OPPORTUNITIES
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
Stages Theatre Company was founded in 1984 and has since grown to become the second-largest nonprofit theatre for young audiences in Minnesota.
We believe that the arts are fundamental to child development and overall quality of life, and that every individual, regardless of economic circumstances, geography, or ability, should be able to enjoy the joy, wonder, and benefits of participation in the theatre arts.
ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Stages Theatre Company (STC) is committed to the enrichment and education of children and youth in a professional theatre environment that stimulates artistic excellence and personal growth.
Stages Theatre Company is dedicated to creating a space where diverse opinions, courageous dialogue, and local, national, and international community engagement is not only valued, but vital to our shared artistic and educational success. We make this pledge in the hope of curating a welcome home for all. Artists of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Founded in 1984, Stages Theatre Company has grown to become one of the largest and most respected professional theatres for young audiences in the country. The company is a recognized leader and has received a number of regional and national awards for its work in the theatre arts and arts education. STC operates out of the Hopkins Center for the Arts, a 37,000 square foot multi-disciplinary art facility located on Mainstreet in the heart of downtown Hopkins. The company welcomes over 150,000 young people and their families annually through its production, education and in-school outreach programs.
PLEASE NOTE:
For the safety of the children and families we serve, please note that all employees must agree to a Child Protection Background Check. Cost for this is covered by Stages Theatre Company.
Theatre For The Very Young Apprenticeship
for Tell Me Your Dreams
Stages Theatre Company (STC) is looking for three to four young people (ages 15 - 18) to take part in our new Theatre for the Very Young apprenticeship program, an initiative created to foster the next generation of Theatre For The Very Young artists. Selected apprentices will be fully immersed in the creation process, and eventual performance of STC’s upcoming world premiere, Tell Me Your Dreams.
Those looking to apply should have an interest in working in both new play development, and early childhood theatre education.
Apprentices will be working with the Manager of New Play Development, Anna Crace, TFTVY Director, Melanie Salmon Peterson and Education Director, Megan Collins throughout the process.
Tell Me Your Dreams is an original musical designed for audience members ages 0-5 in a world-class theatrical performance. This world premier production, based on the book Tell Me Your Dreams by Amanda Kloots, will feature a cast of young actors (ages 10-17) and professional actors as adult mentors who will perform for an audience of children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. The language and structure of this production is curated for the developmental stages and engagement level of this age group . The audience is invited to take part in the story, creating an interactive, multi-sensory theatre experience.
Apprenticeship Outline
Script Development
Draft Meetings
Apprentices will be part of the ongoing script development which will involve reading and giving feedback on new drafts. They will be expected to attend meetings and engage with the Manager of New Play Development with their questions and notes.
Workshops
STC’s new work development team, including the apprentices, will engage in workshops at pre-schools and pre-k service providers across the Twin Cities metro area. The team will observe how these audiences interact with elements of the production including the music and the activities created for the production. They will also be part of performing and interacting with the young people at these locations. As an apprentice you will be trained in engaging with the very young before interacting with this age group.
Workshop at STC - February 8
Outreach Workshops - April 7 - 11
Performance
As part of the development process Apprentices will be integral to the creation of the piece and will also serve as guides in 0-5 audience interaction through performance as learned through the workshop and training process. Apprentices will be part of the performance and will need to be available for the full rehearsal and run.
Rehearsals: June 23 - August 5
42 performances: August 6 - August 25
Compensation: $600-800
This Apprenticeship is generously funded through an NEA grant for the workshop development process of Tell Me Your Dreams.
Application Process
Complete the Online Application Form found HERE.
Please provide answers to the questions below. You may type your answer into the boxes, or send an audio or video recording of your responses to STC Manager of New Play Development, Anna Crace at acrace@stagestheatre.org. Submissions are open until December 20, 2024.
- What interests you in working on New Play Development?
- What draws you to working in Theatre for Young Audiences?
- Describe a time where you engaged with youth aged 0-5 in a way that felt meaningful to you.
- Why are you the right person for this Apprenticeship?
- Submit a Resume
Although not a requirement, it is helpful for us to see your body of work and may enhance your application.
Be interviewed
After applications are reviewed a select number of applicants will be invited to participate in an interview and audition with Anna Crace and Melanie Salmon Peterson about your interest in the program. Applicants will be scheduled for a combined interview & audition in the first week of January.
Apprentices chosen
Apprentices will be chosen and all applicants will be contacted regardless of acceptance. The Apprenticeship will begin mid January.
Access Coordinator
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Access Coordinator plays a key role in leading and advancing STC’s mission driven accessibility programming. We believe that every individual, regardless of economic circumstances, geography, or ability, should be able to experience the joy, wonder, and benefits of participation in theatre arts. This position will focus on removing any and all barriers to accessing our programming.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities –
- Be the face and ambassador for accessibility at STC, both internally and externally to the broader theatre and accessibility community.
- Identify and develop partnerships with other arts and education organizations to expand accessibility programming.
- Collaborate with staff (production, education, and front of house) on all programming to ensure it meets the highest standard of accessibility for the youth and families we serve.
- Develop resources that allow STC to reach more people with our community leading access programs, including ASL, audio described, sensory friendly performances, CAST, etc.
- Identify and collaborate with staff to deliver new accessibility opportunities to better serve the growing needs of our audiences and students.
- Conduct periodic evaluation of STC policies, programs, services and facilities to identify access improvements and measure progress in accessibility initiatives.
- In partnership with the Education Director, provide expertise and support services for students and teaching artists in education programs; serve as the staff coordinator and teaching artist for the CAST Program
- Educate staff on their responsibility in ensuring our programming is inclusive and effective. Communicate our successes and accomplishments to our Board and Donors.
- Manage the budget for access related activities.
QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:
- Passionate about our mission, vision and values, with a strong desire to work with young people and be an active advocate for STC in the community.
- Disability knowledge and /or disability lived experience.
- Prior experience in the nonprofit sector, arts or disability organization.
- Teaching Artistry experience with students of all ages & abilities.
- Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
- Continuous improvement mindset: values new ideas and opportunities to improve.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule.
Compensation:
This is a full-time position, and salary is commensurate with education and experience. Salary range is $39,000 - $42,000 Per Year. Stages Theatre Company also offers a positive work environment, excellent benefits and a mission you can stand behind.
Targeted Start Date:
January 6, 2025 or sooner
How to Apply:
Please send resume, cover letter, three professional references to Susan Swenson, Managing Director at sswenson@stagestheatre.org.
Application Deadline:
November 29, 2024
LOCATION:
Stages Theatre Company is located in the heart of downtown Hopkins, Minnesota in the Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343. We are located on the bus line, 30 minutes west of Uptown.