Writers Theatre

Position: Education Apprentice Location: Glencoe, IL (Hybrid) Department: Arts Engagement & Education Time Commitment: February 5th-May 3rd, 12 hours per week minimum Reports To: Associate Director of Arts Engagement & Associate Director of Education Compensation: $40/hour for teaching and $15/hour for administrative work & prep   About Writers Theatre Writers Theatre (WT) is a nationally-recognized, award-winning theatre company located on the North Shore of Chicago with a pre-pandemic annual operating budget of $5.7 Million. Known for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its productions, WT is focused on the power of the written word and dedicated to the artists who bring that word to life. Having captivated audiences for years with its commitment to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible, the theatre is now a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called “America’s finest regional theater company” by The Wall Street Journal. Under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, the company is charting a path forward for its future. Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion WT is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as promoting a safe, supportive, and collaborative work environment conducive to professional and personal growth. A successful candidate will share these values.   WT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, or veteran status.   Please find more information on our culture and specific policies at the following links: https://www.writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt • https://www.writerstheatre.org/our-code-of-conduct https://www.writerstheatre.org/edi-at-wt   Position Summary Writers Theatre’s Education Apprentice position is designed for college students or young professionals seeking to gain practical experience in arts administration and teaching artistry. The Apprentice will work closely with the Associate Director of Education and Associate Director of Arts Engagement to develop curriculum, provide classroom instruction, carry out administrative tasks, and support our in-school residency programs, student matinee series, and onsite learning programs. This role is fully integrated into the daily operations at the Theatre and will have the opportunity to learn from other professionals employed at the Theatre. Department staff and the Apprentice will work together to set and track professional development goals. In addition to in-depth mentorship, the Apprentice can receive school credit and participate in professional development seminars. listing of educational programs, please visit www.writerstheatre.org/education or see below. The ideal candidate will: Have some prior experience working with young people Have some prior experience working in the performing arts, professionally or non-professionally Have a strong collaborative spirit Be able to balance collaborative and independent projects Prioritize communication and organization We want to acknowledge that experience comes in many forms. This position requires the skills listed here but they are not a prerequisite for employment. If your prior experience does not align with most or all of these qualifications but you have a passion for education, young people, and the arts, please do not hesitate to apply. Responsibilities Create and implement curriculum for in-school residencies and onsite learning programs in collaboration with WT Education staff. Observe and co-teach in-school residencies. Assist in the coordination of in-school residencies. Support community engagement events as needed. Support day-of tasks for Student Matinee performances. Attend regular meetings with WT Education staff. Submit regular updates and reflections about classroom work. Maintain and organize contact databases. Attend professional development workshops, classroom observations, and occasional networking events. Time Commitment & Pay Hours will vary week to week depending on teaching schedules. A minimum of 12 hours per week. A schedule will be worked out between the Apprentice and the Arts Engagement & Education department upon hiring. Overall compensation for the position is estimated at $4,250 over the course of the 14 weeks. Requirements Must have reliable transportation to Writers Theatre and various locations around Chicagoland (car, public transportation, or otherwise). Writers Theatre is easily accessible from the UP-N Metra. Must be in the office in Glencoe a minimum of one day a week. Some nights and weekends may be required. Must be available on select dates: February 19th, 8:30am-3:30pm (Pop-Up Day Camp) February 28th & March 14th, 9:30am-2pm (Student Matinees of The Band’s Visit ) March 25th – 29th, 8:30am-3:30pm (Spring Break Camp) TO APPLY: Submit a resume plus a brief expression of interest (video, audio, or written, no more than 1 page or 3 minutes long) to WT Education at education@writerstheatre.org with the subject line “EDU APPRENTICE_LAST NAME.” Please include at least three things that you hope to gain from this experience and why you think Writers Theatre would be a good fit for your career goals. Applications are due Friday, December 8, 2023.   For assistance with creating a resume, see these resources: City Colleges of Chicago Resume Guide Resume Template    Writers Theatre Education Programs  WT Education offers a variety of on-site and in-school residencies, camps, classes, and field trip opportunities for young people ages 3-18. Programs encourage collaboration and student-led cultivation of a range of creative and artistic practices. Several offerings promote literacy through arts-integrated learning practices.   In-School Residencies  The Novel Series   THE NOVEL SERIES is a 10-session theatre and literary arts curriculum designed to allow students to explore literature and the artistry of bringing text to life. Students engage in a layered investigation of text and enter a rigorous artistic process that includes deep academic enrichment and meaningful text-to-self and text-to-world connections. Teaching Artists collaborate with classroom teachers to choose a book and create curriculum. Students work in small groups and rotate through CORNERS that focus on vocabulary, writing, and discussion through a theatre-based lens in addition to performance. The corner work is paired with whole- class sessions and culminates in a final presentation of student work.   ACTIVATE Workshops ACTIVATE is Writers Theatre's wraparound residency designed to deepen students' engagement with the art on our stages. ACTIVATE is designed to prepare for and extend students’ experiences at the theatre through participatory workshops. These pre- and post- workshops investigate contextual information and the major themes in the play working with Teaching Artists in conjunction with the school’s attendance at a Student Matinee on-site at Writers Theatre. Write On! Write On! pairs students and teachers with WT teaching artists to create customizable residencies in classrooms, after school programs, and community-based organizations. This highly tailored approach provides dynamic opportunities to explore theatre and text with a focus on creating transformative experiences and on encouraging young people to find their creative voices.   Onsite Learning Programs  Student Matinee Series   WT offers daytime performances for students on select weekdays. Most productions are suitable for grades 7 th and up. Performances are followed by a talkback with the actors. A study guide is provided for each production and in-school pre- and post-show ACTIVATE workshops with a WT teaching artist are available.    Pop-Up Day Camps   Day-long camps (9am-3pm) that occur on select school holidays and days of non-attendance. Young people ages 8-12 are invited to WT for an imaginative day of artmaking and a backstage tour of the theatre Spring Break & Summer Camp      Designed to encourage young artists to develop their unique voice, our full-day camps pair hands-on, creative exploration of theatre performance, devising, and design with expert educators in our world-class facility. Each camp ends with a final showcase of the campers’ work. Wake Up Words Family Playtime   The arts come alive at 11am on select Sundays at Writers Theatre. In each free 60-minute session, we pair a story with a different art form for a short performance and follow it with a hands-on activity for the whole family. Activities are designed with ages 3-7 in mind, but all are welcome, including those under 3 years old.     Family Matinee Series   Going to the theatre just got a little bit easier for parents and caregivers. With our Family Matinee Series, you can catch a Saturday matinee while your young ones engage in active creative play with WT Education’s professional teaching artists at an on-site class.  Select Saturdays at 3pm. Ages 5-12.  

Writers Theatre   Director of Marketing & Communications   Location: Glencoe, IL (Hybrid)   Department: Marketing   Classification: Full-Time Exempt, Benefits Eligible   Compensation: $85,000 - $90,000 per year, commensurate with experience   About Writers Theatre   Writers Theatre (WT) is a nationally-recognized, award-winning theatre company located on the North Shore of Chicago with an annual operating budget of $5.7 Million. Known for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its productions, WT is focused on the power of the written word and dedicated to the artists who bring that word to life. Having captivated audiences for years with its commitment to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible, the theatre is now a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called “America’s finest regional theater company” by The Wall Street Journal . Under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, the company is charting a path forward for its future.   Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion   WT is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as promoting a safe, supportive, and collaborative work environment conducive to professional and personal growth. A successful candidate will share these values.   WT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, or veteran status.    Please find more information on our culture and specific policies at the following links:   https://www.writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt   https://www.writerstheatre.org/our-code-of-conduct   https://www.writerstheatre.org/edi-at-wt   Position Summary   The Director of Marketing & Communications (DOMC) is responsible for WT’s earned ticket revenues, brand management, advertising, publications, and audience development and retention. A member of the organization’s senior leadership team, the DOMC is essential to conversations and decisions about critical institutional issues that have lasting impacts for WT and the industry. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for live theatre and commitment to Writers Theatre’s mission.    Reporting to the Executive Director, the DOMC oversees the Marketing & Communications and Box Office teams. This includes 3-4 direct reports. The DOMC also manages outside agencies and contractors for advertising, art direction, photography and video, public relations, database management, and others. The DOMC collaborates closely with other departments to advance the organization’s long-term and day-to-day interests.   The DOMC will be met with exciting opportunities as WT continues to chart a path forward. The DOMC will think strategically about how to continue introducing a new Artistic Director to the WT community and the Chicago theatre community at large. The DOMC will also play a key role in strategic conversations about engaging the Glencoe and North Shore communities as they have grown and changed over the past several years. With WT’s intimate size and structure and an artistic prowess that exceeds its budgetary expectations, the DOMC will have the opportunity to engage with world class artists and programming on a close, personal level.   The DOMC is responsible for annual earned revenue of $ 1.8 Million. The DOMC is responsible for advising, managing and tracking all earned income goals. Analytical rigor is a must with special interest in audience trends and the nuances between pursuing subscribers and/or single ticket buyers both current and new.   The ideal candidate will:   Be optimistic and good humored in the face of industry challenges   Kind and respectful to colleagues sharing a deep conviction to bring our best to work (knowing we are human and may sometimes stumble)   Respect and admire the art we are inviting audiences to experience   Prioritize clear communication and savvy prioritization   Responsibilities   Leadership   Responsible for reaching an earned income goal of $1.8 Million for the 23-24 season. Manage a department budget of $550K (including personnel).   Collaborate with the Executive Director, Artistic Director and senior leadership team to ensure a clear and accurate interpretation of the organization’s vision and mission   Develop annual and long-term institutional, programmatic, and show-specific marketing, advertising and communication plans   Develop new audiences, with a sensitivity to diversification, both in age, ethnicity and economics.   Create, grow, and maintain a sustainable audience base while retaining and deepening relationships with current audiences   Hire, supervise, motivate and support a strong and strategic marketing team with skills in database management, marketing, communications, publications, social media and graphic design   Continually assess departmental capabilities and identify resources for staff development   Develop relationships within the industry and related businesses to serve WT’s strategic goals.   Branding, Visual Identity, and Advertising   Manage and elevate the brand and profile of WT locally and nationally across print, display, digital and broadcast media and through media relations and public events.   Partner with WT leadership, with support from the Board of Directors, on audience development efforts and long-range planning.    Define and assess opportunities for engagement of both new and existing audiences.   Create advertising plans for all season series and individual productions, including print, radio, television, direct mail, display, and digital advertising components.   Negotiate marketing vendor contracts, manage print vendor and mail house bid processes.   Manage the art direction and design of all single ticket and season materials and lead the development of key art from conception to execution.    Oversee WT’s digital presence, including website, social media and online advertising.   Communications, Publications, and Public Relations   Oversee, edit, and approve all copy produced in the Marketing Department for use across traditional and new media channels.   Oversee the creation, production, and execution of play programs for each production.   Oversee public relations efforts of independent PR Firm that manages press performances, photo and video shoots, actor media opportunities and other PR events.   Audience Development and Retention   Oversee subscription campaign planning and execution.   Use predictive metrics to help establish attendance, single ticket, and subscription sales goals.   Oversee and guide the ADTS to structure demand-based pricing models, and corresponding pricing and inventory strategies to maximize revenue.   Work closely with the Advancement department to ensure an integrated customer relationship management approach to fundraising.    Qualifications & Key Competencies   Demonstrable commitment to cultivating and managing a diverse staff and creating a positive, collaborative and productive culture.   A track record of mature strategic thinking coupled with hands on execution.   Intellectual curiosity, drive, and enthusiasm   A record of progressive accomplishment in marketing for a multi-million-dollar organization, preferable but not exclusive to the live events industry.   Dedication to long-term strategic planning and a demonstrated ability to implement effective marketing plans.   Experience with subscription and single ticket campaigns in a mid-size performing arts environment and/or equivalent campaigns   Superlative communication skills, both in writing and interpersonally   Proficiency in all facets of current digital advancement trends   Superior analytical skills, including a knowledge of statistical analysis, revenue projection, and Pricing strategy   Experience with MS Word products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, others)   Experience with CRM systems; Tessitura experience a plus    Must be able to remain in a stationary position for periods of time while working at a computer, as well as move about inside the office and theatre buildings to access necessary materials and equipment.   Must be able to exchange accurate information both written and in-person with internal and external stakeholders.   Benefits include: medical, dental and disability insurance, vacation and other paid leave, a 403(b)-retirement plan (with employer match) and medical and dependent care cafeteria plans.    To Apply   Qualified and interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume and any salary requirements to jobs@writerstheatre.org . No phone calls please.   Want to help us improve our hiring process? Please include where you found this job posting when you email us your materials.  

Executive Assistant   Writers Theatre   Position: Executive Assistant   Location: Glencoe, IL (Hybrid)   Department: Administration   Classification: Full-Time, Exempt   Salary: $40,000   About Writers Theatre   Writers Theatre (WT) is a nationally-recognized, award-winning theatre company located on the North Shore of Chicago with an annual operating budget of $5.7 Million. Known for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its productions, WT is focused on the power of the written word and dedicated to the artists who bring that word to life. Having captivated audiences for years with its commitment to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible, the theatre is now a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called “America’s finest regional theater company” by The Wall Street Journal . Under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, the company is charting a path forward for its future.    Position Summary   Writers Theatre seeks an enthusiastic, independent, and attentive professional to provide high-level administrative support to the Executive Director (ED) and Artist Director (AD). In addition, the Executive Assistant will be the primary contact for the Board of Trustees. The ideal individual will have the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations; with strong written and verbal communication; administrative, organizational and people skills, and the ability to prioritize needs. They must be able to handle matters expeditiously, proactively, and follow through to successful completion while at times working under pressure and handling confidential matters with discretion.   Typical work hours are 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Monday – Friday, with some evenings and weekends required throughout the year for meetings and special events.    Responsibilities   Support for the Executive Director & Artistic Director   Manage the ED and AD’s calendars, ensuring their schedules are handled in an efficient and professional manner. This includes scheduling meetings as well as coordinating travel logistics   Research, prioritize, and follow-up on incoming issues and concerns identified by and/or addressed to the ED, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature.   Reconcile the ED and AD’s monthly credit card statements   Gather content and format the bi-weekly staff newsletter from the ED and AD    Communicate directly, and on behalf of the ED and AD with Trustees, staff, donors, and others as requested   Schedule and facilitate the All Staff Meeting   Additional support for the ED will include:   Translate ED’s short and long-term goals into daily/weekly/quarterly action plans   Keep ED informed of and prepared for upcoming commitments and responsibilities, ensuring appropriate follow-up   Prepare briefing materials for the ED in preparation for meetings and travel   Draft acknowledgment letters, personal correspondence, and presentations   Coordinate annual individual Board member meetings with the ED and Managing Director, Strategy & Advancement   Other duties as assigned   Support for the Board of Trustees   Guide ongoing and effective communication with the Board of Trustees   Coordinate annual calendar of Board & Committee meetings   Create meeting timelines, prepare and distribute meeting notifications, create agenda and materials in collaboration with the ED and other staff as designated   Facilitate all logistics for Board and Committee meetings (virtual, hybrid, and in-person)   Create and maintain Board Manual and binder of relevant materials   Maintain/update the Board & Staff Directory   Coordinate orientation for new Board Members   Record and maintain accurate minutes for Board Meetings and additional committees   Assist with Trustee ticketing requests   Other duties as assigned   Qualifications & Key Competencies   Strong interest in and passion for live theatre   Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft SharePoint, and Zoom   Experience working in an administrative support capacity including, scheduling, coordination of travel, and organizing meeting logistics.   High level of organization, attention to detail, and an ability to work independently   Strong written and verbal communication skills   Effective collaborator and a willingness to work in a team environment   Must be able to remain in a stationary position for periods of time while working at a computer, as well as move about inside the office and theatre buildings to access necessary materials and equipment.   Must be able to exchange accurate information both written and in-person with internal and external stakeholders.   Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion   WT is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as promoting a safe, supportive, and collaborative work environment conducive to professional and personal growth. A successful candidate will share these values.   WT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, or veteran status.    Please find more information on our culture and specific policies at the following links:   https://www.writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt   https://www.writerstheatre.org/our-code-of-conduct   https://www.writerstheatre.org/edi-at-wt   Benefits include: medical, dental and disability insurance, vacation and other paid leave, a 403(b)-retirement plan (with employer match) and medical and dependent care cafeteria plans.    To Apply   Qualified and interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to jobs@writerstheatre.org . No phone calls please.   Want to help us improve our hiring process? Please include where you found this job posting when you email us your materials.  

Box Office Associate   Writers Theatre   Position: Box Office Associate   Location: Glencoe, IL (on-site)   Department: Box Office   Classification: Part-Time/Seasonal   Salary: $15.50/hour   About Writers Theatre   Writers Theatre (WT) is a nationally-recognized, award-winning theatre company located on the North Shore of Chicago with a pre-pandemic annual operating budget of $6.5 Million. Known for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its productions, WT is focused on the power of the written word and dedicated to the artists who bring that word to life. Having captivated audiences for years with its commitment to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible, the theatre is now a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called “America’s finest regional theater company” by The Wall Street Journal . Under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, the company is charting a path forward for its future.    SUMMARY:   Writers Theatre seeks a Box Office Associate to assist in the daily operations of the Box Office including processing transactions and providing exemplary customer service. Ideally, candidates will have availability Friday-Sunday to work 15-20 hours per week while the theatre is between productions and up to 30 hours per week during performances. All duties for this position must be performed on-site at our theatre in Glencoe, IL.   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   Answering phones and emails.   Processing ticket sales, exchanges and season subscriptions   Providing tech support to patrons as they view digital programming   Serving as a will call agent for performances, ensuring a smooth and efficient pre-show experience.   Assisting patrons with questions, accessibility needs and/or ticketing issues.   Performing other duties as assigned.   QUALIFICATIONS:   Friendly personality and the ability to work as part of a team.   Organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multi-task.   Professional demeanor while working under pressure with the ability to remain calm and collected.   Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing policies and procedures.   A combination of afternoon, evening and weekend availability is required.   Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook required.   Previous customer service experience preferred.   Cash handling experience preferred.   Must be able to remain in a stationary position for periods of time while working at a computer, as well as move about inside the office and theatre buildings to access necessary materials and equipment.   Must be able to exchange accurate information both written and in-person/over the phone with internal and external stakeholders.     COVID Safety   WT requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a term of employment.    Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion   WT is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as promoting a safe, supportive, and collaborative work environment conducive to professional and personal growth. A successful candidate will share these values.   WT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, or veteran status.    Please find more information on our culture and specific policies at the following links:   https://www.writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt   https://www.writerstheatre.org/our-code-of-conduct   https://www.writerstheatre.org/edi-at-wt   To Apply   Qualified and interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter or statement of interest to jobs@writerstheatre.org . No phone calls, please.   Want to help us improve our hiring process? Please include where you found this job posting when you email us your materials.