COMMONWEALTH SHAKESPEARE COMPANY MISSION STATEMENT
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) is dedicated to artistic excellence, accessibility, and education. We present plays of the highest artistic caliber that celebrate ideas and language to create dialogue around compelling issues of our time. We eliminate barriers – physical, economic, and cultural – to bring live theater to audiences throughout Greater Boston. We cultivate in young artists the value of community engagement, and collaborate with educators to bring literature to life in the classroom.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
Overhire Electricians- Christmas Carol
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is seeking Overhire Electricians for its upcoming remount of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” adapted by Steve Wargo with musical arrangements by Dianne Adams McDowell, directed by CSC Founding Artistic Director Steven Maler and Music Direction by Dan Rodriguez. The performance runs Dec 6-23, 2025 at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theater, Boston MA.
FLSA Status:
Temporary, part-time, non-exempt employment on a W-2.
Compensation:
This is a non-exempt W2 position (eligible for overtime) with an hourly rate of $28/hour (overtime rate is $42/hour).
Payments to be remitted in the week following work hours (typically on Thursday/Friday), based on the submission of timesheets and completed payroll onboarding.
Location: Boston, MA
- Performances take place at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theater, Boston MA
- This is a local hire, no housing or transportation is provided.
Dates of Engagement / General Schedule:
November 24 – December 11, 2025 plus December 23, 2025 and January 5, 2026 on an as needed basis.
Load In: November 24 – November 26 and December 1, 2025
Tech: December 2 – December 5 and December 9, 2025
Previews: December 6, 7, and 10, 2025
Opening Night Performance: December 11, 2025
Strike: December 23, 2025 and January 5, 2026
Reports To: Ryan Spruck, Production Manager
Duties / Responsibilities:
The 2025 production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is a remount from the 2024 production. The Overhire Electricians will assist the ME/PE with loading in, hanging, cabling, and focusing the light plot at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston.
Responsibilities include:
- Assist the Master/Production Electrician during load-in/out, including hang and focus
- Hang, focus, and cable theatrical lights in accordance with current theatrical practice
- Wire practical lighting fixtures built into scenery
- Perform other duties as assigned by Master Electrician
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in theatre
- 3+ years experience working in the theatrical/film lighting industry
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Harness trained at the Cutler Majestic Theatre a plus
Onsite Job Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry 50lbs
- Ability to navigate stairs and uneven terrain
- Ability to navigate in low-light, outdoor settings
- Working at height (e.g. in boom lift, from spot seat, or on truss)
- 18+ years of age
- Harness trained (specifically Cutler Majestic harness training)
- Genie lift trained
- Experience with and ability to meet all duties and responsibilities as listed above
Candidates with parallel experience such as Production work for film/tv/music will be considered and should be encouraged to apply
To Apply:
If interested, please send a resume and brief statement of interest to employment@commshakes.org with the job title in the subject of the email.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and hire will be made as soon as a suitable candidate is found. No phone calls please.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
CSC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Professionals of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities are strongly encouraged to apply. CSC’s mission and values are summarized on our website at commshakes.org/mission-history. The applicant’s experience should reflect a commitment to these values. We celebrate diversity and access and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. CSC is a place where everyone can grow, so however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a position that interests you.
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is a participant in the Line Drawn Community Standards Initiative to prevent harassment and abuse in the New England performing arts community and requires all staff, contractors, and volunteers to abide by these standards. By developing programs and resources specifically for the needs of the New England performing arts community, Line Drawn aims to create safer and more equitable work environments. We are committed to this Initiative because preventing harassment and abuse is not optional – it is a requirement for creating theatre. More information can be found at commshakes.org/linedrawn/
All performances will be held in accordance with the most up to date state, city, and industry safety protocols regarding COVID-19. CSC will require all staff and performers to provide proof of a completed FDA-approved vaccine regimen for COVID-19. This policy allows for exemption accommodations for disability or religious reasons. Additional protocols regarding masking, testing, and/or vaccine booster requirements, if necessary, will be announced closer to commencement of in-person work.
FLSA Status: Temporary, part-time, non-exempt employment on a W-2.
Compensation: This is a non-exempt W2 position (eligible for overtime) with an hourly rate of $18/hour (overtime rate is $27.00/hour). Anticipated 127 regular hours and 26 overtime hours between December 3 and December 23. More hours possible if needed during prep, tech, and opening.
Payments to be remitted in the week following work hours (typically on Thursday/Friday), based on the submission of completed timesheets.
Location: Boston, MA
- Performances at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theater, Boston MA
- This is a local hire – no housing or transportation is provided.
Dates of Engagement / General Schedule:
December 2, 2025 – December 23, 2025 on a first priority as needed basis.
Tech: December 2 – December 5 and December 9
Previews: December 6, 7, and 10
Performances: December 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23
Reports To: Ryan Spruck, Production Manager
Duties / Responsibilities:
The 2025 production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is a remount of our 2024 production. The Spot Op works with the LX Team to ensure accurate and efficient tech rehearsals and performances.
Responsibilities include:
- Operate spotlight for all technical rehearsals and performances
- Work with ME to complete channel check and other show-related duties
- Perform other duties as assigned by Master Electrician
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in theatre
- 2+ years experience as Electrician and/or Spot Op
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Onsite Job Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry 50lbs
- Ability to navigate stairs and uneven terrain
- Ability to navigate in low-light, outdoor settings
- Working at height (e.g. in boom lift, genie lift, ladders, spot seat, or on truss)
- Spot lights are operated from platforms in the house and require harnesses
- 18+ years of age
- Experience with and ability to meet all duties and responsibilities as listed above
To Apply:
If interested, please send a resume and brief statement of interest to employment@commshakes.org with the job title in the subject of the email.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and hire will be made as soon as a suitable candidate is found. No phone calls please.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
CSC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Professionals of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities are strongly encouraged to apply. CSC’s mission and values are summarized on our website at commshakes.org/mission-history. The applicant’s experience should reflect a commitment to these values. We celebrate diversity and access and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. CSC is a place where everyone can grow, so however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a position that interests you.
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is a participant in the Line Drawn Community Standards Initiative to prevent harassment and abuse in the New England performing arts community and requires all staff, contractors, and volunteers to abide by these standards. By developing programs and resources specifically for the needs of the New England performing arts community, Line Drawn aims to create safer and more equitable work environments. We are committed to this Initiative because preventing harassment and abuse is not optional – it is a requirement for creating theatre. More information can be found at commshakes.org/linedrawn/
All performances will be held in accordance with the most up to date state, city, and industry safety protocols regarding COVID-19. CSC will require all staff and performers to provide proof of a completed FDA-approved vaccine regimen for COVID-19. This policy allows for exemption accommodations for disability or religious reasons. Additional protocols regarding masking, testing, and/or vaccine booster requirements, if necessary, will be announced closer to commencement of in-person work.
Production Electrician- Christmas Carol
Position Overview:
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is seeking a Production Electrician for its upcoming remount of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” adapted by Steve Wargo with musical arrangements by Dianne Adams McDowell, directed by CSC Founding Artistic Director Steven Maler and Music Direction by Dan Rodriguez. The performance runs Dec 6-23, 2025 at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theater, Boston MA.
FLSA Status:
Temporary, part-time, non-exempt employment on a W-2.
Compensation:
This is a non-exempt W2 position (eligible for overtime) with an hourly rate of $40/hour (overtime rate is $60.00/hour). Anticipated 164.5 regular hours during October 20 – January 9, and 39.5 overtime hours. More hours possible if needed during prep, tech, and opening.
Payments to be remitted in the week following work hours (typically on Thursday/Friday), based on the submission of completed timesheets.
Location: Boston, MA
- Occasional meetings with Production Management, Designers, and/or Department Heads to be completed remotely as needed
- Prep prior to load in to be completed in High Output in Canton, MA
- Rehearsals to take place at the Boston Center for the Arts, Boston MA
- Performances at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theater, Boston MA
- This is a local hire – no housing or transportation is provided.
Dates of Engagement / General Schedule:
October 20, 2025 – January 31, 2025 on an as needed basis, with November 3 – December 23, 2025 and January 5, 2026 on a first priority basis.
Pre-Production Work: Mid October thru Early November
Prep Week: November 17 – November 21
Load In: November 24 – November 26 and December 1
Tech: December 2 – December 5 and December 9
Previews: December 6, 7, and 10
Performances: December 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23
Strike: December 23 and December 29
Post Show: December 30 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
Reports To: Ryan Spruck, Production Manager
Duties / Responsibilities:
The Production Electrician is the head of the lighting and electrics department, and is responsible for realizing the design of the Lighting Designer in collaboration with all other production departments.
Responsibilities include:
- Supervising and Hiring of Staff
- Lead team of 3 staff electricians throughout the process (Assistant ME, 2 Spot Operators)
- Secure and supervise overhire labor for load in, focus, and load out as needed
- Review/sign off on timesheets as needed
- Budgeting
- Work in collaboration with the Lighting Designers and Director of Production to create, manage, and prep the shop order
- In coordination with Production Management, maintain/manage the Lighting Budget as outlined by the Director of Production
- Venue relationship
- Work with venue (house) staff to gain access to the theatre spaces and equipment as needed
- Count-in and review state of house lighting equipment at start of load in, report any missing or damaged gear to house staff, and work to get suitable replacements in time for production
- Follow and communicate house rules and safety regulations to all staff under supervision
- Load In/Load Out
- Supervise lighting load-in, hang, and focus
- Set up power for tech tables, backstage, orchestra pits, and other production staff
- Work with house staff to tie in to power
- Keep and maintain up-to-date paperwork
- Supervise load-out as it relates to the electrics department
- Keep and maintain up-to-date paperwork
- Maintain safe working environment according to OSHA, local temporary electrical permits, and general standards
- Operate and train other staff members in the operation of ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and fall arrest systems
- Oversee the implementation and use of spot light operator’s fall-arrest systems
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in theatre
- 3+ years experience as a Master Electrician
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Experience in managing large crews
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Personal vehicle a plus
Onsite Job Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry 50lbs
- Ability to navigate stairs and uneven terrain
- Ability to navigate in low-light, outdoor settings
- Valid driver’s license
- 18+ years of age
- Harness trained (specifically harness training at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre)
- Genie lift trained
- Experience with and ability to meet all duties and responsibilities as listed above
Candidates with parallel experience such as Stage Management, General Management, Technical Theatre work at department-head level, or Production work for film/tv/music will be considered and should be encouraged to apply
To Apply:
If interested, please send a resume and brief statement of interest to employment@commshakes.org with the job title in the subject of the email.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and hire will be made as soon as a suitable candidate is found. No phone calls please.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
CSC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Professionals of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities are strongly encouraged to apply. CSC’s mission and values are summarized on our website at commshakes.org/mission-history. The applicant’s experience should reflect a commitment to these values. We celebrate diversity and access and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. CSC is a place where everyone can grow, so however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a position that interests you.
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is a participant in the Line Drawn Community Standards Initiative to prevent harassment and abuse in the New England performing arts community and requires all staff, contractors, and volunteers to abide by these standards. By developing programs and resources specifically for the needs of the New England performing arts community, Line Drawn aims to create safer and more equitable work environments. We are committed to this Initiative because preventing harassment and abuse is not optional – it is a requirement for creating theatre. More information can be found at commshakes.org/linedrawn/
All performances will be held in accordance with the most up to date state, city, and industry safety protocols regarding COVID-19. CSC will require all staff and performers to provide proof of a completed FDA-approved vaccine regimen for COVID-19. This policy allows for exemption accommodations for disability or religious reasons. Additional protocols regarding masking, testing, and/or vaccine booster requirements, if necessary, will be announced closer to commencement of in-person work.
All performances will be held in accordance with the most up to date state, city, and industry safety protocols regarding COVID-19. CSC will require all staff and performers to provide proof of a completed FDA-approved vaccine regimen for COVID-19. This policy allows for exemption accommodations for disability or religious reasons. Additional protocols regarding masking, testing, and/or vaccine booster requirements, if necessary, will be announced closer to commencement of in-person work.
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is a participant in the Line Drawn Community Standards Initiative to prevent harassment and abuse in the New England performing arts community and requires all staff, contractors, and volunteers to abide by these standards. By developing programs and resources specifically for the needs of the New England performing arts community, Line Drawn aims to create safer and more equitable work environments. We are committed to this Initiative because preventing harassment and abuse is not optional – it is a requirement for creating theatre. More information can be found at https://commshakes.org/linedrawn/.
All performances will be held in accordance with the most up to date state, city, and industry safety protocols regarding COVID-19. CSC will require all staff and performers to provide proof of a completed FDA-approved vaccine regimen for COVID-19. This policy allows for exemption accommodations for disability or religious reasons. Additional protocols regarding masking, testing, and/or vaccine booster requirements, if necessary, will be announced closer to commencement of in-person work.
Featured Photo: Love's Labor's Lost, Shakespeare on the Common 2016-Photo by Andrew Brilliant
