Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
Job and Internship Opportunities
Would you like to be involved
with making great theatre?
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre is Evanston’s only theatre company specializing in African American and African Diaspora storytelling. Our goal is to provide both high quality performances with some of the area’s best talent, and a safe trainingground for the community’s emerging artists to nurture their talent and hone their abilities.
With a combination of professional and amateur craftsmen, there is a place for all at FJT! We are currently seeking to fill the following eight positions for our 2009 Season. More detailed descriptions of positions are available upon request.
Stage Manager (Paid Position)
The Stage Manager will assist the production staff with the entire rehearsal process up through opening night of all FJT productions. Candidates must be available during scheduled rehearsal times: Tues.-Sat, 5:30 p.m. through 11:00 p.m. Duties could include: Preparation of the rehearsal space, assisting with acquisition of rehearsal and performance props, holding book during rehearsals, recording cues and blocking during rehearsals, and running crew responsibilities. This position requires an organized, timely and mature individual.
Props/Costume Master (Paid Position)
Props/Costume Master is a challenging and rewarding position that requires artistic sensibility coupled with efficiency and an ability to work with a minimum of supervision. There will be times when you will need to make things and times when you will need to borrow and buy things. Previous experience with props is very helpful. You will assist the designers with research, construction and alteration of costumes for the productions during our season. Previous experience in sewing is not necessary, but a willingness to learn is required. Interns will have the opportunity to serve as dressers on productions as their schedules permit. Interns will be responsible for the laundering and preparation for dry cleaning of costumes as well as ironing and repairs.
Directing Intern - artistic administration (Stipend offered)
The intern will function as the personal assistant to the Artistic Director, assisting in day-to-day duties and responsibilities (e.g. correspondence and scheduling). The Directing Intern also will work with the production staff preparing audition materials and setting up audition appointments, and may read with actors in auditions. This intern will have the opportunity to read and critique scripts, observe rehearsals, attend artistic staff meetings, organize events around the plays (e.g. Page to Stage) and assist other artistic staff members in various projects.
Box office/Marketing Intern (Stipend offered for 8-12 hours/week)
The box office intern will participate in activities having to do with the identification, cultivation and retention of our annual audience of subscribers and single ticket patrons. Activities range from the strategic (e.g. campaign planning and creative development) to the tactical (e.g. research, mailings, reporting), and include advertising, promotions, community outreach, media relations, direct mail and e-mail marketing campaign. This position requires strong communication and careful organizational skills, attention to detail and proficiency with Microsoft Office products. Box office experience is desirable.
Literary/Dramaturgy Intern (Stipend offered for 4-8 hours/week)
The Literary Internship duties include reading and critiquing plays under consideration for the season, reading series or rehearsals. There also will be dramaturgical support involved, including some writing and research. The successful applicant will be extremely organized, possess a strong background in writing and knowledge of dramaturgy and theatre. Candidates should submit, in addition to their other application materials, two samples of critical writing (at least one must be about a play).
Script Reader Intern (Stipend offered per script)
These individuals read plays submitted by agents and local writers‚ provide detailed evaluations of each script, and critique plays under consideration for the upcoming reading series. Script readers should have some experience in the theatre (behind the scenes‚ or in front), as well as a working knowledge of theatre history. To apply for a position as a script reader‚ please send a cover letter detailing your interest and pertinent experience‚ as well as a resumé. Please list any relevant college-level courses you have taken. Current students are welcome to apply.
Graphic Designer Intern (Stipend offered for 4-8 hours/week)
The Graphic Designer Intern will work one-on-one with the Artistic Director to produce marketing materials for print, including posters, ads, brochures, programs, signage and other collateral. The intern will hone his/her layout skills and learn how to prepare projects for professional printing. The internship provides a smooth transition from arts training to practical experience in a fast-paced environment, and by the end of the internship the intern will have several high-quality portfolio pieces. Experience in graphics and layout programs is required (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator or QuarkXPress). General marketing assistance also will be a part of this internship.
Sound Design Intern (Stipend offered for 4-8 hours/week)
With the FJT Sound Engineer position(s), the intern is involved in the planning, installation, maintenance and technical rehearsals of all FJT productions. The intern will learn to operate the house and ancillary sound systems of the Theatre, maintain and repair equipment and help with the upkeep of the FJT facility’s audio and video systems. Other opportunities are determined on a show-by-show basis and may include assisting guest Sound Designers, recording and editing material for shows and events and acting as engineer/operator for show runs or rehearsals. The intern also will work with the School of Theatre on their productions.
Qualifications
Serious-minded, highly motivated individuals who have either already acquired basic training and experience in theatre or those who are looking to explore theatre arts programming through meaningful hands-on experience. They should be willing to engage in the creative process and to test the limits of their own ingenuity and be challenged by a creative process that relies on both resourcefulness and collaboration. Each intern receives a well-rounded theatrical experience by learning about the day-to-day operations of a community theatre.
Pay rate: Small stipend and invaluable experience.
How to apply: Please send a personal statement & resumé to:
Ebony Joy
c/o Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
927 Noyes St., Evanston, IL 60201
Application deadline: Ongoing
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre