Show all results...

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

menu

menu

menu

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:

free shakes in the park

San Francisco Shakespeare Festival’s Free Shakespeare in the Park 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 the job title below for more info and how to apply. For information on auditioning, 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 four outdoor venues throughout the Bay Area over the course of summer 2024.

  • Work will consist of 4 moves, Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, every 2 to 3 weeks spanning from July through 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 our 26-foot truck. Attendance for all five transfers is preferred but absences can be negotiated.
  • Crew members are asked to support our clean, safe, equitable, and organized working environment.


DATES:
Thursday July 11 – Monday July 15 -Move from SF Shakes’ shop in SF to Cupertino
Monday August 5 – Thursday August 8 -Move from Cupertino to Redwood City
Monday August 26-Thursday August 29- Move from Redwood City to SF McLaren Park
Monday September 9 – Thursday September 12 – Move from SF McLaren park to TBD
*Possible additional move Monday September 23- Tuesday September 24
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.9

The AEA Stage Manager manages the rehearsal and performance process within the rules set by Actors Equity Association (AEA) that govern our contract tier (LORT-D LOA.) This position is a production team member dedicated to making the production run smoothly and efficiently with the resources provided. We are open to hiring an experienced stage manager who is not currently a member of AEA.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

  • Manage rehearsals and call performances within the guidelines of AEA and San Francisco Shakespeare Festival.
  • Work with the Production Manager, Deck Manager and Director to create rehearsal schedules for each show and ensure that all elements are rehearsed before and during technical rehearsals.
  • Manage the transition of all show elements from the rehearsal room to the park.
  • Work with management (Production Manager, Marketing Director etc) to schedule photo shoots, filming, and other marketing-related needs.
  • 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.
  • 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, equitable, and organized working environment.
  • Participate in work calls, meetings and events as required.
  • Preference will be given to local stage managers; no housing is available.


DATES: June – Sept 2024
PAY: As per the LORT-D LOA contract
$911 FF and $177 PP as per 2023
APPLY: Email resume and cover letter to Production Manager Pratiksha Shah, pshah@sfshakes.org

The Costume Designer works with the Director and production team to create looks for up to 10 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 in the Bayview district of San Francisco.

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

  • Participating in the conceptual process and collaborating with the Director, fellow designers, stage management, and technical staff of SFSF.
  • Attend all production meetings, costume fittings, designer and other run-throughs,dress rehearsals, and previews.
  • 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.
  • Remaining available to suggest costume adjustments for extreme heat or cold.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, equitable, and organized working environment.
  • 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.
  • You must provide your transportation and proof of COVID vaccination and boosters are required.
  • Mentor the Production interns (costume) and provide guidelines on individual projects.


DATES: March – July 2024 with rehearsals June – July
DESIGN FEE: $2,000 (based on an estimate of approx. 65 hours)
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 closely with the director team to make the director’s vision come to life. The Prop Designer is encouraged to pull most of the props from SF Shakes’ large prop inventory. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Attend all production meetings, designer and other run-throughs, dress rehearsals, and previews.
  • Provide rehearsal props and support during the rehearsals.
  • Create a plan to maintain the props, and duplicate or replacement props as needed.
  • Creating prop plots and passing them on to stage management and interns.
  • Attending run-throughs and tech rehearsals as called by the Stage Manager and Production Manager.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, equitable, and organized working environment.
  • 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.
  • You must provide your own transportation and proof of COVID vaccination; boosters are required.
  • Mentor the props production interns and provide guidelines on individual projects.

DATES: March – July 2024 with rehearsals June – July.
DESIGN FEE: $2000 (based on an estimate of approx. 65 hours)
PROP BUDGET: $1000, assuming props primarily pulled from stock
APPLY: Email resume and cover letter to Production Manager Pratiksha Shah, pshah@sfshakes.org
The music composer and Sound Designer works closely with the Director team to create original soundtracks and cues for the production. The Designer is directly responsible to the Directing team and Artistic Director. The designer’s duties include but are not limited to:
  • Participating in the conceptual process and collaborating with the Director, fellow designers, stage management, and technical staff of SFSF.
  • Design sound scape of the show and compose songs in collaboration with the director team and designers.
  • Attend all production meetings, costume fittings, designer and other run-throughs, dress rehearsals, and previews.
  • Provide training and assistance to the actors to learn the song and composition during the rehearsal process.
  • Support and plan to acquire, move and tune any instruments to be used for the production.
  • Provide pre-show & intermission music in keeping with overall design and respecting legal availability.
  • Deliver all music/sound files to the Lead Sound Tech, Director and PM before tech weekend.
  • Attending run-throughs and tech rehearsals as called by the Stage Manager and Production Manager.
  • 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.
  • You must provide your transportation and proof of COVID vaccination, and boosters are required.
  • Mentor the Production interns (Sound) and provide guidelines on individual projects.

DATES: March – July 2024, with rehearsals June – July.
DESIGN FEE: $2000 (based on an estimate of approx. 65 hours)
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.
  • Report to and work alongside the Technical Director, with the build happening at company shop in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood.
  • You must provide your own transportation and proof of COVID vaccination and boosters 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 (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.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, equitable, and organized working environment.
  • 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: April – June 2024.  Moves: July – September.
PAY: $20/hr – $25/hr depending on level of experience
APPLY: Email Technical Director Neal Ormond at normond@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, deescalation, equity, 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.
  • 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.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, equitable, and organized working environment.

DATES: July – Sept 2024
PAY: $18/hr to $20/hr depending on experience level.
APPLY: Email resume and cover letter to Production Manager Pratiksha Shah, pshah@sfshakes.org
The lead sound technician (“A-1”) is responsible for designing the sound set-up at every park performance location and running the sound for each amplified rehearsal and performance. They will lead the equipment’s pre-production testing, cleaning, and maintenance. They will work closely with the Tech director and Production manager to create location sound plans. The sound technicians (“A-2s”) set up the sound system before every performance, checked all speakers, monitors, and microphones, mixed mics throughout the performance, and troubleshot any sound problems with the Lead Sound Technicians. They should have strong experience with wireless sound systems, preferably outdoors. They should be able to lift heavy equipment, be detail-oriented, and be creative problem-solvers. They may manage a small team of interns. Sound technician responsibilities include but are not limited to :
  • The Lead Sound technician supervises and assigns tasks to sound technicians and Production ( Sound) interns and provides necessary training.
  • Assessing the acoustics of the performance area and assembling 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
  • Mentor the production interns (sound) and provide guidelines on individual projects.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, equitable, and organized working environment.
  • 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 – Sept 2024
PAY: $18/hr to $25/hr depending on experience level.
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 tech rehearsals and performances, maintaining costumes backstage in coordination with Equity rules. This includes setting up costumes before each performance, running quick changes, and striking after each performance and move. In addition being part of the on-site crew and reporting to the Production manager and AEA SM during the performances.
  • Laundering and maintaining costumes as required by AEA COVID protocols.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, equitable, and organized working environment.
  • 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 – Sept 2024
PAY: $18/hr to $20/hr depending on experience level
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 four outdoor venues throughout the Bay Area over the course of summer 2024.
  • Work will consist of 4 moves, Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, every 2 to 3 weeks spanning from July through 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 our 26-foot truck. Attendance for all five transfers is preferred but absences can be negotiated.
  • Crew members are asked to support our clean, safe, equitable, and organized working environment.

DATES: TBD, but here’s the 2023 schedule for a rough idea: 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.

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 our 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.

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

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