criteria and bring relatable experience that they feel would prepare them to excel in the role.

Employment and Compensation

• Salary: $115,000 – $125,000
• Start date: Negotiable, Approximately Summer 2025. We will coordinate opportunities in Spring 2025 to allow the new AD to work with the outgoing AD to inform the 25-26 season.
• SpeakEasy’s office is located in Boston’s South End at 551 Tremont Street; all staff have the option of working one day a week from home.
• Benefits: Health, dental, and disability insurance. 
• All in person work will adhere to SpeakEasy’s Health and Safety policies, following all recommendations of state, local, and federal governments, and approved by Actors’ Equity Association. Policies will be reviewed upon the start of in-person work, and SpeakEasy will provide training on a safe working environment.

THE BASICS: HOW PRODUCTION HIRING WORKS AT SPEAKEASY

Traditional paths to a theatre career can be a maze of twisty passages with no obvious entrance.  In the interest of making our hiring more equitable, SpeakEasy is offering this guide to the different positions and the paths to hiring.

Job Postings:

SpeakEasy posts jobs to multiple sources:  our web page at www.speakeasystage.com, the Boston Theatre Freelance facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/bostontheatrefreelance and Hire Culture www.hireculture.org

We also will send targeted emails to past employees, past job applicants, and people on our list of overhire technicians.

Any person may apply at any time by emailing materials to jobs@speakeasystage.com.

OVERHIRE CREW

SpeakEasy relies on overhire crew with a variety of technical skills for hourly work.  This work is advertised via an internal email list of overhire workers, and also posted to the Boston Theatre Freelance facebook group.  

Job Description: We hire these workers during the week immediately prior to public performance when we need many hands to assemble the physical elements of the show.  These jobs do not continue during rehearsals or performances.  The supervisor is the department head – TD for carpenters/loaders, Master Electrician for electricians, Sound Designer or Audio Supervisor for sound engineers, Props Master for props and craft artisans, and Wardrobe Supervisors and Costume Designers for stitchers.

Compensation: Rates are $17-$25/hour, paid with a 4-hour minimum.  That means that if the work call is only one or two hours, the worker is still paid for 4 hours.  The “4 hour mini” is an industry standard that makes the travel time worth it though short maintenance or notes calls may be brief in duration.

How to apply: To gain entry to the overhire list, we require an e-mailed resume describing training and past or current jobs in technical theatre, that is descriptive about skills including:

• Theatre lighting – electrician, hanging, cabling, and focusing lights   
• Sound technician for audio gear setup, troubleshooting, and take down   
• Stage carpentry   
• Scenic painting   
• Props or crafts work   
• Stitching or altering costumes   
• Driving, vehicles such as car, cargo van, or box truck   
• Loading (less skilled, more ability to move items and equipment)

It is common to have multiple areas of expertise listed for one person on the overhire list.

We add technicians with high-school level of skills and experience to the overhire list all the time.  While we could not succeed with a crew consisting of all workers of limited skill, there is often room for a variety of skills to round out a crew.  Jobs get assigned on the fly and there is room for as-you-go learning of specific tasks.

For this reason it is suggested that the overhire list be the first way to gain employment backstage for skilled work.

To gain access to the overhire list, please send a resume, and we may contact you for a brief phone, video, or in-person interview before adding you to the list.

DESIGNERS: LIGHTING, SOUND, SET, COSTUMES, PROJECTIONS/VIDEO

Job Description: Designers (Sound, Set/Scenic Lighting, Costumes, Sound, Projections/video) are key creative contributors to productions.  The job requires a great deal of artistry as well as technical knowledge and practical problem-solving.  Designers do a mix of realizing their own design to handing off detailed drawings or specifications to have the design elements build, shopped, or acquired by other workers.

We start with the art first, so in addition to a resume and experience, a portfolio is essential to getting hired as a designer.  Portfolios on a publicly accessible website are preferred, but any form that can be easily viewed electronically will work.

How to apply: Designers who are new or unknown to the company usually are hired by scheduling a portfolio review with the Production manager and/or Artistic Director, and then by arranging other short interviews with Directors or other lead artistic staff on a project.  These interviews may be by phone or video or in person.

We also accept references from directors, designers, and stage managers who often recommend designers they have worked with in the past.

Compensation: Designers are freelancers, paid a flat fee, starting at $1,500 for mainstage productions.  Special projects or second stage productions may start lower.  The job is hired as a freelance contractor, with the designer doing most of the creative work at their own studio or residence on their own schedule.  Paid as 1099.  We hire a mix of union (USA Local 829) and non-union designers.  Union designers may receive benefits according to the contract, non-union designers do not receive benefits above the fee.

Costume Designers usually do more hands-on work to realize designs (buying, building, or altering) and are offered additional fee towards that work based on the cast size and period or complexity of the show.

RUN CREW: WARDROBE SUPERVISORS, WARDROBE RUN CREW, BACKSTAGE CREW, AND BOARD OPS

Run crew positions are hired hourly to fill key roles in running and maintaining our productions.  We begin by hiring the supervising positions: Wardrobe Supervisors, Stage Managers, and Assistant Stage Managers at the beginning of each season.  Based on the needs and budgets of the show, we hire run crew to fit the needs of the show.  All crew jobs share in basic maintenance and cleaning of the stage and backstage areas and pre-show prep.  Crew do not do building maintenance or specialized work on set, lights, or sound equipment.

Run Crew positions require skills and experience working backstage on live theatre events.  We tend to hire with stage management experience for most general crew jobs, but if the production has a special technical element we will look for skilled applicants.  Board operators must have some background operating lighting, sound or video systems but are often trained on our particular setup during rehearsals.

Compensation:

Wardrobe Supervisors $17/hr W2 eligible for overtime

Run Crew – $15 per hour W2 eligible for overtime over 40 hours per week

STAGE MANAGERS, AND ASMS

Job Description: All Stage Management jobs and some ASM (Assistant Stage Management jobs) are union positions for SpeakEasy mainstage shows.  Stage Managers are hired mostly upon personal recommendation from directors, choreographers, and artistic directors.  Stage Management candidates who are new to the company are hired after several in-person or remote job interviews and extensive checks of references.  The communication between the stage manager and the director, cast, creative team, and run crew is critical.

How to apply: Assistant Stage Managers are hired as union and non-union depending on the production.  ASM candidates often come from resumes submitted directly, by promoting a run crew or overhire employee, or from a personal recommendation from another stage manager or director.

Compensation: Union Stage Managers are paid $550-700 per week salary plus overtime and benefits, with rates set by a Union Collectively Bargained Agreement.  Non-union Assistant Stage Managers are paid $15 per hour, eligible for overtime, no benefits, and minimum salary of $250/week.

TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT HEADS: PROJECT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR (TD) MASTER ELECTRICIAN, AND PROPS MASTER (ADD HIDE/REVEAL)

SpeakEasy stage does not own and operate a theatre full time, so we hire technical department heads on a show-by-show basis, to be resident and working on-site the week prior to opening our shows.  For consistency we try to hire for multiple projects.  We hire candidates that come to us through resume submission, personal recommendation from other theatres and production managers, and by promoting employees with past experience in Overhire and crew positions.

How to apply: In addition to a resume and reference check, we require several interviews that include in-depth descriptions of past projects and examples of technical abilities as well as people-management skills.

Compensation: Project TD and ME positions are paid a salary starting at $1,600 per show.  Props Masters are paid a similar salary OR hourly at $25/hour depending on the complexity of the project.