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seasonal staff

Teaching artists, directors, designers, technicians, stage management, hospitality, and crew

The Shakespeare Festival’s productions and educational programs employ over 100 actors, artists, teachers, directors, designers, managers, technicians, interns, and crew on a full-time, part-time or temporary basis each year. Some staff positions are needed year-round and some, such as teaching artists for our school-year programs and Shakespeare Camps or technical staff for Free Shakespeare in the Park, are seasonal. We also offer production and administrative internships. We regret that we are not able to provide housing to out-of-town contractors.  

Following is a list of positions we are currently seeking:

OPEN CALL

Currently seeking to employ artists on an intermittent basis throughout the year.  Click job title below for more info and how to apply.

SF Shakes is currently in the process of choosing local directors and assistant directors for our 2024 (and beyond) projects that include Free Shakespeare in the Park, staged readings and Shakespeare on Tour.

We approach this process as a committee comprised of various members of the SF Shakes team. This year’s open process is a little different.  Please prepare a cover letter with the following questions and notes in mind.

  • What Shakespeare play is burning bright within you to explore with us?
  • Do you have a play that speaks to our company mission and values that may not be Shakespeare but would be an incredible staged reading?
  • Shakespeare experience is not required, but we are curious to know about your approach to directing Shakespeare that speaks to the here and now with a decolonized mindset.
  • It is not necessary to have a pre-cut play for your submission.

We are looking for directors interested in building a potential multi-year creative partnership.

APPLY: If you are interested, please fill out this Director Open Call form by Friday, July 7th.
For more details, please check out the Director Fact Sheet, which is also linked within the submission form. 

QUESTIONS: Email Artistic Director Carla Pantoja at cpantoja@sfshakes.org

free shakes in the park

Free Shakes employs around 40 full and part-time seasonal actors, directors, designers, managers, technicians, and interns.  Most positions will be posted here in February, with hiring completed by late April.  Pre-production begins in May, rehearsals begin in June, and performances run July through September. Click job title below for more info and how to apply.  To audition for the Free Shakes cast, see the Auditions page.  To apply for Free Shakes internships, see our Internships page.

The Move Crew assists with the transfer of our Free Shakespeare in the Park production between 4 venues throughout the Bay Area over the course of summer 2023.

  • Work will consist of 4 moves, Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, every 2 to 3 weeks spanning from mid-July to mid-September.
  • Duties will include disassembly of the stage, set, and associated infrastructure, loading of all items into trucks, then at the new venue unloading and reassembling everything.
  • A fair amount of heavy lifting is involved.
  • No specific skill set is required but preference will be given to those with experience in the theater industry.
  • Additional stipends are available for driving one of our 26-foot trucks or being a carpool driver. Attendance for all five transfers is preferred but absences can be negotiated.


DATES:
Thursday July 13 – Monday July 17 -Move from SF Shakes’ shop in SF to Cupertino
Monday August 7 – Thursday August 10 -Move from Cupertino to Redwood City
Monday August 28-Thursday August 31- Move from Redwood City to SF McLaren Park
Monday September 11 – Thursday September 14 – Move from SF Mclaren park to Bruns Amphitheater Orinda
Monday September 25- Tuesday September 26 – Move from McLaren Park to SF Shakes’ shop
PAY: $18-$20/hr (depending on experience)

APPLY: Email Technical Director Neal Ormond at normond@sfshakes.org. and Production manager Pratiksha Shah at pshah@sfshakes.org

The AEA Stage Manager manages the rehearsal and performance process within the rules set by the AEA for LORT-D LOA. This position is a member of the production team dedicated to making the production run smoothly and efficiently with the resources provided.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

  • Manage rehearsals and call performances within guidelines of the AEA and working within the systems of San Francisco Shakespeare Festival.
  • Work with the Production Manager and Director to create rehearsal schedules for each show and ensure that all elements are rehearsed prior to and during technical rehearsals.
  • Manage the transition of all show elements from the rehearsal room to the mainstage.
  • Work with management (production manager, Marketing dept etc) to schedule photo shoots, filming, and other marketing related needs.
  • Supervise Interns in production duties during Rehearsal, Technical Rehearsals, Performances, and other projects as needed.
  • Maintain communication with and between all production departments and artists.
  • Create and maintain a prompt book and calling script for production that is the hub of all information and kept in a secure and accessible location.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized working environment.
  • Participate in work calls, meetings and events as required.


DATES: June 20 – Sept 10 (+ possible extension of 3 weeks)
PAY: As per the LORT-D LOA contract
APPLY: Email resume and cover letter to Production Manager Pratiksha Shah, pshah@sfshakes.org

The Costume Designer is responsible for working with the Director team and production to create looks for up to 12 actors including understudies playing 20+ characters. The Costume Designer is encouraged to pull from stock as much as possible, and therefore should be local to the Bay Area and able to travel in person to the costume storage area (all Covid safety protocols will be observed on site.)

The Costume Designer’s responsibilities include but are not limited to :

  • Participating with SFSF in the conceptual process, and to collaborate with the Director team, fellow designers, stage management, and technical staff of SFSF.
  • Attending all production meetings and costume fittings, one run-through, and all dress rehearsals.
  • Creating a costume design based on the directors’ concept. Providing images and research as requested by the directors by agreed-upon deadlines.
  • Pull costume items from stock or order from outside sources in coordination with the wardrobe assistant.
  • Creating a plan for laundering and caring for costumes.
  • Creating costume plots as needed and passing them on to the Stage Manager.
  • Remaining available to the Production Manager and Stage Manager for questions regarding costume maintenance during the run. Advise regarding costume replacements if needed in the case of an understudy performance.
  • Suggest costume adjustments for extreme heat or cold.


DATES: March – July 2023 with rehearsals June – July
DESIGN FEE: $2,000
COSTUME BUDGET: $2000, assuming costumes primarily pulled from stock or rented from actors’ wardrobes.
APPLY: Email resume and cover letter to Production Manager Pratiksha Shah, pshah@sfshakes.org

 

The Prop Designer works very closely with the director team to make the vision of the director come to life. The Prop Designer needs to pull most of the props from SF Shakes’ large prop inventory.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Attending weekly production meetings with other members of the design and production staff.
  • Supporting the Costume Designer in locating items in the storage loft at the office and in shopping for and ordering additional items as needed to complete the design.
  • Attending run-throughs and tech rehearsals as called by the Stage Manager and Production Manager.
  • During in-person work, including in-person filming, rehearsals, and performances, observing all Covid safety protocols in compliance with the company’s, union’s, and local county’s policies, including but not exclusive to wearing masks as required, observing social distancing rules, quarantining, and getting tested regularly for in-person performances.
  • Participating in a Review & Reflect process in order to continue to improve SF Shakes’ culture and operations no later than one week after the closing of the production.


DATES: March – July 2023 with rehearsals June – July.
DESIGN FEE: $2000
PROP BUDGET: $1000, assuming props primarily pulled from stock
APPLY: Email resume and cover letter to Production Manager Pratiksha Shah, pshah@sfshakes.org

 

The Master Carpenter assists with construction of the Free Shakes in the Park set.

  • Daily/weekly schedules can be flexible but the work will consist of a full 40-hour work week for 3 to 6 weeks.
  • You will report to and work alongside the Technical Director, with the build happening at our shop in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood.
  • All tools are provided but you are welcome to bring some of your own if you wish.
  • You must provide your own transportation and proof of COVID vaccination is required.
  • Some experience in scenic construction is required, with a primary focus on woodworking. Welding and scenic painting experience preferred but not required.
  • The Master Carpenter can also choose to continue their employment by being a part of the move crew (but at the higher master carpenter pay rate), moving the production between 4 different venues across the Bay Area over the course of July through September.
  • During in-person work, observe all Covid safety protocols in compliance with the company’s, union’s, and local county’s policies, including but not exclusive to wearing masks when required, observing social distancing rules, quarantining, and getting tested regularly.
  • Participate in a Review & Reflect process in order to continue to improve SF Shakes’ culture and operations no later than one week after the closing of the production.


DATES: Build: May-June, 2023.  Moves: July-September.
PAY: $20/hr – $25/hr depending on level of experience
APPLY: Email Technical Director Neal Ormond at normond@sfshakes.org.

The CCO will provide support in an in-person production setting environment assisting with the development of the production’s COVID-19 safety plan (in compliance with applicable AEA guidance documents as well as applicable local, region, and federal health orders) and to verify the production’s compliance with that plan.

The scope of support includes, but is not limited to:

  • Coordinating, with on-site personnel, COVID-19 health and safety planning in the workplace
  • Determining the requirements, in cooperation with the production manager and stage manager and AEA COVID protocols, needed for each department to comply with the referenced guidelines
  • Oversee and support COVID-related activities in rehearsals , verifying site compliance and logistics, and regularly reinforce (through trainings, 1:1 sessions, and production management correspondence) that all applicable CDC, WHO, federal, region, AEA and local rules are being followed
  • Advise the production manager on health and safety best practices related to COVID-19
  • Evaluate production work practices, procedures, and facilities to assess risk and adherence to the applicable health and safety regulatory requirements
  • Verify the required compliance training for all crew, actors, etc. is provided
  • Provide reports to the production manager regarding employee concerns, regulatory violations, and/or other non-compliance incidents
  • Communicate regarding any close contacts or exposures with appropriate contacts, and assist org in developing language regarding performance postponement/cancellation
  • Liaison and provide coaching to rehearsal and tech crew members to assist with implementation and monitoring of the site plan
  • Verify that social distancing is adequate and work with the department heads and other leadership to confirm that the distancing protocols are being followed
  • Audit the COVID-19 Disinfection Frequency document
  • Stay current on new developments in COVID-19 health and safety regulatory compliance to improve the quality and efficacy of production processes.
  • During in-person work, including in-person filming, rehearsals, and performances, observe all Covid safety protocols in compliance with the company’s, union’s, and local county’s policies, including but not exclusive to wearing masks as required, observing social distancing rules, quarantining, and getting tested regularly for in-person performances.
  • Participate in a Review & Reflect process in order to continue to improve SF Shakes’ culture and operations no later than one week after the closing of the production.


DATES: May 31, 2023 – Sept 16, 2023 (+ possible extension of 3 weeks)
PAY: $18/hr to $20/hr depending on level of experience.
APPLY: Email resume and cover letter to Production Manager Pratiksha Shah, pshah@sfshakes.org

The Hospitality Manager manages the front-of-house experience in the park, and should be ready to train in COVID protocols, concessions, audience surveys, volunteers, programs, and signage. They should have strong customer service experience and enjoy interacting with the public. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training is desirable. They should be detail-oriented, a problem-solver, and comfortable with mentoring staff and volunteers of all ages.

Hospitality Manager responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Attending weekly production meetings and changeover meetings with other members of the design and production staff.
  • Arranging to attend Covid Compliance Officer training as well as de-escalation training virtually in preparation for in-person work.
  • Attending all previews and performances unless otherwise arranged with the Production Manager.
  • During in-person work, observing all Covid safety protocols in compliance with the company’s, union’s, and local county’s policies, including but not exclusive to wearing masks as required, observing social distancing rules, quarantining, and getting tested regularly for in-person rehearsals and performances. (You will be asked to sign a waiver for in-person work and provided with updated protocols regularly.)
  • Arriving at each performance at least two hours prior to show time. Arranging intern calls with the Production Manager as needed, including times for Bart pick-ups. Assume you will be on site until approx 1-2 hours after the end of show for nightly tear-down. Assist with nightly tear-down as needed.
  • Supervising interns, staff, and volunteers during set-up and tear-down of information tables and other hospitality areas as needed. Maintaining all Covid safety procedures in Front of House spaces.
  • Assisting interns in organizing the storage container after each move, for most efficient access to front of house items.


DATES: July 2023 – Sept 16, 2023 (+ possible extension of 3 weeks)
PAY: $18/hr to $20/hr depending on level of experience.
APPLY: Email resume and cover letter to Production Manager Pratiksha Shah, pshah@sfshakes.org

The Sound Technicians set up the sound system before every performance, check all speakers, monitors, and microphones, mix mics throughout the performance, and trouble-shoot any sound problems. They should have strong experience with wireless sound systems, preferably in an outdoor setting. They should be able to lift heavy equipment, and should be very detail-oriented and creative problem-solvers. They may manage a small team of interns.

Sound technician responsibilities include but are not limited to :

  • Assessing the acoustics of the performance area and assemble and operating the necessary equipment
  • Consulting with the production manager and performers to determine the sound requirements
  • Selecting, positioning, adjusting, and operating the equipment used for amplification and supporting the one-time filming for archival purposes.
  • Applying technical knowledge of sound recording equipment to achieve the determined artistic objectives
  • Recording sound into digital audio tape or hard disk recorders
  • Monitoring audio signals to detect sound-quality deviations or malfunctions
  • Anticipating and correcting any problems
  • Maintaining and repairing sound equipment
  • During in-person work, including in-person filming, rehearsals, and performances, observing all Covid safety protocols in compliance with the company’s, union’s, and local county’s policies, including but not exclusive to wearing masks as required, observing social distancing rules, quarantining, and getting tested regularly for in-person performances
  • Participating in a Review & Reflect process in order to continue to improve SF Shakes’ culture and operations, no later than one week after the closing of the production


DATES: June/July 2023 – Sept 16, 2023 (+ possible extension of 3 weeks)
PAY: $18/hr to $20/hr depending on level of experience.
APPLY: Email resume and cover letter to Production Manager Pratiksha Shah, pshah@sfshakes.org

The Wardrobe Supervisor works closely with the Costume Designer and Director team to make the vision of the Costume Designer into reality. The Wardrobe Supervisor is directly responsible to the Production Manager.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Attending weekly production meetings with other members of the design and production staff.
  • Supporting the Costume Designer in locating items in the storage loft at the office and in shopping for and ordering additional items as needed to complete the design.
  • Attending run-throughs and tech rehearsals as called by the Stage Manager and Production Manager.
  • During in-person tech rehearsals and performances, maintaining costumes backstage in coordination with Equity rules. This includes being part of the on-site crew and reporting to Production manager as well as AEA SM during the performances.
  • Laundering and maintaining costumes as required by AEA Covid protocols.
  • During in-person work, including in-person filming, rehearsals, and performances, observing all Covid safety protocols in compliance with the company’s, union’s, and local county’s policies, including but not exclusive to wearing masks as required, observing social distancing rules, quarantining, and getting tested regularly for in-person performances.
  • Participating in a Review & Reflect process in order to continue to improve SF Shakes’ culture and operations no later than one week after the closing of the production.


DATES: May 2023 – Sept 16 2023 (+ possible extension of 3 weeks)
PAY: $18/hr to $20/hr depending on level of experience
APPLY: Email resume and cover letter to Production Manager Pratiksha Shah, pshah@sfshakes.org

The Move Crew assists with the transfer of our Free Shakespeare in the Park production between 3 venues throughout the Bay Area over the course of summer 2023.
  • Work will consist of 4 moves, Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, every 2 to 3 weeks spanning from mid July to mid September.
  • Duties will include disassembly of the stage, set, and associated infrastructure, loading of all items into trucks, then at the new venue unloading and reassembling everything.
  • A fair amount of heavy lifting is involved.
  • No specific skill set is required but preference will be given to those with experience in the theater industry.
  • Additional stipends are available for driving one of our 26-foot trucks or being a carpool driver. Attendance for all five transfers is preferred but absences can be negotiated.

DATES:
  • Friday July 14 – Monday July 17
  • Monday August 7 – Thursday August 10
  • Monday August 28-Thursday August 31
  • Monday September 11 – Tuesday September 12
PAY: $20/hr.
APPLY: Email Technical Director Neal Ormond at normond@sfshakes.org.

teaching artists

Our Residencies, Playshops, and other education programs take place in schools around the Bay Area and employ teaching artists on an intermittent basis throughout the year.  Click job title below for more info and how to apply.

shakespeare camps

Shakespeare Camps employ full and part-time seasonal teaching artists, assistants, and interns.  Openings will be posted here in the spring, with hiring completed by late May.  Camp sessions run from June through August.  Click job title below for more info and how to apply.  To apply for Education internships, see out Internships page.

shakespeare on tour

Shakespeare On Tour employs full and part-time seasonal actors, directors, and managers.  Openings will be posted here late summer, with hiring happening by early fall.  Click job title below for more info and how to apply.  To audition for the Shakespeare On Tour cast, see the Auditions page.

other employment

If you are interested in other employment with the SF Shakes, send a cover letter and a copy of your resume to one of the following at:

Administrative, Office Support, Volunteers
Toby Leavitt, Executive Director:  tleavitt@sfshakes.org

Actors, Directors
Carla Pantoja, Artistic Director:  cpantoja@sfshakes.org

Stage Managers, Designers, Technicians (wardrobe, sound, props)
Pratiksha Shah, Production Manager:  pshah@sfshakes.org

Interns and apprentices
internships@sfshakes.org

Teaching Artists, Education Interns
educationleadership@sfshakes.org