Education

Theater for All

Theatre for ALL provides free and significantly discounted tickets to approximately 200-250 young audiences over two weeks. TFA will constitute approximately 10% ($6000) of the SSA Annual Operating Budget.

The remaining 44% of SSA’s operating budget are spent in the area of production costs (set, lighting, and costumes), facility rental and advertising. Ticket sales usually cover these expenses. We rely on individual and corporate donations, foundation grants, and silent and live auction proceeds to fund the remainder of the budget.

Mentorship Program

College students are eligible to apply for mentorship positions. As mentors, they work under the supervision of qualified theatre professionals as they take on leadership roles, guiding the other company members. Mentorships are stipend positions. All mentors report to Production Company Manager.

General Responsibilities

All mentors will assist with every aspect of Summer Stock Austin. They will be asked to commit extra time and effort to the success of the program.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

Assisting with front of house, including live auction organization and lobby displays
Working on and off-site sales, marketing and fundraising
Transporting goods, materials and artists as needed
Attending work-calls as needed which may include evenings and weekends
Assisting on a build crew or running crew
Leading a strike crew
Leading or working a change over crew

Summer Stock Mentors are:

Able to meet tight deadlines
Dependable and timely
Able to work independently without much direct supervision
Team players
Strong leaders

Depending on the season, positions may be available in the following areas.

ADMINISTRATION (Marketing, Development, PR, House Management, Production Management)

Immediate Supervisors: Producer, Managing Director, Production Company Manager

Duties will include, but are not limited to

Writing, compiling and sending direct-mail pieces
Writing and sending press releases
Assisting in the development and implementation of marketing programs
Assisting in the coordination of community programs
Helping segment and maintain databases
Assisting in brochure, poster and postcard distribution
Helping create and execute promotional programs
Coordinating and executing Live Auction
Coordinating Program advertisements
Creating the Show Programs
Assisting with Underwriter parties and events
Coordinate all Front-Of-House (FOH) operations
Communicate with stage managers during and in advance of performances
Maintain programs and inserts

Preferred Skills/Attributes:

Experience in dealing with the public of all ages
Sensitivity to the needs of patrons
Upbeat, enthusiastic attitude in public relations
Ability to enforce department safety regulations and communicate the same to the public
Attention to detail
Strong creative writing skills
Ability to juggle multiple projects
Solid verbal skills
Good presentation skills
Proficient with Microsoft Office and Adobe Programs including Photoshop and Indesign

COSTUMES (Assistant to the Costume Shop Manager, Assistant Designer, Wigs/Make-Up)

Immediate Supervisor: Costume Shop Manager, Costume Designer

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

Assist the Shop Manager/Designer in any way that is asked
Coordinate schedules of all work and operations in the shop
Assist the less experienced stitchers with projects
Manage the to do list
Make sure the shop procedures are followed and that paperwork is up to date
Keep the shop clean and organized
Do the majority of stitching for the productions
Work as Wardrobe Crew Chief for at least one of the productions
Assist in pulling costumes from stock or from other local stock
May be asked to assist with make-up and wigs
Maintain costumes and/or wigs throughout the run
Help run the strike

Preferred Skills/Attributes

Superior organization skills
Attention to detail
Experience in sewing, alterations, and other theatrical costuming techniques
Strong leadership and time-management skills

SCENIC (Scene Shop Assistant, Head Carpenter, Scenic Painter)

Immediate Supervisor: Scene Shop Manager, Scenic Designer, Technical Director, Props Manager

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

Assist the Shop Manager in any way that is asked
Construction (primarily carpentry)
Painting
Crafts
Assist less experienced company members
Help coordinate schedules of all work and operations in the shop
Manage the to do list
Make sure the shop procedures are followed and that paperwork is up to date
Keep the shop clean and organized
Do the majority of building for the productions
Work as Set Crew Chief for at least one of the productions
Assist in pulling props/set pieces from stock or from other local stock
Maintain scenery throughout the run
Help run the strike

Preferred Skills/Attributes

Experience in carpentry and/or painting
Ability to work in confined spaces and lift approximately seventy (70) pounds
Experience with power tools
Superior organization skills
Attention to detail
Strong time-management skills

GENERAL TECH (May have specialty in Lighting, Sound, or Props)

Immediate Supervisor: Technical Director, Specific Designers or Shop Managers

Duties will include, but are not limited to

Assist the Technical Director in any way that is asked
Hang and Focus lights
Organize and maintain technical facilities
Assemble sound system/equipment
Construction
Painting
Props/Crafts
Act as crew chief on at least one change over crew
Attend all change-overs and crew calls
Assist in pulling props/set pieces from stock or from other local stock
Help run the strike

Preferred Skills/Attributes

Experience in electrics or sound
Ability to work in confined/high spaces and lift approximately seventy (70) pounds
Experience with power tools

ARTISTIC (Assistant Director, Assistant Choreographer, Assistant Music Director, Dance Captain, Stage Management)

Immediate Supervisor: Depends on Position.

Duties will include, but are not limited to

Assembling materials
Assist Professional Artists
Work with small groups or soloists
Maintain artistic work that has been set
Manage rehearsals
Attend production meetings

Preferred Skills/Attributes

Upbeat, enthusiastic attitude in public relations
Experience teaching/directing theatre, dance and/or music
Highly organized and responsible
Attention to detail

What Summer Stock Austin provides participating mentors

A stipend based on qualifications, workload and work ethic
The experience of working with theatre professionals
The experience of being a crew leader

What mentors are responsible for

Transportation to and from the program
Most meals (some meals and snacks will be provided by Summer Stock Austin, depending on late or early hour calls)
Housing for the time period that the program runs