Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is a professional theatre company on the campus of DeSales University in Center Valley, PA and the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Each summer, PSF produces a season of Shakespeare and other classics, musical theatre, and children’s theatre, and each fall, PSF produces a Shakespeare tour that visits middle schools and high schools in PA, NJ, and DE. About an hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours from Manhattan, PSF is summer home to over 200 artists from around the country, including winners and nominees of the Tony, Obie, Emmy, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Jefferson, and Barrymore awards.
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About PSF:
Heading into its 33rd season the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival operates on the campus of DeSales University. The Festival performs in both the 473 seat mainstage and the 187 seat black box at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on campus. PSF’s company of artists in recent years has included winners and nominees of the Tony, Emmy, Drama Desk, Hayes, Lortel, Jefferson, Barrymore, etc. and headliners from Broadway, television, feature film, etc. Coverage has included The Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, etc., and The New York Times has identified PSF in two recent years as one of the leading summer theatre festivals in the nation. Each summer PSF produces a season of Shakespeare alongside other classics, musical theatre and children’s theatre.
The Mission of Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is to enrich, inspire, engage, and entertain the widest possible audience through first-rate professional productions of classical and contemporary plays, with a core commitment to the works of Shakespeare and other dramatists, and through an array of educational outreach and mentorship programs.
The Festival’s core Values: Quality, Shakespeare, Education, Relationships
Summer 2025 Season: Undiscovered Countries
The season features three plays by William Shakespeare including Hamlet, playing in repertory with Tom Stoppard’s tragicomedy Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the lesser staged Timon of Athens, and a touring production of Much Ado About Nothing. The season also features Lorraine Hansberry’s landmark drama A Raisin in the Sun, alongside two musical productions: Mel Brooks’; Tony Award-winning The Producers and the new musical Penelope by Alex Bechtel.
Family programming includes a fresh adaptation of Grimms’ fairy tale The Princess and the Frog Prince, and the beloved Shakespeare for Kids series, which brings Hamlet to life for young audiences both at the Festival and through its community library tour.
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PRODUCTION POSITIONS
To apply send cover letter, resume and (3) references (please include the position(s) you are applying for in the subject line) to Director of Production, Matthew F. Lewandowski II: [email protected]
Contract dates vary slightly by department, but the overall season runs Monday, May 05, 2025 through Wednesday, August 06, 2025. Performances run from Tuesday, May 27 through Sunday, August 03, 2025.
Production Management
Assistant Production Manager — POSITION FILLED
Stage Management
Young Company Stage Manager— POSITION FILLED
Stage Management Interns— POSITIONS FILLED
Scene Shop
Technical Director — POSITION FILLED
Assistant Technical Director
Thursday, May 08, 2025 thru Wednesday, August 06, 2025
$625.00/week + on-site housing provided
The Assistant Technical Director is a key leadership role within the mainstage season at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. The TD is available to help advise and work through options but the ATD must be ready to handle full drafting assignments and work independently. Additional day to day responsibilities include providing leadership on the shop floor and especially during install, coordinating expenses with production management, communicating with designers especially once they are on site and coordinating build space usage with the Charge Artist and Props Master.
PSF’s summer festival is a fast-paced work environment necessitating strong multitasking and data tracking skills. An ideal candidate will be team and goal oriented and receptive to the adaptive problem solving required to mitigate the ever-evolving needs of a vigorous summer festival season. Patience and mediation skills are required to ensure a professional and inclusive work environment at all times. Established experience in theatrical construction and/or touring environs is required . The TD, ATD and Shop Supervisor work closely together to ensure a smooth and inclusive work environment at all times. Safety and precision are our foremost priorities.
Scene Shop Supervisor— POSITION FILLED
Lead Carpenter— POSITION FILLED
Carpenters— POSITION FILLED
Carp Intern— POSITION FILLED
Deck Supervisor — POSITION FILLED
Run Crew Intern— POSITION FILLED
Scenic Artist
Scenic Charge Artist — POSITION FILLED
Scenic Artist— POSITION FILLED
Scenic Intern — POSITION FILLED
Prop Shop
Props Supervisor— POSITION FILLED
Props Assistant (Artisan)— POSITION FILLED
Props Assistant (Carpenter)— POSITION FILLED
Props Intern— POSITION FILLED
Costume Shop
Costume Shop Supervisor— POSITION FILLED
Cutter/Draper
Thursday, May 09, 2025 thru Sunday, July 20, 2025
$650.00/week + on-site housing provided
The Cutter/Draper is responsible for working with the Costume Designer and Costume Shop Supervisor in the construction and preparation of all assigned production costumes. The Cutter/Draper needs to be experienced in interpreting sketches and drawings, determining yardage for fabric and trims, fabricating patterns by either draping or flat patterning, fitting and altering costumes to actors, supervising the work of First Hands, Stitchers and Interns, maintaining a clean and safe workspace, and completing assigned costumes within deadlines. The Cutter/Draper needs to be self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and effectively support the shop within the fast-paced summer season.
PSF’s summer festival is a fast-paced work environment necessitating strong multitasking and data tracking skills. An ideal candidate will be team and goal oriented and receptive to the adaptive problem solving required to mitigate the ever-evolving needs of a vigorous summer festival season. Patience and mediation skills are required to ensure a professional and inclusive work environment at all times. Established experience in theatrical costuming and/or touring environs is required. The Costume Department, Wardrobe, Hair/Makeup and Production Management work closely together to ensure a smooth and inclusive work environment at all times. Safety and precision are our foremost priorities. Safety and precision are our foremost priorities.
First Hand— POSITION FILLED
Assistant First Hand— POSITION FILLED
Costume Shop Craftsperson— POSITION FILLED
Costume Shop Stitcher — POSITION FILLED
Costume Shop Intern— POSITION FILLED
Costume Shop Management Intern
Monday, May 12, 2025 thru Wednesday, August 06, 2025
$300.00/week + on-site housing provided
The Costume Shop Management Intern will assist the Costume Shop Manager throughout the season with budget tracking and other administrative and costume related duties. The Costume Shop Management Intern should have strong organizational skills, the ability to work productively under time pressures, and the ability to meet deadlines. The Costume Shop Management Intern will assist with shopping, rentals, stock management, strike at the end of season, and assisting with costume construction as needed. The Costume Shop Management Intern will assist in coordinating and organizing rentals for productions. Candidates should have experience working in the theatre, be highly organized with excellent communication skills, and have beginning construction and alteration skills. Costume Shop Management Intern needs to be able to follow instructions and work independently within the fast-paced summer season.
PSF’s summer festival is a fast-paced work environment necessitating strong multitasking and data tracking skills. An ideal candidate will be team and goal oriented and receptive to the adaptive problem solving required to mitigate the ever-evolving needs of a vigorous summer festival season. Patience and mediation skills are required to ensure a professional and inclusive work environment at all times. Established experience in theatrical costuming and/or touring environs is required. The Costume Department, Wardrobe, Hair/Makeup and Production Management work closely together to ensure a smooth and inclusive work environment at all times. Safety and precision are our foremost priorities. Safety and precision are our foremost priorities.
Wardrobe
Wardrobe Supervisor— POSITION FILLED
Wardrobe Assistant (Stitcher) — POSITION FILLED
Wardrobe Assistant (Crafts)— POSITION FILLED
Wardrobe Interns— POSITIONS FILLED
Wardrobe Assistant (Musical Dresser)— POSITION FILLED
Wig/Hair & Make-Up Department
Wig & Make-Up Supervisor— POSITION FILLED
Assistant Wig & Make-up Supervisor— POSITION FILLED
Wig and Makeup Intern— POSITION FILLED
Electrics Department
Lighting Supervisor — POSITION FILLED
Assistant Lighting Supervisor— POSITION FILLED
Staff Electrician — POSITION FILLED
Lighting Interns— POSITIONS FILLED
Follow Spot Operators— POSITIONS FILLED
Assistant Lighting Designer— POSITION FILLED
Sound Department
Sound Supervisor— POSITION FILLED
Assistant Sound Supervisor — POSITION FILLED
Sound Intern— POSITION FILLED
General Overhire
If you are local (or in our general area) and looking for periodic work but not full summer jobs let us know! We are always looking to expand our database of available hands/skilled workers. Include a resume, your expected availability (if you know it) between May and August, and what various departments you work in. No specific deadline here, feel free to submit your info at any time.
Company Management
Company Manager — POSITION FILLED
Associate Company Manager — POSITION FILLED
Assistant Company Manager — POSITION FILLED
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ADMINISTRATIVE & MANAGEMENT POSITIONS
Education and Community Engagement
EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INTERN— POSITION FILLED
Management
ADMIN—MANAGEMENT INTERN—POSITION FILLED
Box Office
Box Office Associate — POSITION FILLED
Box Office Interns— POSITIONS FILLED
House Management
HOUSE MANAGEMENT
House Manager — POSITION FILLED
Assistant House Manager— POSITION FILLED
CASTING CALL: TRAVIS YOUNGER
PRODUCTION: A Raisin in the Sun
Playwright: Lorraine Hansberry
Director: Akeem Davis
Audition Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
Audition Time: 12 PM – 1:30 PM By Appointment ([email protected] SUBJECT: TRAVIS)
Location: The Acting Studio at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts
Desales University Campus
2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034
PRODCUTION DESCRIPTION: Set on Chicago’s South Side, A Raisin in the Sun follows the Younger family as they confront poverty, racism, and conflicting dreams after the death of their father. A life insurance check sparks tension as each member imagines a different future. Lorraine Hansberry’s powerful drama explores identity, family, and the search for dignity amid adversity.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION: Travis Younger
Age Range: 9–12-years old
Gender: Male (or male-identifying)
Ethnicity: African American
Vocal Range: Spoken role; no singing required.
Travis Younger is the lively, hopeful son of Walter Lee and Ruth Younger. Though he is the youngest member of the household, he carries a sense of curiosity and optimism that often brings light to the family’s struggles. His presence embodies the future and the possibilities the family yearns for, highlighting both their joys and anxieties about what lies ahead.
Audition Requirements:
- Prepared Reading:
- Performers may also bring a short (1-minute) contemporary monologue that showcases emotional range and youthfulness.
- Sides will be provided from A Raisin in the Sun, specifically Travis’s scenes.
- Headshot and Résumé: Please bring a printed headshot (professional or recent clear photo) and an updated résumé.
- Availability: Be prepared to provide any conflict dates for rehearsals and performances.
- Relevant Dates:
- Rehearsals Begin: June 3, 2025
- Previews Begin: June 25, 2025
- Opening: June 27, 2025
- Closing: July 13, 2025
Additional Notes:
- We welcome both seasoned young performers and newcomers alike.
- We are committed to an inclusive and respectful audition environment.
For more details or to secure an audition slot, please contact: [email protected]
DANCE CALL NYC: By Appointment and Walk-in
Location: Pearl Studios NYC, 500 8th Ave. NY, NY, 10018
Date: February 24, 2025
Time: 10 AM- 6 PM (Men 10 am – 1 PM, Women 2 pm- 6 pm)
We are looking for the triple-threat performers who can sing, tap, and bring their authentic humor to the ENSEMBLE of the 2025 Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s production, The Producers, with director Jennifer Childs, music director Chris Burcheri, and choreographer Tara Jeanne Valle. We strongly value a diverse and inclusive cast and welcome artists of color to audition. This audition is open to both equity and non-equity.
Walk-ins will be seen as time allows:
- Men 10AM – 1PM
- Women 2PM- 6PM
- Next day callbacks will be scheduled. Please be available.
Women, bring character heels and heel-tap shoes. Men, bring tap shoes and jazz flats. Be prepared to sing 16-bars Broadway up-tempo. Bring 2 copies of your resume and headshot stapled together. Next day callbacks will be scheduled.
To schedule an audition: Email with the subject line: FEBRUARY OPEN CALL. In the body of the email, include your name, hometown (i.e. NYC, Philly, Lehigh Valley, contact information, and dance call group time request to [email protected].
Role Descriptions:
Ensemble: Excellent singer-dancer actor with strong comedic timing. Parts and specialties will be assigned. An understudy will be cast from the ensemble.
Max Bialystock (30-50s): has-been Broadway producer, with a personality that combines cunning, bravado, and vulnerability. Good singer with excellent physical and verbal comedy skills. (Role is cast, U/S only).
Leo Bloom (20-40s): a nervous and unassuming accountant who emerges into an adventurous and confident producer. Leo is intelligent, endearing, and essential to the comedic and emotional journey of the musical. (Role is cast, U/S only).
Franz Liebkind (30-50s): A deranged playwright of the musical Springtime for Hitler. Requires a German accent, good singing, strong physical presence, and excellent ability to handle comedic material. (Role is cast, U/S only).
Roger Debris (30-50s): An eccentric director with a flair for drama and camp. Needs strong comedic abilities and presence.
Carmen Ghia (20-30s): flamboyant and fiercely loyal assistant to Roger DeBris. Strong comedic abilities and presence. (Role is cast, U/S only).
Ulla (20-30s): a Swedish actress/secretary and the love interest of Leo. Great singing voice, strong dancing, excellent comedic abilities.
All Ethnicities are strongly encouraged to attend.
VIDEO SUBMISSION:
Following our in-person auditions, we will begin exploring our video submissions.
Video submissions should be made using the following google form: https://forms.gle/XJjrBBQiiApPrYQx5
The form requires a resume, headshot, and an unlisted YouTube link of your audition; please prepare a monologue no longer than 3 minutes, or any combination of song and monologue not exceeding 3 minutes.
Please be sure to let us know if you are local to the Lehigh Valley area!
MORE INFORMATION
Summer 2025 Season:
The Producers
Hamlet
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
A Raisin in the Sun
Timon of Athens
The Princess and The Frog Prince
Shakespeare for Kids
“Play On!” Community Tour: Much Ado About Nothing
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Summer Season Casting Details
PSF employs 25-35 AEA and a smaller number of non-union actors each summer. PSF operates under a Letter of Agreement and a Small Professional Theatre Contract with Actors’ Equity Association in its two theatres. Employment length is typically 6-7 weeks from the first rehearsal to final performance. Longer contracts for multiple shows. Housing is provided.
Please note that undergraduate acting internships are open ONLY to students attending DeSales University, the Festival’s host institution. As such, students from other undergraduate theatre programs, including current graduating seniors, are ineligible to audition for PSF’s summer season but are welcome to apply for technical, staff, and front-of-house positions.
For more information about auditions, email [email protected].
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ABOUT PSF:
A leading Shakespeare festival with an emerging national reputation for excellence, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is a professional theatre company on the campus of DeSales University.
Each summer, PSF produces a season of Shakespeare and other classics, musical theatre, and children’s theatre. About an hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours from Manhattan, PSF is summer home to over 200 artists from around the country, including winners and nominees of the Tony, Obie, Emmy, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Jefferson, and Barrymore awards. Every year 40,000-50,000 patrons attend PSF from 30+ states – over 1,000,000 patrons from 50 states and many countries since 1992.
Our Mission and Values:
The Mission of Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is to enrich, inspire, engage, and entertain the widest possible audience through first-rate professional productions of classical and contemporary plays, with a core commitment to the works of Shakespeare and other dramatists, and through an array of educational outreach and mentorship programs.
WillPower Education Tour
WillPower is the educational outreach program of Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. PSF sends a company of professionally trained and experienced actors/teachers to schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware to teach workshops and perform in a Shakespeare play. WillPower employs non-union performers and a non-union stage manager. The WillPower Tour traditionally runs in the fall with auditions and casting occurring in the summer.