All of our paid positions for 2023 are filled. However, wer are looking for volunteers for Box Office, Ushers, House Management and set building. If you have a high schooler that is looking for volunteer hours, it's an excellent opportunity. If interested, please email info@summerplacetheatre.org for more information
We pay an honorarium for these positions. Community theatre appreciates the talents of all those who take part in a production, but our overall philosophy is to bring the show to life for the love of theatre and not for financial gain. We are a non-profit company. However, we also understand a couple key things: we live in a competitive society and we realize the positions below take the lead in launching the show. For that, we want to honor these individuals with some small monetary sum at the end of the show which we hope will both cover some of their costs and their time commitment to us.
We're always on the lookout for excellent theatre professionals to direct, design, and manage our shows.
These jobs have an honorarium payment and contractor agreement associated with them.
We are looking for people with some experience in theatre production for these spots, but for assistant roles, we'll be happy to train on the job.
The best approach is to contact us. Attach a resume (MS Word or PDF). Let's get the conversation going!
Email Apply@summerplacetheatre.org
Director-filled for 2023
You have the vision of the show, and convey that vision to each of the other production team, then work in concert with them to bring the show to life. Most of the shows we do are well-known classics, so changes to script and characters are rarely allowed, but we're open to hear interpretations which fit the spirit of the show or help messages behind the book and lyrics come across strongly. You'll be there from concept in early January through tech week where you hand off the show to our Stage Manager.
Vocal Director-filled for 2023
You bring out the best in our singers! You'll work to ensure clear, clean notes from our soloists, and strong, tight harmonies from our choruses. You'll work with the entire production team and have input on how the songs are sung and interpreted. You should be able to play piano so you can accompany sections as they learn their parts and then play the songs' accompaniment.
Music Director-filled for 2023
You're responsible for hiring musicians and planning rehearsals for the pit. You're part of the creative team and will give input to how the music helps tell the story. Most of our productions are well-known classics, so the score and all the parts are provided. You'll begin in the early part of the year and plan rehearsals, including sitz probe and tech week, then conduct the orchestra and singers in the shows throughout the run of the show. You'll have a budget for hiring musicians.
Choreographer-filled for 2023
You will make the actor's movements come alive on our stage! You'll give input as part of the creative team on the vision of the show, how it flows, of course on major dance numbers and consulted on some blocking depending on the mix and experience of the other directors. You'll begin in the early part of 2023 and work through tech week of the show.
Scenic Designer-Filled for 2023
You'll begin ASAP with the directors to design the look of the show, then create plans to pass to the master carpenter and prop master. Most designers of our shows assist with set construction as well. Experience with set design, access to drafting tools, and a cooperative demenor, are all desired traits in our scenic designers.
Costumer-filled for 2023
You'll design the look of our actors on stage and source all costumes and accessories (like purses and wigs). Sewing skills are a plus, but the most important qualities are a great eye and a creative use of the costume budget! Rentals, thrift store purchases, and hand-made pieces are usually combined to create a cohesive costume design, but start with Summer Place's storage unit. You should also be available during the run of the show to repair or clean costume pieces as needed.
Lighting Designer-filled for 2023
You'll be using the new lighting system at Naperville Central HS Auditorium, supplemented with some of our our equipment, to put our show in its best light--pun intended! You'll start ASAP and help form the vision of the show with the directors, and then be responsible for procuring the appropriate equipment, setting it up, adjusting throughout tech week, and operating the light board through the run of the show. Experience with lighting a show is required.
Sound Designer-filled for 2023
Our Sound Designer is responsible for balancing the singers with the orchestra, creating a mic plot, and ensuring that our audience hears every word and melody. You'll have access to all of our sound equipment, and if you determine that there are additional sound needs, you'll work within the budget to rent extra equipment. Ideally the Sound Designer runs the board during the performances.
Prop Manager-filled for 2023
You'll scour the script for mentions of props and use your imagination--or your Googling skills!--to create, purchase, or borrow the needed pieces. Start the search in our storage unit, and use the prop budget and your clever negotiating skills to find anything we don't already have. Work with the director and set designer to make sure the props fit the look and time period of the show. You should also be available during the run of the show for any repairs or replacements.
Stage Manager-filled for 2023
You're the person who assists the director through the entire production period and assumes responsibility for the show as it moves into final rehearsals and performances. You'll also be concerned for the safety of all people involved in the production. Your involvement runs now through strike on July 31. You'll help facilitate auditions and rehearsals and be liaison to the cast. Communication, thoroughness and attention to detail are key required skills.
Assistant Stage Manager-filled for 2023
You'll assist the Stage Manager as we reach tech week and the run of the performances. You'll help communicate between cast and crew as well as perform crew work as well. A friendly disposition, upbeat manner, and ability to work in a rapidly changing environment are critical traits.
Technical Director-filled for 2023
The Technical Director will oversee all technical aspects as well as coordinate a build schedule with the Master Carpenter. You'll need well-rounded experience in all technical aspects of production, and a friendly, mentoring outlook on volunteers and fellow crew to create an inclusive learning environment. You'll begin ASAP and work with the creative team to help form and fulfill their artistic vision. Work will continue through load-out up to August 4.
Master Carpenter-FIlled for 2023
The Master Carpenter's job is to take the scenic design and bring it to life! With the help of your assistant and the build crew, you will do the hands-on work of ordering the lumber and building platforms, walls, stairs, and other set pieces to the appropriate dimensions. You'll work closely with the scenic designer, the director, and the choreographer to ensure that the set is safe to use and gives the actors enough space to move around. The ideal candidate has several years of carpentry experience, especially building stage sets or other structures.
Musicians
Our musicians bring the score to life! You'll prepare your part on your own, attend orchestra rehearsals prior to the show, and attend all tech rehearsals and performances. Professional and amateur musicians alike are welcome to submit a resume, and you may be asked to send in a recording or attend an audition.
The honorariums may be changed per season based on economic conditions and without prior notice.