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2020 Season and Beyond: General Auditions for Equity Actors 

Monday, October 21, 2019   10:00 am – 1:30 pm;  2:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Tuesday, October 22, 2019   12:00 pm – 3:30 pm; 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm

ACT – A Contemporary Theatre will hold two (2) days of Equity Principal Auditions for local actors on Monday, October 21 10:00 am – 1:30 pm AND 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm; and Tuesday, October 22, 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm AND 4:30 – 8:00 pm. Representative for the theatre will be Margaret Layne, Director of Casting.

Please prepare two short, contrasting monologues: either one classical/one contemporary, or two contrasting contemporary pieces. Song welcome but optional. An accompanist will be provided for the second half of the day on the 21^st and the first half of the day on the 22^nd – if you will need a pianist, please make sure you sign up during the right part of the day!

Total presentation not to exceed three (3) minutes.

Online sign-up for the 2020 EPAs will be available starting 5 AM on Monday, October 7, and at any time thereafter. To sign up for a time, please visit this link:

AEA Actors

LINK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E4BAAA822A4FA7-actgeneral5

Headshots and resumes should be brought in on the day of the auditions, along with AEA membership card or proof of EMC status.

Wait List sign-ups are also available online for (a) EMC Candidates and (b) non-union actors. Although we are required at this audition to give priority in scheduling to AEA members, in past years we have had the opportunity to also see 40+ non-union actors per day from the Wait List, so members of the non-union community are strongly encouraged to sign up for a possible appointment!

Wait List applicants will be notified of appointments as they may be available when all AEA members have been accommodated, but no later than Friday, October 18.

EMC Candidates – Wait List

LINK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E4BAAA822A4FA7-actgeneral2

 

Non-Union Actors – Wait List

LINK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E4BAAA822A4FA7-actgeneral4

Actors of all races/ethnicities, gender identities, disabilities, and neuro-diversities are encouraged to share their work with us.  Most characters we encounter currently are on the binary and written with he/him or she/her pronouns, and that is reflected in the casting breakdown of available roles.  Despite that linguistic limitation, however, ACT casting strives to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, gender-queer, transgender, and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with.  Race/ethnicity is indicated only when specified by the playwright as integral to character and/or narrative.; otherwise actors of all races and ethnicities are considered for available roles.

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

2020 CASTING INFORMATION

SWEAT
by Lynn Nottage
Directed by John Langs

1st reh: 2/25/20
1st perf: 3/20/20
Open: 3/26/20
Close: 4/12/20 (poss extension thru 4/19)

Fully cast. 

 

THE EFFECT
by Lucy Prebble
Directed by Tracy Young

1st reh: 3/24/20
1st perf: 4/17/20
Open: 4/23/20
Close: 5/10/20

Local Casting Only

Roles available: 

TRISTAN FREY, M, late20s/early 30s
CONNIE HALL, F, 20s
DR LORNA JAMES, F, 40s

 

CHOIR BOY (co-production with Denver Center for the Performing Arts)
By Tarell Alvin McCraney
Directed by Jamil Jude

Denver dates:

1st reh: 3/10/20
1st perf: 4/10/20
Open: 4/17/20
Close: 5/10/20

Seattle Dates:

1st Reh (tech): 6/2/20
1st Perf: 6/5/20
Open: 6/11/20
Close: 6/28/20

All roles available.

HEADMASTER MARROW, man of color, late 30s/early 40s
PHARUS YOUNG, young man of color, late teens/early 20s
MR PENDLETON, M, white, late 60s/70s
BOBBY MARROW, young man of color, late teens/early 20s
JUNIOR DAVIS, young man of color, late teens/early 20s
ANTHONY JUSTIN “AJ” JAMES, young man of color, late teens/early 20s
DAVID HEARD, young man of color, late teens/early 20s

 

THE LAUGH TRACK (World Premiere)
by Wendy MacLeod
Directed by John Langs

1st reh:  8/18/20
1st perf: 9/11/20
Open: 9/17/20
Close: 10/4/20

Fully cast.

 

WITCH
by Jen Silverman
Directed by Allison Narver

1st reh: 9/29/20
1st perf: 10/23/20
Open: 10/29/20
Close: 11/15/20 (poss extension thru 11/22/20)

Local Casting Only

Roles Available:
SCRATCH, M, 20s/early 30s – The Devil
FRANK THORNEY, M, 20s/early 30s, confident, charming, ruthless

 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Gregory A Falls
Directed by Julie Beckman

1st reh: 11/9/20
1st perf: 11/27/20
Opening: 11/29/20
Close: 12/27/20

Local Casting Only

All roles available.

(With the exception of SCROOGE, all actors play more than one role.  Only the primary role is listed for each track.)

SCROOGE (2 actors, alternating performances), M, 50-80, embittered, miserly, misanthropic, and selfish, but in the end transformed to be full of joy, warmth, and playfulness

BOB CRATCHIT, M, 30-50, Scrooge’s clerk, a family man, underpaid and Scrooge’s punching bag, a hopeful and optimistic soul buoyed by his love for his large family

MRS CRATCHIT, F, 30 -50, Bob’s wife and mother of six, strong, loving, anxious about their circumstances but doing her best for her family with what she’s got

FRED, M, 25-35, Scrooge’s nephew,outgoing, friendly, positive, full of genuine charm and Christmas cheer

MR FEZZIWIG, M, 40– 60, warehouse owner, jovial, ebullient, full of bounce and holiday spirit

MRS FEZZIWIG, F, 40-60, warm, lively, motherly

MIDDLE SCROOGE, M, 25-35, Scrooge as a young man, engaging, ambitious, already showing signs of misanthropy and greed

BELLE,  F, 20-30, Scrooge’s one-time fiancée, wise, lovely, open-hearted

MARLEY’S GHOST, any gender identity, 40-60, ghost of Scrooge’s late partner, angry, tortured, scary

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST, any gender identity, ethereal, mischievous, but steely when called upon

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT, any gender identity, larger than life, boisterous, bountiful, commanding

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.

Director of Marketing, Sales, and Communications

Department: Marketing
Reports to: Managing Director
Classification: Full Time Exempt with Benefits

Summary:

The Director of Marketing, Sales, and Communications is a member of the executive leadership team, responsible for developing audiences and generating annual attendance that exceeds 120,000 and revenues over $3M across the Mainstage Season, ACTLab, and Holiday programming. A successful candidate is equal parts data analyst, storyteller, sales director, creative director, and motivating manager. This position creates annual plans for a full team of dedicated staff to execute through print and letter packages, website and digital communications, social media, press and publicity, engagement events, promotions, ticketing services, group sales, outbound telemarketing, and onsite retention activities. The position requires a solid understanding of budgeting and forecasting as well as experience in guiding the entire marketing process from the ground up. The Director of Marketing, Sales and Communications functions in partnership with other departments, supports engagement with members of the board, and is integral to the strategic planning process outlining the theatre’s future goals.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Build a comprehensive budget with revenue and expense goals based on thorough research and trends. Budgets include performance indicator benchmarking and annual cash flow projections.
• Write an annual plan for efforts and activities that achieve ACT’s mission and goals over the calendar year. Plans include the full suite of strategies needed to support the Mainstage Season, and ACTLab partnerships, as well as promotional support for artistic, engagement, development, and operations events.
  • Plans and activities include internal as well as external strategies to build awareness and enthusiasm for ACT’s programming
  • ACT is committed to being an accessible and inclusive organization. Plans will include thoughtful strategies to engage and invite people with diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and abilities
• Manage sales campaigns to develop audiences through the sale of subscription packages and single tickets. Plans will include retention activities that build loyalty and repeat attendance and attract first-time tryers. The ability to successfully manage multiple campaigns across numerous product lines is essential.
• Work with the Data Resources Manager and Ticket Office Manager to develop pricing and inventory management systems that maximize potential and set each performance up for success.
• Outline a media plan for all ACT productions, including advertising placement and purchasing, garnering media sponsors, and tracking ROI across platforms.
• Ensure that internal communications about ACT’s products and official ACT statements are clear.
• Oversee strategies that result in a clear and inspiring brand for ACT’s mission and vision.
• Supervise department staff, including: Senior Marketing Manager, ACTLab Marketing Manager, Press and Promotions Associate, Digital Communications Associate, Graphic Designer, Ticket Office Manager, and the Telemarketing team.
• Provide clear and insightful reports for the Finance Committee and Board.
• Participate fully in ACT’s multi-year strategic plan, with a commitment to racial equity and financial sustainability as its foundational goals.

Requirements:

• Successful track record of experience in marketing, sales, and communications for the performing arts and/or cultural events and managing a $1M+ budget.
• Proven leadership ability in creative and brand strategy
• Ability to delegate tasks and provide constructive feedback to staff
• Experience managing multiple, overlapping events and sales campaigns
• Extensive knowledge of data analytics and tracking systems
• Excellent writing, communication, and reporting skills
• Impeccable attention to detail, excelling in organization and prioritization
• Solid understanding of traditional methods of marketing, balanced with enthusiasm for new methods to engage customers and build audiences
• Experience cultivating and maintaining press and media relationships
• Knowledge of Tessitura ticketing and customer relationship management software a plus
• Ability to attend evening and weekend events will be required on a regular basis
• A personable and collaborative spirit

Compensation:

• ACT Theatre offers benefits including an A-rated health insurance plan, vacation and sick time, floating holidays, federal holiday office closures, and life insurance. Employees may opt into dental, vision, and 403(B) retirement plans.
• The range for this position is $70-75,000 annually.

Timeline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with priority being given to those who apply by November 5, 2019. The desired start date for the position is early to mid-December 2019.

 

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 this subject line: Your Last Name, Director of Marketing

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

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

Department: Production
Reports to: Assistant Technical Director/Master Scenic Carpenter
Classification: Full-time, Seasonal
Starting Date: January 2020
Compensation: Key Rate: 22.29/hr 

The Staff Scenic Carpenter constructs scenery in accordance with plans provided by technical management; scenery construction includes carpentry, welding, rigging, and work with stage machinery, plastics, fabrics or other materials.   

Key Responsibilities:  

• Fabricate or modify scenic elements as necessary for theatrical productions. 
• Installation of stationary, automated, and flying scenery, as directed by supervisors. 
• Maintenance and strike of scenery, as directed by supervisors. 
• Work on offstage areas:  may include special railings, seat installation or removal, modification of voms and crossovers, building improvements, etc. 
• Assist other departments as time and production needs require. 
• Assist other departments in moving large equipment, or other specialized work. 
• Participate in the upkeep, cleanliness, organization of scene shop, scenery storage, and backstage areas. Uphold shop safety by monitoring the maintenance of machinery, equipment, and tools. 
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by direct supervisor or technical management. 
• Flexibility during tech weeks to adjust schedule as needed to help address any problems or concerns that come up outside of regular scene shop hours. 

Minimum Requirements:  

• Two years in a professional theatre as carpenter, OR equivalent build experience.  
• Time management, ability to organize, prioritize, or shift tasks when needed. 

Skills Required:  

• Broad knowledge of metalworking, carpentry, tools, rigging, and theatre products. 
• Ability to work as a team member and maintain a safe, positive attitude in times of stress (such as during load-in and tech). 
• Ability to lift, push or maneuver up to 70 lbs. repeatedly, either alone or with assistance from others. 
• Comfortable climbing ladders and working in high places. 
• Creative collaborator that can maintain a helpful, positive attitude. 
• Basic Word processing, Excel spreadsheets, Internet sourcing, email, and file sharing skills. 

To Apply: 
To apply, please send a current résumé and cover letter stating how your qualifications, experience, and goals are a match for this position to: production@acttheatre.org by October 28, 2019.  

Please include in the subject line: Your Last Name, Staff Carpenter Position 
No phone calls, drop-ins, or physical mailings please. 

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

Young Playwrights Program – Teaching Artists

Department: Artistic/ Education and Engagement

Reports to: Education Staff

 Classification:

Contracted September – November

Contact Hours – Average School Residency is 2 days/week, 1 hour/each day for 10 weeks

Additional Non-Contact Hours Expected

 Summary:

ACT Theatre seeks to grow its current roster of teaching artists for the Young Playwrights Program. Ideal candidates for this work are established teaching artists focused on playwriting, drama, and/or creative writing, with experience teaching in middle and high school communities. Successful YPP teaching artists are compassionate, highly organized, and flexible – with a sense of humor and passion for youth engagement in the arts. Teaching artists at ACT work in a variety of classroom environments, with students of varying levels of achievement and behavior. YPP teaching artists are able to assess and support students and facilitate connection between ACT Theatre and the school communities it serves. Individuals from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply!

Serving the next generation of compassionate, creative thinkers

Join us! Now entering its 18th year, ACT Theatre’s Young Playwrights Program consistently delivers outstanding arts education and enrichment opportunities to middle and high school students across King County. YPP pairs professional playwrights and theatre professionals with classroom teachers to engage middle and high school students in a 10-week intensive program that includes drama and improv exercises, creative writing prompts, and supportive feedback sessions. By the end of YPP, each student completes the first draft of an original, one-act play. YPP aligns with Washington State Learning Standards for the Arts, English Language Arts Learning Standards, and 21st Century Skills development. Additionally, YPP provides support to students as they develop a creative cohort in the classroom that values creative risk-taking, self-expression, and a sense of belonging.

Often school partners showcase finished YPP plays during in-school assemblies or evening presentations, performed and/or directed by peers. Other plays are selected for the Young Playwrights Festival at ACT Theatre each spring.

The majority of hiring and placements for YPP teaching artists happens in the summer and early fall, but inquiries are accepted throughout the year. School placement can vary depending on confirmed school partnerships each year.

Key Responsibilities:

YPP teaching artists support student learning and active participation in the Young Playwrights Program in the following ways:

• Teach twice a week for 10 weeks in classrooms throughout Puget Sound, in accordance with the YPP curriculum and timeline
• Co-Develop a culture of belonging in the classroom with students and the classroom teacher
  • Provide written and verbal feedback to students on their creative developments
  • Maintain compassionate, intentional relationships with classroom teachers and students
  • Facilitate YPP evaluation surveys for students during classroom time
  • Complete teaching artist surveys and other administrative requests from ACT Theatre as requested
  • Nominate student scripts for the Young Playwrights Festival and adjudicate plays
  • Support festival-bound young playwrights as appropriate
  • Attend teaching artist trainings
  • Provide feedback to improve YPP curriculum, program delivery, and organizational systems

Educational Background:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred. Degree in drama, theatre education, playwriting, and/or creative writing a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum two years as a teaching artist-in-residence in middle and/or high school communities, with a focus on drama, playwriting, creative writing, or a combination of these
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to continued learning about the intersection of arts education, racial equity, inclusion, and social justice
• A personal commitment to inclusivity and equity
• Demonstrated experience as a playwright, a plus
• Bilingual in English and another language, a plus
• Ability to communicate via email and access google docs through own device
• Ability to pass a background check in order to work in school communities
• Ability to drive own vehicle is a plus, but not required
• Curiosity for ACT Theatre’s programming is a plus

Compensation

• Teaching artist rates for a full residency of 20 teaching hours begin at $85/student contact hour. This rate is inclusive of non-contact time, including preparation, review of student work, and also adjudicating scripts nominated to the Young Playwrights Festival.
• Additional compensation is provided to teaching artists for training or meetings at ACT, at a rate of $20/hour.
• Complimentary tickets to ACT Theatre mainstage productions.
• Mileage reimbursement for travel outside of City of Seattle.

To Apply:
Please send the following via email to education@acttheatre.org

• Cover Letter
• A resume indicating significant teaching artist experience in theatre, playwriting, and/or creative writing
• Names, phone numbers, and email addresses for three references, at least one of whom should be familiar with your teaching
• Three – five page playwriting sample
• One page or less describing your philosophy and approach to your teaching artist practice

NOTE: Please save all above materials as one PDF document and label FirstName.LastName– YPP Teaching Artist Application.

Please include in the email subject line: LastName, YPP Administrator Position

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

APPLICANTS WISHING TO APPLY FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY BEFORE AUGUST 7.

All applications will be considered for the following school year.

ACT is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in all aspects of its programming and organization. Teaching artists who identify as a person of color or bilingual are especially encouraged to apply. Those selected for interviews for the 2019-2020 school year will be contacted in mid-August.

 

House Staff

As a representative of ACT, you will be in direct contact with the Seattle theatre community, while also enjoying opportunity for both artistic enrichment and professional development.

Job Title:               House Staff

Department:       Audience Services

Position Type:      Part-Time

Reports To:          Audience Services Manager

Job Description:

• Facilitating excellent customer service
• Greeting patrons and directing patron traffic in the main Union St. lobby
• Maintaining awareness of all people entering & exiting the building
• Assisting Front of House Staff with day-of show tasks, as needed
• Assisting with the cleanliness & upkeep of our theatre and lobby spaces
• Working cohesively with Front of House Staff

Qualifications:

• Strong customer service skills
• Able to handle stressful situations with professionalism and decorum
• Sound judgement
• Attention to detail
• Regularly required to lift up to 40 lbs.

Requires evening & weekend availability

Compensation: $15/ hour

Benefits:

• Fun, relaxed team atmosphere
• Flexible schedule
• Complimentary tickets to all mainstage productions
• Complimentary ACTPass
• Artistic enrichment via play readings, play book clubs/discussion groups, after parties, etc.
• Ongoing professional development such as employee training, ASL class, EDI workshops, etc.
• Opportunities for professional growth

To apply, please sent a current resume and cover letter starting how your qualifications, experience, and goals are a match for this position. to:

Miranda Swineford, Audience Services Manager: miranda.swineford@acttheatre.org

Subject Line: Your Last Name, House Staff

No phone calls, drops-ins, or physical mailings please