
“To business that we love we rise betimes and go to 't with delight.”
- Antony and Cleopatra, Act 4, Scene IV
Hoosier Shakespeare Festival is hiring technicians and designers for the 2025 Summer Season!
Hoosier Shakes is a Grant County based company that produces two Shakespeare plays every summer and tours them throughout northeast Indiana. This summer, we are bringing Love’s Labour’s Lost and Hamlet to six towns in Grant County and the surrounding area!
Open Positions:
Please select the ‘+’ icon to the right to review job expectations for each role.
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JOB EXPECTATIONS
Pre-Tour Responsibilities
● Script Preparation: Create and maintain a prompt book including cues, blocking, notes, and contact lists.
● Scheduling: Coordinate rehearsal schedules with the director and communicate to the cast and crew.
● Rehearsal Management: Lead rehearsals in collaboration with the director, ensuring they run on time and all notes are captured.
● Communication: Serve as the primary communication hub between creative, production, and administrative teams.
● Paperwork & Tracking: Create run sheets, prop lists, costume tracking sheets, and cue sheets.
● Health & Safety: Understand and implement company safety policies, and prepare for any first aid or emergency procedures.
Touring Responsibilities
● Venue Liaison: Act as the point of contact with venue staff to ensure smooth load-ins, technical setups, and compliance with house rules.
● Load-In/Load-Out: Assist with or oversee setup and teardown of the set, lighting, props, and costumes. Often includes hands-on labor.
● Daily Schedule: Manage daily call times, warm-ups, notes sessions, and performance schedules.
● Transport Coordination: Help with managing travel itineraries, accommodations, and communication around transport needs.
During Performances
● Call Cues: Call light, sound, and backstage cues during performances.
● Backstage Management: Oversee backstage flow, assist with quick changes, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Post-Performance Duties
● Reports: Write and distribute daily performance and incident reports.
● Strike & Pack-Up: Lead the pack-up process, ensuring all gear is accounted for and secured for transport.
General Expectations
● Flexibility & Adaptability: Able to problem-solve in new or unpredictable environments.
● Team Player: Work collaboratively with a small, tight-knit team; willing to assist outside of traditional stage management duties.
● Professionalism: Represent the company positively at all times, especially when interfacing with venues and audiences.
● Time Management: Maintain punctuality and ensure the company adheres to timelines.
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JOB EXPECTATIONS
General Overview
This dual-role position combines the responsibilities of an Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) with those of a Properties Master. The ASM/Props Master works closely with the Stage Manager, Directors, and performers to ensure smooth rehearsal processes, seamless performances, and proper care, transport, and maintenance of all props.
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER DUTIES
Rehearsals
● Assist with setting up and breaking down rehearsal spaces.
● Track and manage rehearsal props, furniture, and costumes.
● Take blocking notes and support the Stage Manager in maintaining accurate documentation.
● Run lines or read in during rehearsals as needed.
● Help enforce rehearsal schedules, breaks, and company policies.
On Tour / Performances
● Assist with load-in/load-out at each venue.
● Help set up and maintain backstage areas, including props tables, costume racks, and quick change areas.
● Coordinate with cast for entrances/exits, scene changes, and quick changes.
● Run backstage track during performances (e.g., handing off props, helping with transitions, etc.).
● Serve as secondary cue-caller or tech operator if needed.
● Support the Stage Manager in resolving on-the-fly issues.
PROPERTIES MASTER DUTIES
Pre-Tour
● Collaborate with the director and designers to create a props list.
● Source, build, borrow, or adapt props in accordance with the design and budget.
● Maintain an organized props inventory and ensure all items are packed safely for travel.
● Coordinate with the production team for prop rehearsals and replacements.
On Tour
● Oversee the care, transport, and security of all props.
● Set up and strike prop tables and storage areas at each venue.
● Perform daily prop checks and repairs as necessary.
● Maintain props continuity and placement per show.
● Troubleshoot or adapt props as needed for different venues or performance conditions.
General Expectations
● Flexibility: Willing to take on additional responsibilities as needed (e.g., costume maintenance, van loading, front-of-house assistance).
● Organization: Maintain detailed prop inventories, packing lists, and backstage tracking sheets.
● Communication: Collaborate with the Stage Manager and cast to ensure smooth transitions and clear backstage communication.
● Problem-Solving: Address unexpected issues with creativity and a calm attitude, especially in fast-paced environments.
● Physical Stamina: Capable of lifting, moving, and setting up props and equipment; long days and travel are part of the role.
● Professional Demeanor: Represent the company positively with venue staff, patrons, and fellow company members.
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JOB EXPECTATIONS
Contracted Through Rehearsals Only
General Overview
The Costume Designer & Supervisor is responsible for the design, sourcing, construction, and preparation of all costumes for the production. This contracted position runs through the end of rehearsals, concluding before the production begins touring. The Designer ensures all costumes are completed, fitted, and fully ready for travel and performance by the time the rehearsal process ends.
Design & Pre-Production Responsibilities
● Creative Collaboration: Work closely with the directors to develop a costume concept that supports the vision of each production.
● Sole Responsibility for Costumes: You are the sole person responsible for acquiring or constructing every costume item for the show, including:
○ Designing and sketching costume concepts.
○ Shopping, renting, or borrowing costume pieces and accessories.
○ Altering existing garments or building custom pieces from scratch when needed.
● Budget Management: Develop and maintain a costume budget in coordination with the producer.
● Research: Conduct research into historical styles, character references, or practical considerations as needed.
Rehearsal Period Responsibilities
● Fittings & Alterations: Take measurements, schedule and conduct fittings, and make or oversee all necessary alterations.
● Tracking: Create and maintain a detailed costume plot, actor tracking sheets, and quick-change information.
● Labeling & Organization: Label all costumes and accessories clearly by actor and scene.
● Prepping for Tour: Ensure all costume pieces are fully prepared for travel and performance, including:
○ Creating packing lists and costume maintenance instructions.
○ Assembling a basic repair kit and care guide for the touring team.
○ Organizing costumes for easy packing and load-in.
End-of-Contract Deliverables
By the conclusion of the rehearsal period, the Costume Designer is expected to:
● Deliver all finished costumes, labeled and organized by character and scene.
● Provide a clear and complete costume plot and change tracking documentation.
● Supply a packing list and care instructions for the touring team.
● Leave all costume items in show-ready condition (clean, mended, and prepped for travel).
General Expectations
● Self-Sufficient Execution: Fully manage all costume-related tasks from concept to completion without additional staff support.
● Time Management: Work efficiently to meet all costume deadlines by the end of the rehearsal period.
● Clear Communication: Coordinate closely with the directors and stage manager to ensure costumes meet performance and technical needs.
● Adaptability: Respond to feedback and changes in the design or cast during rehearsals with flexibility and professionalism.
● Professional Standards: Deliver high-quality work and maintain a positive, collaborative presence throughout the process.
Benefits:
All positions are offered housing, a $1,000 stipend and a $10/day per diem for the entirety of the contract.
Contract dates:
Stage Management: May 18th - June 29th with rehearsals beginning May 19th, first performances on June 7th, and strike on June 29th.
Costume Designer: May 18th - June 7th.
If you’re interested in applying, please follow the link below to fill out the application or contact Eleana Jenkins at ad@hoosiershakes.com.
We hope to hear from you soon!