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The Contemporary
Careers2025-06-24T21:48:51+00:00

Join theĀ  Team

Our purpose is to harness the transformational power of theatre that engages with our current moment to inspire a community of empathy. The Contemporary strives to become a nationally recognized, anti-racist contemporary theatre company that anchors a thriving Columbus theatre ecosystem in an empathetic, equitable world.

CURRENT OPENINGS

The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio is looking for a dynamic Production Manager to join our team. If you’re an organized, collaborative theatre-maker with a passion for people, processes, and high-quality storytelling – this job is for you.

You’ll be at the heart of every production, leading a thoughtful and inclusive process that brings exceptional contemporary theatre to life in Columbus. You’ll work closely with designers, directors, and technicians to create impactful experiences – all while helping us grow in our work as a nationally recognized contemporary theatre company that anchors a thriving local theatre ecosystem.

Characteristics of a Successful Applicant

The person for this position cares about people and is excited about creating exceptional theatre. You are curious and ask questions that lead to understanding. Additionally, this detail-oriented, organized and focused individual is empathetic toward others and is an active, engaged listener. The person for this position understands all aspects of theatrical production – scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, stage management, projections, etc – and the ways they work together. They are able to guide creative teams into the creation of exceptional stories rooted in our purpose. They care deeply about safety and have the skills to build a people-first production process. The person to join our small leadership team must be open to new ideas and be comfortable in a variety of settings where patrons and donors are present.Ā 

This team player is able to work collaboratively and independently on matters of strategic importance to The Contemporary. The position requires the ideal candidate to have the skills necessary to make independent decisions that advance the vision, mission and purpose of The Contemporary. You are willing to jump in and assist with hands-on tasks as needed. The ideal candidate will possess an entrepreneurial spirit and be focused on leading a production process in which production elements are on time, within budget, and created in a way that has artists excited to work with The Contemporary. You must be able to manage multiple projects and consistently meet deadlines by relying on clear processes, structure, and plans.Ā 

Primary Function:Ā  The Production Manager manages all aspects of production at The Contemporary, as well as supporting occasional education programs. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and strategically to create production frameworks that support staff and guest artists for success. The position reports to the Artistic Director and will collaborate with the entire Contemporary staff, as well as contractors and part-time employees.

Additional Information: This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The selected candidate will be eligible for The Contemporary’s benefit package, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), complimentary tickets to productions, and professional development opportunities for personal and professional growth (as funding allows). The salary range for this position is $50,000 – $55,000.Ā 

Duties and Responsibilities​

ā—Ā  Manage all production operations in support of The Contemporary’s vision and mission.

ā—Ā  Foster a work environment that demonstrates cultural competency and leads with The Contemporary’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

ā—Ā  Creatively engage and partner with design teams to meet budget goals while maintaining design integrity, production quality, and safety.

ā—Ā  Recruit, hire, and supervise production employees, contractors, and guest artists, in collaboration with the Artistic Director.

ā—Ā  Create and track all show related budgets and maintain effective methods of financial reconciliation, in collaboration with the Controller.

  • Read and analyze scripts for possible future seasons.

ā—Ā  Create and maintain season calendar and detailed production schedules.

ā—Ā  Lead production meetings to communicate pertinent information to staff and creative teams.

ā—Ā  Determine and track departmental work throughout the production process, working with directors, designers, stage management, and an outside scene shop to ensure that work is completed on time and within budget.

ā—Ā  Supervise a part-time lead electrician, overhire electricians, and costume shop support.

ā—Ā  Oversee The Contemporary’s equipment inventory and needs (purchases, maintenance, rentals) with an ability to commit to purchases up to a predefined threshold.

ā—Ā  Maintain and approve production timesheets for bi-weekly payroll processing.

  • Prepare and submit weekly production reports for Actor’s Equity in collaboration with the Executive Director.

ā—Ā  Assist with hands-on production tasks on an as-needed basis and as skill set allows.

ā—Ā  Liaise with CAPA staff regarding space and equipment needs at the Riffe Center.

ā—Ā  Serve on Board/Staff committees as needed.

ā—Ā  This job description is not designed to be an exhaustive listing. Job-related duties may change, or new ones may be assigned from time to time.Ā 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

ā—Ā  Excellent time management skills, including managing numerous projects concurrently.

ā—Ā  Ability to solve problems creatively to keep production within budget and on schedule.

ā—Ā  Strong commitment to health and safety standards.

ā—Ā  Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

ā—Ā  Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are diverseĀ  across elements such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigration status.

ā—Ā  Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of theatre.

ā—Ā  Proficient in Microsoft Suite and Google Suite.

ā—Ā  Exhibit creativity, enthusiasm, and appreciation for theatrical storytelling.

ā—Ā  Reliable transportation to multiple performance venues as well as The Contemporary’s storage warehouse.

ā—Ā  Light lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling of supplies, etc., up to 50 lbs., as well as occasional stooping, kneeling, and crouching.

ā—Ā  Ability to drive a 14’ truck a plus.

Credentials and Experience

ā—Ā  Experience in production leadership at a theatre, arts center, or equivalent organization.

ā—Ā  Exceptional management skills.

ā—Ā  Basic scenic, electrics, sound, and/or costuming skills for purposes of supervision and decision-making.

ā—Ā  Knowledge of AEA, USA, and SDC collective bargaining agreements a plus.

Required Application Materials: Resume and Cover Letter outlining why you are interested in the position, as well as what makes you the best candidate for the position. Submissions will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applicants who apply by June 30, 2025.Ā 

APPLY NOW

Primary Function:Ā The part-time Artist Educator is responsible for facilitating THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO curriculum in a variety of settings, including in-school or after-school residencies, in-house THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO classes, in-house THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO Summer Camps, off-site classes, off-site camps, and other educational formats as determined and assigned by the Education Director.

Qualifications:Ā With you in this critical role, THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO will intentionally work toward becoming a nationally recognized, anti-racist contemporary theatre company that anchors a thriving local theatre ecosystem in Columbus, Ohio.

The person for this position is committed to outstanding theatre education while ensuring young people and adults have meaningful experiences with THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO programming. You are someone who cares deeply about youth development through theatre. You have a passion for facilitating theatrical and educational communal experiences in classrooms and in the community. You are empathetic toward others and are an active, engaged listener. You are people-focused at all times and possess the highest level of integrity.

This team player is able to work collaboratively and independently. The position requires the ideal candidate to have the skills necessary to make independent decisions at the moment that are aligned with THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO’s vision, mission, and purpose. You will bring an empathetic demeanor and strong work ethic to your work with all young people and adults.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties vary dependent on assigned teaching position. Duties may include:

  • Attending necessary training sessions and meetings.
  • Teaching ELA, Theatre, and other drama-based in-school or after-school residency programs.
  • Instructing students during in-house THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO classes, workshops, and camps.
  • Facilitating off-site THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO classes, workshops, and camps.
  • Creating and directing plays with in-school or after-school residency students based on educational objectives.
  • Working alongside other THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO Artist Educators, Education Coordinator and the Education Director.
  • Administering surveys or assessments and collecting data for program evaluation.
  • Communicating frequently with the Education Director via educational reports and email.
  • Representing THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO in the best possible light through a high standard of professionalism, conduct, and appropriate dress.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Basic understanding of Ohio’s Learning Standards with the ability to apply them to Drama Theatre Standards.
  • Ability to apply both learned and experiential knowledge to the development of children and youth
  • Ability to collaborate with diverse disciplines.
  • Knowledge of theatre terminology and skills

Credentials and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Theatre, English, or a related field or have equivalent relevant work experience.
  • 1-3 years’ related work experience preferred, ideally working with children and youth in a performing art setting.
  • This position may require travel to multiple education sites; ability to provide own transportation is required.
  • This position requires a satisfactory background check; THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO will determine the level of background check required based upon current industry standards for individuals working with youth.

Ā Position Structure:Ā This is a part-time, hourly position, paying $20.00 per hour. Prep time will be paid based on the needs for the program.

Required Application Materials: Online application, resume, and cover letter addressed to THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO’s Director of Education that outlines why you are interested in the position.

APPLY NOW

Work with the Lead Electrician to hang and focus lighting equipment.

Dates – Over hire calls are usually between 4-6 hours or as needed/available. Weekdays and evenings. Some weekends. Approx hang and focus dates:

  • Big Fish Hang Aug 28-31, Focus Sept 2, Strike following Sept 29
  • Wife of A Salesman Hang Oct 16-18, Focus Oct 21,Strike following Nov 17
  • A Christmas Carol Hang/Tech Dec 9-11 Strike following Dec 22
  • Fat Ham Hang Feb 19-21, Focus Feb 24, Strike following Mar 23
  • The Last Five Years Hang April 9-11, Focus April 14, Strike following May 11.

Pay – $17/hour

To add your name to the overhire list please email production@thecontemporaryohio.org

About The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio

The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio is a professional theatre company located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. We are classified as a Small Professional Theatre (SPT) by the Actor’s Equity Association.

Our vision is to become an anti-racist, nationally recognized contemporary theatre company, anchoring a thriving Columbus theatre ecosystem in an empathetic, equitable world. We believe our purpose is to harness the transformational power of theatre that engages with our current moment to inspire a community of empathy.

We achieve our purpose by being responsive to community needs through exceptional:

  • Productions for adults and young people that immerse audiences in a communal experience, captivating senses and emotions; and
  • Education Programs that foster creative curiosity, personal growth, and connections rooted in empathy.

We achieve our purpose by being responsive to community needs through exceptional productions for adults and young people that immerse audiences in a communal experience captivating senses and emotions, and education programs that foster creative curiosity, personal growth, and connections rooted in empathy.

The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio is committed to maintaining a workforce that is diverse across many lines of difference. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for every staff member. The Contemporary does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status.

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