2023 SUMMER SERIES:

GENERAL INFORMATION

Totem Pole Playhouse produces Equity productions and presents non-union guest productions as part of a summer subscription series. Totem Pole has an excellent reputation within the industry; the New York Times called Totem Pole “the Cadillac of summer theaters.”
Totem Pole’s summer series of shows run from May through September. Contract dates vary with some flexibility regarding start dates and end dates, but applicants should ideally be available for the entire length of the summer series.
Staff salaries are competitive and dependent on prior experience.
Staff positions provide housing in private bedrooms within shared staff houses.

*Totem Pole Playhouse is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on sex, gender identity, disability, religion, age, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or parental status. Totem Pole Playhouse is following CDC guidelines and State and Local guidelines to help protect and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Interested candidates should send a Cover Letter, Resume, and Portfolio to Joshua Zietak Production Manager at jzietak@totempoleplayhouse.org
Please put the job you are applying for in the subject line

ASSOCIATE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR $600/week

The Associate Technical Director is responsible, in conjunction with the Technical Director, for the construction, load-in, and strike of scenery for a fast-paced 5-show season. The candidate will assist in managing the shop crew and daily supervising activities. Other duties may include budgeting, drafting, and building scenery. Proficient knowledge and experience in scenic construction, rigging, and shop safety are required. At any time, the ATD will need to run crews and have enough understanding of current events to answer questions in the absence of the TD. This position requires strong organizational, technical, leadership, and communication skills. The candidate will also need to be capable of working on tall ladders, capable of lifting at least 50 lbs., and have a valid driver’s license.

Reports to the Production Manager (PM) and Technical Director (TD)

Those encouraged to apply: Candidates with at least 3 years in a BFA or BA Technical Direction program. Preferred candidates will have already graduated and had an internship or carpentry position with another theatre. A self-motivated individual with strong drafting abilities and attention to detail. An excellent communicator.

Assists the TD in drafting technical drawings for the build of each production.
Assists the TD in budgeting and submits clear and concise budget reports to the production manager weekly.
Stays on top of shop maintenance and inventory, keeping a running list and purchasing or ordering materials and hardware to keep the shop fully stocked.
Helps to plan and lead overnight crews during the changeover and tech process.
Assists the TD in keeping the shop staff on or ahead of schedule for each production according to the build calendar.
In the absence of the TD, supervises shop staff. Instructs in proper building and welding techniques when necessary.
Maintains excellent communication to facilitate the organization’s continuing functionality.
Performs the essential job functions safely, successfully, and consistently with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
Maintains regular, punctual attendance.
Can lift 50 pounds.
Is comfortable working at heights from Genie lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.
Any other duties as assigned by the PM or TD.

HEAD CARPENTER $525/week

The Head Carpenter will work as part of a team under the Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director to build or modify scenery for a fast-paced 5-show season. The candidate will work with power tools daily and be required to move scenery between the shop space, storage areas, the rehearsal hall, and the stage for load-ins, strikes, and build periods. Applicants should have moderate knowledge and experience in traditional scenery construction, rigging, and safe wood shop practices. The candidate will also need to be capable of working on tall ladders, lifting at least 50 lbs.

Reports to the Technical Director (TD) and Associate Technical Director (ATD)

Those encouraged to apply: Self-motivated individuals with scenic carpentry skills and at least 3-4 years of college shop experience.

Assists the ATD in executing each show’s build using cut lists, scenic construction, welding, etc.
Can build from technical drawings.
Promptly reports to supervisors when supplies and hardware are needed or if a tool becomes unusable or unsafe.
Punctual and stays on schedule. Keeps supervisors informed of progress and asks for help when needed.
Maintains excellent communication to facilitate the organization’s continuing functionality.
Performs the essential job functions safely, successfully, and consistently with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
Maintains regular, punctual attendance.
Can lift 50 pounds.
Is comfortable working at heights from Genie lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.
Any other duties as assigned by the TD or ATD.

SCENIC INTERN $400/week

The Scenic Intern will work as part of a team under the Technical Director and Associate Technical Director to build or modify scenery for a fast-paced 5-show season. The candidate will work with power tools daily and be required to move scenery between the shop space, storage areas, the rehearsal hall, and the stage for load-ins, strikes, and build periods. Applicants should have basic knowledge and experience in traditional scenery construction, rigging, and safe wood shop practices. The candidate will also need to be capable of working on tall ladders, lifting at least 50 lbs.

Reports to the Associate Technical Director (ATD) and Head Carpenter (HC).

Those encouraged to apply: Self-motivated individuals with scenic carpentry skills and at least 1-2 years of college shop experience.

Assists the Head Carpenter in executing each show’s build, using cut lists, scenic construction, welding, etc.
Can build from technical drawings.
Promptly reports to supervisors when supplies and hardware are needed or if a tool becomes unusable or unsafe.
Punctual and stays on schedule. Keeps supervisors informed of progress and asks for help when needed.
Maintains excellent communication to facilitate the organization’s continuing functionality.
Performs the essential job functions safely, successfully, and consistently with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
Maintains regular, punctual attendance.
Can lift 50 pounds.
Is comfortable working at heights from Genie lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.
Any other duties as assigned by the TD, ATD.

PAINT CHARGE $550/week

The Paint Charge is responsible for working with the Scenic Designer(s), the Prop Supervisor, and the Technical Director to accomplish all scenic painting for a fast-paced 5-show season. The candidate will manage paint supplies, crews, and scenery as needed to achieve the look of provided paint elevations or designer requests. The candidate should know about all traditional scenic painting and finishing techniques, be able to work independently, delegate and train others as needed, and maintain a clean and safe work environment. This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure and other tasks as assigned. The candidate will also need to be capable of working on tall ladders, lifting at least 50 lbs.

Reports to the Production Manager (PM) and Technical Director (TD).

Those encouraged to apply: Self-motivated individuals with strong scenic painting skills and prior experience leading a paint staff. Preferred candidates will have prior scenic painting and scenic charge experience working at a professional theatre.

Supervises, coordinates, and participates in the painting of sets for the Summer Season.
Supervises scenic artists and other staff assigned to paint.
Oversees purchase of all paints and paint supplies and remains within budget unless authorized by the PM.
Attends production and other meetings as scheduled by the TD or PM.
Evaluate the need for over hire and promptly communicate those needs to the PM.
Oversees upkeep and general maintenance of all paintwork areas.
Punctual and stays on schedule. Keeps supervisors informed of progress and asks for help when needed.
Maintains excellent communication to facilitate the organization’s continuing functionality.
Performs the essential job functions safely, successfully, and consistently with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
Maintains regular, punctual attendance.
Can lift 50 pounds.
Is comfortable working at heights from Genie lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.
Any other duties as assigned by the PM or TD.

SCENIC ARTIST $500/week

The Scenic Artist is responsible for working with the Paint Charge to accomplish all scenic painting for a fast-paced 5-show season. The candidate should know about all traditional scenic painting and finishing techniques, be able to work independently, delegate and train others as needed, and maintain a clean and safe work environment. This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure and other tasks as assigned. The candidate will also need to be capable of working on tall ladders, lifting at least 50 lbs.

Reports to the Production Manager (PM) and Scenic Charge (SC).

Those encouraged to apply: Self-motivated individuals who are confident in their scenic painting skills and prior experience as part of a professional or college paint shop. At least 1-2 years of the college experience.

Participates in the painting of sets for the Summer Season.
Assists in the upkeep and general maintenance of all paintwork areas and paint tools.
Punctual and stays on schedule. Keeps supervisors informed of progress and asks for help when needed.
Maintains excellent communication to facilitate the organization’s continuing functionality.
Performs the essential job functions safely, successfully, and consistently with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
Maintains regular, punctual attendance.
Can lift 50 pounds.
Is comfortable working at heights from Genie lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.
Any other duties as assigned by the PM or TD.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by sending a cover letter, resume, and portfolio to jzietak@totempoleplayhouse.org with the subject line of the position they are applying for.

PROPS ASSISTANT $475/week

Those encouraged to apply: Self-motivated and multitalented individuals with prior college-level properties and carpentry experience. Preferred candidates will have at least 1-2 years of college or comparable experience.

Assists the properties supervisor in gathering and executing all properties and set dressings for Summer Season.
Assists in the build of all props carpentry projects.
Assists with the Youth Theatre productions as time allows and deemed necessary by PM.
Assists in acquiring rehearsal properties and helps transport properties to and from rehearsal space to performance space and throughout the production.
Maintains excellent communication to facilitate the organization’s continuing functionality.
Performs the essential job functions safely, successfully, and consistently with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
Maintains regular, punctual attendance.
Can lift 50 pounds.
Is comfortable working at heights from Genie lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.
Responsible for a pre-show check, maintenance, and repair of all props during each production run.
Will report to Properties Supervisor for work as scheduled on one show day.
Any other duties as assigned by the PM.

HEAD ELECTRICIAN $550/week

The Head Electrician is responsible for planning, loading in, and striking lighting equipment for a fast-paced 5-show season. The candidate will work closely with designers to execute lighting plots. A firm understanding of instrumentation, rigging, electricity, circuiting and programming (ETC) is required to accomplish the difficult task of changing over plots quickly and efficiently. This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure. The candidate will also need to be capable of working on tall ladders, lifting at least 50 lbs. The running of the light board for the majority of the season’s performances is expected. The ideal candidate displays a desire and background to assist the scene shop in building scenery and to fulfill other duties as assigned during downtime.

Reports to the Production Manager (PM)

Those encouraged to apply: Candidates with 3-4 years of experience in a college lighting program and prior experience as an Assistant Head Electrician or a Head Electrician for a professional theatre. Candidates should be self-motivated and thrive as part of a team. Works well in high-pressure situations.

Proficient in Lightwright and Vectorworks
Keeps an organized inventory and updates frequently
Evaluates the lighting plot to generate the necessary paperwork for load-in.
Programs and operates the ETC Ion light board for tech and performances.
Supervises the hang and focus of lighting equipment and helps to arrange for the pick-up and return of all borrowed and rented lighting equipment.
Purchases and maintains all supplies and remains within budget unless authorized by the PM.
Maintains lighting equipment and reports to supervisors when extensive repairs or replacements are needed.
Attends production, design, and other meetings as required by ME.
Maintains excellent communication to facilitate the organization’s continuing functionality.
Performs the essential job functions safely, successfully, and consistently with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
Maintains regular, punctual attendance.
Can lift 50 pounds.
Is comfortable working at heights from Genie lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.
Responsible for a pre-show check, maintenance, and repair of all lights during each production run.
Will report to ME for work on one show day, as scheduled.
Any other duties as assigned by the PM.

COSTUME SHOP MANAGER $550/week

The Costume Shop Manager is responsible for constructing, manipulating, and organizing the costumes for a fast-paced 5-show season. The candidate will collaborate with designers, oversee all aspects of costume construction and stock usage, manage build/fitting schedules, maintain materials/labor budgets, oversee fittings, supervise shopping, and supervise wardrobe crew with daily show paperwork and maintenance. Applicants should have superior knowledge of costume construction and costume administration, the ability to work with a wide range of personalities and display strong leadership and communication skills. The candidate will also need to be capable of working on tall ladders, capable of lifting at least 50 lbs., and have a valid driver’s license. The ideal candidate displays a desire and background for potential design opportunities in the season.

Reports to the Production Manager (PM).

Those encouraged to apply: Candidates who have a BA or BFA from a theatrical costuming program or equivalent experience. Preferred candidates will have at least 2-3 years of experience working in a costume shop at a professional theatre. Self-motivated, willing to learn, and thrive as part of a team. Works well in high-pressure situations.

Assists full range of activities necessary for the execution of the costume design, including but not limited to construction, alteration, and load-in, of all costume pieces.
Responsible for patterning (either by altering existing patterns or creating a pattern) and cutting all costume elements that are to be built by the shop as prescribed by the Designer.
Participates in all construction elements.
Assists with the provision of rehearsal costumes.
Assists in the full range of activities necessary for the execution of the costume design, including but not limited to accounting, construction, alteration, and load-in, of all costume pieces.
Assists in-shop maintenance, inventory monitoring, provision of rehearsal items, teaching construction and alteration techniques and procedures to costume crew, and participation in construction and alteration.
Supervises the costume staff in daily activities for the build of each show and keeps the shop on schedule according to the production calendar.
Attends tech rehearsals and other meetings as assigned.
Monitors costume shop inventory and replenishes materials.
Maintains excellent communication to facilitate the organization’s continuing functionality.
Performs the essential job functions safely, successfully, and consistently with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
Maintains regular, punctual attendance.
Can lift 50 pounds.
Is comfortable working at heights from Genie lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.
Any other duties as assigned by the PM.

STITCHER $475/week

The Costumes Stitcher will assist the Designer with the construction and alteration of costumes for the five productions during our summer series. The Costumes Stitcher will be part of the wardrobe crew backstage during each production. Qualifications are to have a good sense of humor, strong organizational, leadership, and management skills, the ability to work well with people and function calmly under pressure, with demanding personalities and work long hours. The candidate may need to work on tall ladders and lift at least 50 lbs.

Reports to Costume Shop Manager (CSM) and Production Manager (PM)

Those encouraged to apply: Candidates who have at least 3-4 years of experience from a theatrical costuming program or equivalent experience. Self-motivated, willing to learn, and thrive as part of a team. Works well in high-pressure situations.

Assists the CSM in the full range of activities necessary for the execution of the costume design, including but not limited to construction, alteration, and load-in, of all costume pieces.
Responsible for patterning (either by altering existing patterns or creating a pattern) and cutting all costume elements that are to be built by the shop as prescribed by CSM.
Participates in all construction elements.
Assists CSM as needed with the provision of rehearsal costumes.
Monitors costume shop inventory and informs CSM of any need to replenish materials.
Performs the essential job functions safely, successfully, and consistently with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
Maintains regular, punctual attendance.
Can lift 50 pounds.
Is comfortable working at heights from Genie lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.
Any other duties as assigned by the PM or CSM.

WARDROBE SUPERVISOR $550/week

The candidate will attend every performance during the 5-show season, assist in costume changes backstage, be responsible for the upkeep of costumes and the dressing rooms, and perform the daily show laundry. The Wardrobe Supervisor will assist the Costume Shop Manager in maintaining costumes during the run of shows. There will be opportunities for the candidate to work in the costume shop, stitching and altering costume stock. The candidate will also need to be capable of working on tall ladders, lifting at least 50 lbs.

Reports to the Production Manager (PM) and Costume Shop Manager (CSM).

Assists in load-in of all costume pieces, dressing room set-up, and assignments
Responsible for maintaining the costumes during the run of the show and completing repairs as needed
Responsible for daily laundry
Punctual and stays on schedule. Keeps supervisors informed of progress and asks for help when needed.
Maintains excellent communication to facilitate the organization’s continuing functionality.
Performs the essential job functions safely, successfully, and consistently with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
Maintains regular, punctual attendance.
Can lift 50 pounds.
Is comfortable working at heights from Genie lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.
Any other duties as assigned by the PM or CSM.