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.
The Festival is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Associate Box Office Manager
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) and DeSales University in Center Valley, PA seek Associate Box Office Manager. The Associate Box Office Manager, under the supervision of and working alongside the Box Office Manager, assists in the operation and management of the Labuda Center Box Office for the DeSales University academic year season & Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s professional summer season. The box office can serve an annual audience of more than 65,000 patrons at 200+ performances with annual ticket sales exceeding $1.7 million. Responsibilities include: ensuring excellent customer service for all patrons, oversight of single ticket, subscription, and group sales; financial reporting, data analysis and record keeping; hiring, training & supervising a staff that includes student work studies, student crews, and summer interns & associates. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are welcome to apply. PSF operates in association with DeSales University. Full time position with salary range $38,000-$42,000 and full university benefits. To apply, go to https://easyapply.co/a/b8d33688-aca5-489b-95fc-a9fe7ae6fbd8
Box Office Assistant (Part-Time)
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) and DeSales University in Center Valley, PA seek year-round part-time Box Office Assistant.The Box Office Assistant, under the supervision of working along the Box Office Manager and Associate Box Office Manager, is responsible for assisting in the operation and management of the Labuda Center Box Office which can serve an annual audience of more than 65,000 patrons at 200+ performances with annual ticket sales exceeding $1.7 million. The Labuda Center Box Office is comprised of two entities: Act1 which serves the DeSales University Division of Performing Arts and the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. Responsibilities include: helping with strategies to ensure excellent customer service for all patrons resulting in successful audience cultivation; assisting in the managerial and operational oversight of all single ticket, subscription, and group sales; assisting in facilitating sales and distribution of streaming productions and providing customer technical support; assisting in data analysis and record keeping; assisting in training & supervising a staff that includes student work studies, student crews, and summer interns & associates. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are welcome to apply. Will work some evenings and weekends. Part-time position paid $18.50 per hour. To apply, go to https://easyapply.co/a/5bbc0821-189e-40ed-9b2e-87d3b2d71fb1
The 2023 Season includes productions of Henry IV, Part 2, In the Heights, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], The Tempest, Sense and Sensibility, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, James and the Giant Peach, Shakespeare for Kids and a touring production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
PSF will require all staff to provide proof of Covid-19 Vaccination as a condition of employment.
Full Covid Protocols are still being finalized for 2023 and will be adjusted based on union and CDC guidelines as the season approaches. At this time we plan on testing at least twice a week and all buildings will have MERV-13 filters in the ventilation systems.
About PSF:
Heading into its 32nd 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. Our vision is for world-class work.
Contract dates vary slightly by department but the overall season runs May 1 through August 11 with performances running from May 31 through August 6.
Inquiries about the Festival, positions or hiring process may be sent by email to Director of Production Josh Rose.
To submit apply send cover letter, resume and references (please include the position(s) you are applying for in the subject line) to Director of Production, Josh Rose: joshua.rose@pashakespeare.org
PSF is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to the principles of inclusion and diversity both onstage and off.
Production Management
All Production Management positions have been filled for 2023.
Company Management
All Company Management positions have been filled for 2023.
Stage Management
All Stage Management positions have been filled for 2023.
Scene Shop
Carpenters
May 15 – August 9
PSF is hiring multiple full season carpenters. All carpenters report to the Shop Supervisor & Lead Carpenter and will have hands on all productions throughout the season. Exact construction needs and skills will vary per season but tend to remain in the realm of standard theatrical skills. Welding and/or rigging experience a plus. Must be comfortable with long hours, tight working quarters and maintaining positive work conditions. Salary range is from $450-500/wk plus housing.
Deck Chief
May 15 – August 9
The deck chief will work in the shop at the start of the contract and then transition into performance duties with shop support when first tech begins. Ability to lead a crew, train more novice crew members, promote a safe working environment, and assist in supervising repertory changeovers required. Prior regional theater and repertory experience a plus. Maintaining a positive attitude and encouraging a positive experience for all involved during the long hours during changeover is vital. Salary is $550/wk plus housing.
Scenic Artist
Scenic Charge Artist
May 11 – Aug 9
Charge Artist supervises the scenic artist, works with all scenic designers to determine the best treatment options for all paint needs and coordinates with the scene shop on space/set piece sharing. Exact needs vary widely from season to season. Charge Artist must come with a variety of skills to meet those needs and be comfortable trying new techniques on the go. With a very busy season with a lot of deadlines, the scenic department is often on an opposite schedule working late nights or overnights in order to keep pace with the build. Salary is $575/wk plus housing.
Prop Shop
Props Supervisor
May 11 – Aug 9
The Props Supervisor leads a 3-4 person department. Prop requirements always vary with the needs of the season but range from carpentry to crafts to upholstery to paints to shopping and/or rentals. There is a decent stock in storage on campus but we rent/shop quite a bit to supplement all built projects. Must be able to coordinate between an off-site designer and the rehearsal that is in progress. The Props Supervisor is also responsible for coordinating space use with other departments and for tool usage, maintaining prop storage, dealing with rehearsal prop needs for a very short rehearsal process and tracking a tight budget for multiple shows while still being realistic about directors needing/wanting last minute adds. Salary is $575/wk plus housing.
Props Artisan/Carpenter
May 15 – August 9
Working as part of the team the props artisan must have prop or carpentry experience, with experience in both and other specialized skills a plus. Each season has its own needs so being ready to learn and try new skills is also a must. This is a very fast moving organization that often needs its props ready for rehearsal yesterday. Multitasking is a must. Experience working in a resident theater dealing with both rehearsal props and show props for different overlapping productions is a plus. Salary is $500/wk plus housing.
Costume Shop
Costume Shop Craftsperson
May 15 – July 23
The Craftsperson is responsible for working with the Costume Designer and Costume Shop Manager in the creation, construction, and preparation of all costume crafts, including but not limited to millinery, footwear, jewelry, masks, etc. The Craftsperson needs to be experienced in interpreting sketches and drawings, creating costume craft items from a variety of materials, fabricating patterns for craft items, fitting performers, modifying stock items, and maintaining a clean and safe workspace. The Craftsperson needs to be self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and effectively support the shop within the fast-paced summer season. Salary is $500/wk plus housing.
Wardrobe
All Wardrobe positions have been filled for 2023.
Wig Department
Wig Supervisor
May 15 – August 9
The wig/hair and make-up department is a two person team led by the Supervisor who works directly with the various costume designers and the Costume Shop Supervisor. Once designs are settled, the Supervisor works with the assistant to ensure all looks are taught to each actor and/or wardrobe, assists those with more complicated looks or multiple changes to maintain the design on a nightly basis and all wigs are maintained for the full season run. The Festival does have a small stock that we pull from but relies on rentals that need to be treated well and returned in top condition to maintain our ongoing rental relationships. The Supervisor must be comfortable teaching an assistant who is often a young professional just getting into the hair/wig side of things. Some run responsibilities are possible. The Festival operates on tight schedules with hard deadlines; you must be comfortable in that environment and accustomed to working long hours. Salary is $575/wk plus housing.
Electrics Department
All Electrics positions have been filled for 2023.
Sound Department
All Sound positions have been filled for 2023.
Administrative/Marketing/Finance
Admin-Management Intern
May 15 – August 9
The Administrative-Management Intern will assist the Managing Director & Festival admin staff in the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks of their positions including, but not limited to, human resources, volunteer coordination, accessibility, souvenir & concession management, database maintenance, list analysis, website, financial tracking, archives, proof reading, online research, etc. The intern will also regularly assist House Management and some other departments on projects as needed. Previous office work and experience with Microsoft Office Suite preferred. Salary is $300/wk and housing is provided.
To apply, please send resume, cover letter and references to Managing Director Casey William Gallagher: psf@pashakespeare.org.
Box Office and Front of House
House Manager & Assistant House Manager
May 24 – August 9
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) seeks a House Manager and two Assistant House Managers for its 2023 summer season. The house manager and assistant house manager supervise the smooth and gracious handling of audiences for all Festival productions from time of arrival to departure for the summer season which consists of eight productions in three venues over 10 weeks and works closely with a large volunteer group (over 200) in meeting the needs of the annual audience of 40,000. Also, includes supervision and nightly reconciliation of souvenir, concessions and raffle sales. Looking for dynamic and energetic individuals with strong organizational and people skills, ability to work with grace under pressure, make quick decisions and handle emergencies. Salary for the House Manager is $550/wk. Salary for the Assistant House Managers is $425/wk. Housing is provided for both positions.
To apply, please send resume, cover letter and references to Managing Director Casey William Gallagher: psf@pashakespeare.org.
Overhire
Musical Run Crew
May 30 – July 7
Run crew duties vary but include responsibilities ranging from moving or flying scenery to repairing set pieces, tracking props, basic stage maintenance and assisting stage management responsibilities. The specifics will truly not take shape until midway through rehearsals but this is an opportunity to be backstage the summer musical and experience various departments’ responsibilities during performance. Run crew will remain on contract through the strike/changeover after the musical and work with the scenic crew to get ready for the remainder of the season. Must be comfortable in a backstage environment, capable of lifting, good at following detailed directions and asking follow up questions as needed. The decision timeline is closer to the start of the season, April or May. Salary is $300/wk plus housing.
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.
Summer Season Casting
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 and engages a NYC casting director. Employment length is typically 6-7 weeks from 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.
2023 AEA Productions Breakdown – Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is now casting its 2023 production of IN THE HEIGHTS.
Music and Lyrics: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Book: Quiara Alegría Hudes
Conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Performance Space: Mainstage (LOA)
Director: Valeria Cossu
Choreographer: Michael Anthony Sylvester
Music Director: Walter “Bobby” McCoy
Important Dates
Rehearsals Begin: May 23, 2023
Opening: June 16, 2023
Closing: July 2, 2023
Contract and Rate:
AEA: LOA referenced to LORT. $775 weekly plus housing and transportation.
Non-union: $525 weekly plus housing and transportation.
Auditions will take place March 6 – 8 at Pearl Studios (500 8th Ave, NYC).
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is committed to hiring actors who reflect the diversity of our world; actors of all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, and abilities are encouraged to audition.
Audition Schedule:
March 6.
10:00am – 2:00p. Equity Chorus Call. AEA Members by appointment ONLY.
AEA Members: email casting@pashakespeare.org to book an appointment.
2:30pm – 6:00pm Open Call for non-Union
March 7.
10:00am – 6:00pm. Principal Auditions by appointment ONLY.
Email Casting@pashakespeare.org with headshot, resume, and video submission/link to request an appointment.
March 8.
Callbacks by appointment ONLY.
IN THE HEIGHTS Synopsis
Set in the vibrant and changing community of Washington Heights, In the Heights explores themes of family, identity, and the search for a sense of belonging in a rapidly changing world. Usnavi is a young bodega owner who dreams of winning the lottery and returning to his home country of the Dominican Republic. He is joined by a cast of vibrant characters including Benny, his best friend and an employee at the local taxi dispatch; Nina, a college student who has returned to the neighborhood after dropping out of Stanford University; and Abuela Claudia, a matriarchal figure who has taken care of Usnavi and the other young people in the neighborhood. As the neighbors in this tight-knit community each pursue their vision of success, they ultimately get a dose of what it means to be home.
Character Breakdown
USNAVI DE LA VEGA – 20’s-30’s, Owner of De La Vega’s Bodega, whose parents emigrated from the Dominican Republic and have since passed away. Lives with Abuela Claudia, in love with Vanessa, but is comically shy. Charismatic and friendly with a generous heart. Excellent actor / rapper / mover. Singing a plus. D3-G4.
NINA ROSARIO – 19-25, Nina is the first one in the family to attend college. The only daughter of Kevin and Camila Rosario, working-class parents who run a car service, love interest of Benny, and best friends with Vanessa. An overachiever, role model, straight-A student but going through tough times. Excellent mover, strong belt/mix. A3-F5.
KEVIN ROSARIO – THIS ROLE IS CAST
CAMILA ROSARIO – 40s-50’s, co-owner of Rosario Car and Limousine with her husband Kevin. Strong, fiery yet pragmatic woman with a deep love for her family. Singer who moves well. G3-B4.
BENNY – 20’s-30’s, African American, driver for Rosario Car & Limousine, where he has worked since he was a teenager. Ambitious and optimistic, he aims to have his own business one day. Handsome, flirtatious, charming man who falls in love with Nina. Strong singer, excellent mover. E3-G#4.
VANESSA – 20’s, works at Daniela’s Salon. Charismatic, with strong dreams of leaving the Heights, away from her alcoholic mother. Excellent dancer, strong belt/mix. F#3-E5.
SONNY – 18-25 years old, Usnavi’s cousin, and who works for him at the Bodega. Comic actor, excellent rapper and mover. G3-A#4.
ABUELA CLAUDIA -50-60, Abuela Claudia raised Usnavi after his parents died, and continues to live with him. She has been in the Heights the longest and is the matriarch to all. Strong belt to a C. F#3-C5.
DANIELA – 20-40, Quick witted, brassy, no-nonsense owner of Daniela’s Salon. Confident and strong, she is a big sister figure to Vanessa and Carla. Comic actress with a strong belt. Excellent dancer. G3-C5.
CARLA – 20-30, a hairdresser at Daniela’s Salon. Funny and naive, she has a sunny disposition all the same. Comic actor with strong belt mix. Excellent dancer.
GRAFFITI PETE – 18-30, talented though undiscovered graffiti artist, always dancing with boom box in tow. Grew up in the Heights, buddies with Sonny, harmless but rough around the edges. Extremely strong dancer, acrobatics a plus.
PIRAGUERO – Any age, diligently sells piraguas in the Heights to earn a living. Bright, soaring tenor. D3-A4
ENSEMBLE – Excellent dancer / singer / actors
For more information about auditions, email casting@pashakespeare.org.
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.
2023 marks the beginning of new leadership at PSF with Jason King Jones as Artistic Director and Casey William Gallagher as Managing Director.
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.
The Festival’s core Values:
- Quality
- Shakespeare
- Education
- Relationships
Summer 2023 Season:
Henry IV, Part 2
In The Heights
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]
The Tempest
Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill
James and the Giant Peach
Shakespeare for Kids
and touring throughout the Lehigh Valley: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
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 relating to Shakespeare and perform in a Shakespearean production. PSF employs non-union performers and a non-union stage manager.
Available Positions:
Hamlet: PENNSYLVANIA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL TOUR
Video Submissions Only
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Center Valley, PA is seeking NON-EQUITY actors for its fall tour to schools.
$475/wk. Housing provided. Jason King Jones, artistic director; Casey Wm. Gallagher, managing director; Matt Pfeiffer, director. Rehearsals begin September 14 with performances October 5 – November 4 with a possible extension to November 11 or 18. Looking for actors age 21-35. Roles of Polonius/Gravedigger and Claudius/ King Hamlet’s Ghost open. Must have experience and training in Shakespeare. Please prepare any Shakespeare monologue (verse preferred). Actors may be asked for a second monologue and/or to read callback sides. Callback sides will be available on our website and will be provided to the actor via email. Actors of all ethnic backgrounds and gender identity are encouraged to submit. Actors will also teach workshops at schools (training provided) and participate in load-in/load-out. As required by the PA Dept. of Education, employees having direct contact with students must undergo and obtain clear child abuse, state, and federal criminal background checks (completed upon hire). Proof of Covid vaccination is required. Include pix/resume with video submission. Please submit a link to an UNLISTED YouTube video audition or a similar link to casting@pashakespeare.org by August 26.
About PSF:
Having just finished its 31st 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. Our vision is for world-class work.
PSF is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to the principles of inclusion and diversity both onstage and off.
![The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]](https://pashakespeare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03-complete_works_300x300.jpg)
