Open Positions

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.

RELEVANT DATES FOR TECHNICAL PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES:

FAIRVIEW – FEB 17 – MARCH 11, 2023
WILD GOOSE DREAMS – MAR 17 – APR 8, 2023
THE PROM – MAY 5 – JUN 3, 2023

Development Coordinator – Annual Fund & Grants

The Development Coordinator – Annual Fund and Grants will join a company that is bold and  thriving and an exciting place to work. This coordinator will work closely with the Director of Development to broaden SpeakEasy’s donor base and deepen donor engagement with the company. Additionally they will be acting as a writer, coordinator and administrator for SpeakEasy’s growing institutional funders program. As part of a three-person team, other duties may apply, all while working within a collaborative and equitable company environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Actively participate in company discussions and initiatives as related to our Equity and Anti-Racism Action Plan.
• Plan and execute the Annual Fund campaign to meet annual goals – developing communications strategies, producing print and digital solicitation materials, coordinating mailings, and facilitating the donor benefits program.
• Manage the institutional funders program as directed by the Director of Development, qualifying prospects and drafting/managing foundation and government grant applications and reports.
• Support the DoD in identifying and cultivating new corporate prospects, facilitate agreements and sponsorship benefits, and build relationships with the business community.
• Collaborate with the marketing department to manage the development communications calendar, including print, web site, email, and social media messages for all campaigns. Coordinate print and digital mailings for annual fund, special events, and other campaigns as needed.
• Design and manage donor relations and stewardship activities to maximize donor engagement and philanthropy, in partnership with the Director of Development and the Development Coordinator – Operations and Events.
• Research and prepare donor profiles for individuals and potential grant-makers.
• Staff Special Events and Board Meetings on an as-needed basis and support volunteer work on campaigns.
• Contribute new ideas and/or initiatives related to all fundraising activities.
• Support priorities set by the Director of Development and perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Ideally 1-2 years of experience in fundraising for a nonprofit
• A mission-driven, goal-oriented self-starter that can think strategically
• Ideally experience with a fundraising database such as Blackbaud’s eTapestry
• Excellent writing skills, ideally with some experience writing donor solicitations
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with experience developing good relationships with donors and patrons and discretion in handling confidential information
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with ability to manage multiple projects at once
• Ability to work as part of a team with regular collaboration and communication
• A commitment to the principles of equity and anti-racism
• A passion for the performing arts and SpeakEasy’s mission
• Ability to carry 20 lbs up and down stairs if needed.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

LOCATION:

We are working in the office in Boston’s South End at 551 Tremont Street at least 4 days a week, with the option of working one day a week from home.

 HEALTH AND SAFETY

Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 is required (or proof of medical/religious exemption). Employees will also be required to disclose COVID 19 test results for testing that is provided by the employer or other test suppliers. All employees must adhere to safe and sanitary working conditions as described in the Production Health and Safety Plan.

COMPENSATION:

This is a full-time exempt position, Monday-Friday. Occasional weekends and evenings will be necessary to attend committee meetings, special events, and/or shows; and they are scheduled well in advance.

Salary range: $45,000 – $50,000 annually. Benefits include a no-deductible health plan, short term and long term disability insurance, and three weeks Vacation plus two weeks sick/personal PTO.

HOW TO APPLY:

SpeakEasy Stage strives to become a fully Anti-Racist organization. We value an inclusive and equitable organizational culture. We invite (and strongly encourage!) applicants from historically marginalized communities to apply.

Please send ONE PDF FILE to jobs@speakeasystage.com that includes both your resume and a cover letter addressed to Ben Walsh, Director of Development. Your letter should include how you heard about the position. 

Please follow the link below to complete a voluntary demographic census. Responses are not required for employment, are anonymous, and are not used for hiring decisions. https://forms.gle/k1zPZab1vF87xtka8. To learn more about why we ask for this information, you can check out SpeakEasy’s Equity and Anti-Racism plan here: https://speakeasystage.wpengine.com/searap/

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 15, 2023; Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.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.

Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor

SpeakEasy Stage Company is seeking an Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor for our production of THE PROM.

PROM:
First Rehearsal-4/7/23
Load-In-4/24/23
Start Tech-4/30/23
Opening-5/5/23
Close-6/3/23
Strike-6/4/23
TBD EXT-6/10/23
TBD EXT Strike 6/11/23

Job Description:

Responsible for doing daily laundry, pressing, ironing, and maintenance of the wardrobe, as well as packing up twice-weekly dry cleaning.  Preset all clothes for the top of each show.  Run the show acting as dresser for cast members and assisting with other set/props changes through the course of show run.  Assist the Costume Designer at Load In and Strike days.

The Wardrobe team will have access to backstage wardrobe room with washer and dryer, industrial iron, steamer, and sewing machine, and stocks of sewing and other materials.  Dry cleaning vendor is directly across the street from the theatre.

Pay: Pay is $17/hour, W-2, eligible for overtime over 40 hours per week. Schedule estimated at 40 hours or more during tech week, 25-35 hours per performance week.

Location and Schedule:

Evenings and weekends are required for the majority of the work. Wardrobe Supervisors are called for in-person work beginning with Load-in through Strike.  All rehearsals and performances are located at the Calderwood Theatre Pavilion, 527 Tremont St. Boston.

Health and Safety:

Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 is required. Employees will also be required to disclose COVID 19 test results for testing that is provided by the employer or other test suppliers. All employees must adhere to safe and sanitary working conditions as described in the Production Health and Safety Plan.

LIST OF DATES OF TECH AND PERFORMANCE HERE:
*Two weeks notice will be given to play TBD performances

Monday, April 24^th Roberts Light Hang, Actors Day OFF
Tuesday, April 25^th Roberts Set Loadin, Martin Rehearsal 5:30pm-10:30pm
Wednesday, April 26^th Roberts Set/Light/Sound Install, Martin Rehearsal 5:30pm-10:30pm
Thursday, April 27^th Band Box Install (mics, speakers, monitors), Martin Rehearsal 5:30pm-10:30pm
Friday, April 28^th Roberts Focus daytime, Stizprobe Evening (Martin or Roberts)
Saturday, April 29^th 1pm prep, 1:30pm-10pm Spacing
Sunday, April 30^th 12pm prep, 12:30pm-9pm Tech

Monday, May 1^st ACTOR DAY OFF, Work Notes – Time TBD
Tuesday, May 2^nd Work Notes TBD, Roberts Tech 5pm-10pm
Wednesday, May 3^rd 12pm-10pm Roberts Tech (Band 5pm-10pm)
Thursday, May 4^th 12pm-10pm Roberts Tech (Band 5pm-10pm) Dress Run 7pm w/Photos
Friday, May 5^th 3pm-6pm Rehearsal, Performance 8pm
Saturday, May 6^th Performance 2pm & 8pm
Sunday, May 7^th 11am-1pm Rehearsal TBD, Performance 3pm PRESS

Tuesday, May 9^th Performance 7:30pm TBD
Wednesday, May 10^th Performance 7:30pm
Thursday, May 11^th Performance 7:30pm
Friday, May 12^th Performance 8pm
Saturday, May 13^th Performance 2pm & 8pm
Sunday, May 14^th Performance 3pm Talkback
Sunday, May 14^th Performance 7pm TBD

Tuesday, May 16^th Performance 7:30pm TBD
Wednesday, May 17^th Performance 7:30pm
Thursday, May 18^th Student Mat 10am
Thursday, May 18^th Performance 7:30pm
Friday, May 19^th Performance 8pm – Audio Description
Saturday, May 20^th Performance 2pm & 8pm – Open Captioning
Sunday, May 21^st Performance 3pm – Open Captioning
Sunday, May 21^st Performance 7pm TBD

Tuesday, May 23^rd Performance 7:30pm TBD
Wednesday, May 24^th Performance 7:30pm
Thursday, May 25^th Student Mat 10am
Thursday, May 25^th Performance 7:30pm
Friday, May 26^th Performance 8pm
Saturday, May 27^th Performance 2pm- Audio Description & 8pm
Sunday, May 28^th Performance 3pm
Sunday, May 28^th Performance 7pm TBD

Tuesday, May 30^th Performance 7:30pm TBD
Wednesday, May 31^st Student Mat 10am TBD
Wednesday, May 31^st Performance 7:30pm
Thursday, June 1^st Performance 2pm (Talkback) & 7:30pm
Friday, June 2^nd Performance 8pm
Saturday, June 3^rd Performance 2pm & 8pm
Sunday, June 4^th Performance 3pm TBD
Sunday, June 4^th Performance 7pm TBD

EXTENSION WEEK TBD
Tuesday, June 6^th Performance 7:30pm TBD
Wednesday, June 7^th Performance 7:30pm
Thursday, June 8^th Performance 7:30pm
Friday, June 9^th Performance 8pm
Saturday, June 10^th Performance 2pm Sensory Friendly & 8pm
Sunday, June 11^th Performance 3pm
Sunday, June 11^th Performance 7pm TBD

How to apply:

Please send ONE pdf that includes your resume, references and cover letter to production@speakeasystage.com with the subject “Wardrobe Supervisor” and directed to Dominique Burford.

 Please follow the link below to complete a voluntary demographic census. Responses are not required for employment, are anonymous, and are not used for hiring decisions. https://forms.gle/7SuzPo16Tn3uxYHc9

To learn more about why we ask for this information, you can check out SpeakEasy’s Equity and Anti-Racism plan here: https://speakeasystage.wpengine.com/searap/

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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.

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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, StageSource at www.stagesource.org, 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-$20/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.