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
PT Development Associate - Commonwealth Shakespeare Company
Position: PT Development Associate
Compensation: $18-$22 / hour plus health insurance stipend and PTO
FLSA: Year-Round, Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Location: Hybrid Remote / Boston MA
Desired Start Date: November 2025
Contact: development@commshakes.org
The Development Associate will support core operations in the Development office at Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) and will report to the Director of Development. This is a part-time, hourly position with 15-20 hours typically expected per week (paid monthly). Additional hours may be required periodically, especially during the run of Free Shakespeare on the Common in the summer and for occasional fundraising events throughout the year. Since CSC is a theater company, events and performances often occur in the evenings.
Development Associate will typically schedule work during CSC business hours of M-F 9:30am – 5:00pm, though some flexibility is possible for the right candidate. This position is primarily remote, with some required work in-person for special events and productions.
Job Responsibilities:
Gift Processing and Acknowledgement
- Process and acknowledge all donations
- Prepare earned revenue and contributed revenue bank deposits
- Manage/maintain online donor database (DonorPerfect) in conjunction with the Development Manager
- Assist with upload and organization of department digital files
- Process Friends Section donations for Free Shakespeare on the Common and accommodate reservation changes
Grant Support
- Facilitate the maintenance of the schedule of grant deadlines
- Assist with drafting preliminary grant applications and reports, in collaboration with the Director of Development
Gala and Donor Events
- Help with coordination of special fundraising events, including the annual gala, opening night receptions, etc.
- Provide on-site support for fundraising events
Development Administration
- Respond to development email and voicemail inquiries
- Coordinate scheduling of virtual and in-person meetings, take and distribute minutes, arrange logistics
- Assist with development mailings, including annual appeal letters, gift acknowledgement letters, gala and other event invitations, personalized notes, etc.
Besides the specific tasks and duties outlined above, the Development Associate will also take on responsibilities necessary to support new programming and special projects as assigned by the Director of Development.
Desired Qualifications:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to interact with many constituencies including board members, audiences, donors, staff, and artists
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills required
- Ability to manage time well to prioritize and coordinate a variety of tasks
- Aptitude for utilizing technology and/or willingness to learn
- Ability to work with minimal direct supervision and to take initiative/solve problems as needed
- Prior experience working in an office or administrative setting preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and Google suite preferred
- Experience with DonorPerfect or another database management system and/or interest in development field preferred
- Knowledge of the performing arts industry is a plus
- Commitment to CSC’s values of artistic excellence, diversity, equity, inclusiveness, and accessibility (a complete statement of values is on our website)
To Apply:
Please send resume and cover letter to development@commshakes.org with the subject line “Development Associate – YOUR NAME.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 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.
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
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
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 $35/hour (overtime rate is $52.50/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
