General Auditions for Equity Actors

ACT – A Contemporary Theatre holds one (1) day of Equity Principal Auditions annually for local actors, usually some time between December 1 and February 28.

For those auditions we request two short, contrasting monologues: either one classical/one contemporary, or two contrasting contemporary pieces. Songs welcome but optional. Accompanist is provided. Total presentation not to exceed three (3) minutes.

Date for the next round of Generals is still to be determined, but that information will be posted here as well as on the Actors Equity Audition boards, on the Theatre Puget Sound website, and on social media.

Equity members from outside Seattle may request an individual audition date when they are visiting the city. Please contact Margaret Layne, Director of Casting, by phone at (206) 292-7660 ext. 1226, or via e-mail at laynem@acttheatre.org.

Submit your own work for consideration in our programming lineup

ACT accepts script submissions from Literary Agents and/or theatre professionals with a letter of introduction/recommendation. Northwest playwrights (Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho) are welcome to submit up to a 15-page script sample, with a cover letter and play synopsis.

Average response time is six months.

Please mail work to:
ACT Theatre
ATTN: Submissions
700 Union St.
Seattle, WA 98101

We do not accept unsolicited scripts.

Kenan Fellowship in Directing at ACT – A Contemporary Theatre

The University of North Carolina School for the Arts (UNCSA) and ACT are pleased to announce the Kenan Fellowship in Directing at ACT. The Kenan Fellowship is made possible by generous support from the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts at UNSCA as part of the Career Pathways Initiative to broaden opportunities for sustainable careers in the arts.

The Kenan Fellowship in Directing at ACT seeks to provide emerging directors from the School of Drama at UNCSA with practical knowledge and experience as artists embarking on a career in regional theatre.

Each Kenan Fellow is mentored by Artistic Director, John Langs and the entire ACT staff, in varying capacities. Mentors support and assist the Kenan Fellows through their learning of ACT’s approach to making theatre, and guide the Fellows through the challenges and realities of what it means to be an artist in Seattle. Additionally, the Kenan Fellowship supports time to pursue artistic growth, attend performances, and the further development of networking in their professional field. Kenan Fellows are also encouraged to apply to produce and develop their own performance project.

For more information about the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts and the Career Pathways Initiative, visit www.uncsa.edu/kenan.

Youth Actor Auditions – A Christmas Carol 2018

Sunday, September 30, 2018
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
ACT, 700 Union Street (corner of Seventh Avenue behind the Convention Center)
Appointment scheduling begins: Wednesday, September 19, and continue until the day of auditions
Callbacks: week of October 8, details TBA

Summary

ACT will hold auditions for the youth actor roles in this year’s production of A Christmas Carol, directed by Artistic Director Emeritus Kurt Beattie and featuring David Pichette and Ian Bell alternating in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Children of all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to audition for seven salaried youth-actor positions available. We are looking for 3-4 boys and 3-4 girls (depending on whether Tiny Tim is cast with a boy or a girl) between the ages of 6 and 15.

Rehearsals begin on November 5th. The production begins performances on November 23rd and closes on December 30th. Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day are days off, but there are performances on Christmas Eve at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

What to prepare

• One short poem or monologue (less than 1 minute) to present from memory
• One brief song to be performed a cappella
• Your picture and resume
• Be prepared to stay at least an hour, accompanied by an adult the entire time
• If you’re unable to make your scheduled audition time, please call to cancel

All children will be contacted about the results of the auditions.

To schedule

Please call ACT Casting Director Margaret Layne at (206) 292-7660 ext 1226 weekdays between 12 PM and 5 PM.

You may also request an appointment by email to: laynem@acttheatre.org. Please indicate your preferred time of day (morning/afternoon) for the audition.

Roles Available (age ranges approximate)

NB one boy and one girl cast as Cratchits double as YOUNG SCROOGE and FAN.

TURKEY BOY/UNDERTAKER’S ASSISTANT – Age 9-15. Savvy street kid and jack of all trades, gregarious, engaging, Artful Dodger type.

MARTHA CRATCHIT – Age 11-15. Eldest Cratchit daughter. Warm, mature, loving, a second mother to the little ones.

PETER CRATCHIT – Age 11-15. Eldest son, trying hard to be the man of the family when his father isn’t around Practical, helpful, a leader with a sense of fun. (Possible double: Young Scrooge).

CHARLES CRATCHIT – Age 9-12. Middle Cratchit boy. Bright, ebullient, full of fun and high spirits. (Possible double: Young Scrooge.)

BELINDA CRATCHIT – Age 9-13. Middle Cratchit girl. Quiet, sweet, a little shy, but the most intuitive and tuned in to changes in the emotional atmosphere. (Possible double: Fan).

ELIZABETH CRATCHIT – Age 6-10. Youngest Cratchit girl. The female version of Charles — outgoing, spontaneous, affectionate, not afraid to compete for her share of her parents’ attention. (Possible double: Fan.)

TINY TIM – Age 5-10. Youngest Cratchit. A fragile child with a walking disability. Chipper, generous, sweet-natured, an old soul and the apple of everybody’s eye. Ideally under 4’2” and less than 60 lbs. [May be played by a young girl and doubled with Fan.]

YOUNG SCROOGE – Age 9-14 Intelligent, inquisitive, with an underlying sadness, already showing the effects of a lonely, loveless childhood.

FAN – Age 6-11. Scrooge’s younger sister. Classic Dickens girl: radiant, innocent, loving, the embodiment of all things good and beautiful

 JOB DESCRIPTION: Director of Development

Department: Development
Reports to: Managing Director
Classification: Senior, Full Time, Salaried, Exempt

ACT – A Contemporary Theatre, a professional not-for-profit arts organization in Seattle, is seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of Director of Development. The theatre operates on a $6M operating budget, 40% of which is generated from contributed income.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director John Langs and Managing Director Becky Witmer, ACT produces five artistic programs: Mainstage, ACTLab, Young Playwrights Program, Core Company, and the New Works initiative. The theatre was founded in 1965 holds a distinguished reputation in the cultural fabric of the Puget Sound region. ACT’s facility is the eight-story national historic landmark Eagles Building, home to five performance and event venues, multiple lobbies, administrative offices, and scenic production shops. ACT produces and hosts over 500 individual performances each year and draws attendance over 140,000.

The Director of Development is a member of the senior management team and is responsible for the overall fundraising operation. The Director leads a team of development professionals to identify and secure funding support for the mission and the facility.

A successful candidate takes pride in the work of the theatre and the landmark facility, telling the story of ACT’s mission in compelling ways to the donor community to earn their support and financial investment.

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Lead the fundraising strategy that incorporates Annual Fund, Corporate, Foundations & Government, Major Gifts, Planned Giving, and Special Events into the annual operations plan
• Connect donors to the five artistic programs and historic landmark building
• Create proposals for and pursue investments from donors in support of ACT’s mission
• Build a strong, trusting relationship with Executive and Artistic leadership and the Board
• Collaborate with the Board Development Chair to increase trustee participation in fundraising
• Build a network of contacts in the community to introduce to the theatre
• Understand the capital needs of the building and the sources of funding needed to sustain it

Department Administration

• Set the tone for a high functioning department, empowering the team to achieve goals
• Continue a standard of excellence in donor communication and activities
• Create annual revenue and expense budgets and manage them responsibly
• Have a working knowledge of the Tessitura database system and make certain it is maximized as a critical resource for everyone on the team
• Identify metrics that inform benchmarking progress
• Report financial progress and key metrics at staff and board meetings

Skills & Qualifications

• Record of measurable success in raising funds for a mid to large-size budget not-for-profit
• Experience in working with a cultural not-for-profit, and/or LORT Theatre, is a plus
• Managerial experience in the oversight of a team and setting a positive work environment
• Successful track record of personally identifying, cultivating, and soliciting contributions
• Skilled in written and oral communications and presentations
• Tessitura experience a plus
• Adept at using Microsoft Office Suite

Personal Attributes

• Values that include a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all forms
• Belief in arts & culture as a fundamental pillar of a healthy community
• High standard of ethics, confidentiality, and accountability
• Positive attitude and workplace interactions
• Work-life harmony is encouraged

Strategic Initiatives
The following items will have short and long-term impact on the organization. The Director of Development will play an important role in maximizing these opportunities.

ACT’s Board of Trustees recently voted to approve

• Strategy and commitment to eliminate all remaining debt by the end of 2018
• 3-5-year strategic planning process led by professional consultants
• Training for the board on equity, diversity, and inclusion

ACT is focused on a major milestone opportunity in the year 2025

• Centennial celebration of The Eagles Building, our national historic landmark home
• 60th Anniversary of ACT
• 50th Anniversary of ACT’s beloved adaptation and production of A Christmas Carol

Compensation & Benefits

• Beginning annual salary: $75,000 – $85,000
• A-rated health insurance plan
• Parking space optional
• Complimentary ACTPass

To Apply
This position is open until filled with an immediate start date available. To apply, please send a current résumé and cover letter stating how your qualifications, experience, and goals are a match for this position to:
Becky Witmer, Managing Director becky.witmer@acttheatre.org

Please include in the subject line: Your Last Name, Director of Development Position

No phone calls, drop-ins, or physical mailings please.

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of this position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

ACT is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in all aspects of its programming and organization.

Job Description: Customer Service Representative

Company: ACT Theatre
Department: Audience Services/Marketing
Reports to: Ticket Office Manager
Classification: Part Time with specific days/shifts
Scheduling: Must be available to work Tuesdays through Fridays, 11:30am-6pm. Please only apply if your schedule matches these specific shifts.

Summary

ACT Theatre is seeking candidates to join our ticket office team as a part-time Customer Service and Ticket Office Representative. This is a great opportunity to be part of the arts scene in Seattle!

A Ticket Office and Customer Service Representative serves as an ambassador for ACT Theatre to patrons, assisting them over the phone, in person, and via email. Typical services to patrons include selling single tickets, subscriptions, ACTPass memberships, subscriber exchanges, knowledgably answering questions regarding performances and programming, and concierge services; all the while providing excellent customer service. Computer proficiency and general office skills are required. Previous experience with Tessitura, ticketing, and customer service are a plus. This position reports to the Ticket Office Manager as well as Ticket Office Assistant Manager and Ticket Office Leads.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Processing individual ticket orders, subscriptions, ACTPass memberships, and exchanges
• Up-selling and cross-selling when appropriate
• Maintain accurate data entry and best practices within patron database (Tessitura)
• Reply to patron inquiries via email in a timely and thoughtful manner
• Will Call and Sales service on performance dates (matinee and evening)
• Represent ACT Theatre and our mission as the first line of contact with patrons
• Attend and participate in Ticket Office staff meetings and other ACT special events
• Complete side projects in a specified time line as assigned

Qualifications

• Enjoy proactively, politely, and calmly interacting with a variety of personalities in a fast-paced environment; you must truly enjoy people to thrive in this position
• Strong customer service skills; ticketing, sales, or other arts organization experience a plus
• Be punctual and ready to work for each shift
• Microsoft Office Suite and database management; Tessitura software experience a plus
• Available to consistently work 25-30 hours per week
• Ability to appropriately manage confidential information
• Skilled at multi-tasking with a high attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A passion for theatre arts and a genuine interest in working with the public
• Possess a positive, caring, respectful attitude; sense of humor a plus

Perks

• Fun work environment with a great team of colleagues
• Complimentary tickets to performances
• Great downtown location with a roof deck and comfy staff lounge
• Being connected with the local arts community

To apply

This is a part-time position, 20-30 hours per week, which requires sitting, standing, working on a computer, and speaking on a telephone via a headset. The position will be open until filled. Please send a cover letter and resume to:
Gail Baraff, Ticket Office Manager gail.bataff@acttheatre.org

Please include your first and last name, and “Ticket Office Representative” in the subject-line of your email.
No phone calls, drop-ins, or physical mailings please.

ACT is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from people of color and women. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Prop Master
Department: Production
Reports to: Technical Director
Classification: Full-Time, Hourly, Seasonal. Non-Exempt
PREFERRED START DATE: November 19, 2018
Salary Range: $25.35/hr, – $26.00/hr

Summary: ACT’s Properties Master is a Department Supervisor (“Working Supervisor”) responsible for managing the Prop Shop. This includes supervising the creation and acquisition of all Properties (including furniture, set dressing, soft goods, hand props, stage weaponry, food, and ephemera) for ACT Mainstage Productions and ACT’s annual production of A Christmas Carol.

Job Description

• Establish props list for each production in conjunction with designers, directors, and stage management.
• Research design elements according to period and needs of each production.
• Coordinate the procurement of all properties for ACT Productions; including building/construction, purchasing, borrowing, and renting. Ensure timely delivery of all properties elements for each Production.
• Facilitate work flow by delegating projects to shop staff and over hire artisans, monitor build progress, and advise on construction processes and techniques.
• Collaborate with Assistant Technical Director, Scenic Charge Artist, Costume Shop Manager, and Stage Operations Supervisor to coordinate the progress of props through all shops in a timely, efficient, and safe manner.
• Coordinate the properties load-in and strike for each production.
• Supervise and evaluate all Prop Shop personnel, including over hire artisans.
• Attend production meetings, technical rehearsals, and previews. Includes some night and weekend work.
• Manage properties budget for individual productions and shop overhead.
• Maintain inventory and storage of stock furniture, soft goods, and hand props. Oversee the maintenance of tools, equipment, storage spaces, and Prop Shop facilities.
• Provide support and guidance for the implementation of the properties for ACTLab Productions, Marketing photo shoots, and special events at ACT.
• Facilitate prop rentals, including pick-ups and returns.

Skills

• Working knowledge of all disciplines used in the creation of properties, including carpentry, metal working, upholstery, painting, crafts, graphics, sculpture, casting, molding, and pyrotechnics. High level proficiency in several of these disciplines required.
• Knowledge of stage firearms and weaponry.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively communicate, orally and in writing.
• Creative problem solver.
• Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to work independently, set priorities, and move multiple projects forward simultaneously.
• Familiarity with Union Collective Bargaining agreements and work rules and the ability to maintain positive working relationship with IATSE Union Employees.
• Ability to lift and maneuver 50 lbs. repeatedly, alone or with assistance.
• High level of comfort climbing ladders and working in high places.
• High level proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, VectorworksCAD and Photoshop
• Valid Driver’s License required.

Experience

• 5 years professional theater experience, with a focus on properties fabrication. Management and/or crew lead experience in a LORT Theatre preferred

To Apply

• This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by October 1, 2018.
• To apply, please send a current résumé and cover letter stating how your qualifications, experience, and goals are a match for this position to: Alyssa Montgomery, Production Manager – production@acttheatre.org
• Please include in the subject line: Your Last Name, Prop Master

No phone calls, drop-ins, or physical mailings please.

ACT is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from people of color and women. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.