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Classification: Full-time, exempt; benefits eligible after 90 days
Department: Artistic
Reports to: Artistic Director
Work schedule: Monday–Friday with some evenings and weekends
Compensation: $120,000–$125,000; DOE
Posting date: January 2024
Deadline: Position open until filled. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by March 4, 2024.

Position summary

Berkeley Repertory Theatre (Berkeley Rep) has grown from a storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theatre. Known for its ambition, relevance, and excellence, as well as its adventurous audience, the nonprofit has provided a welcoming home for emerging and established artists since 1968. Over 5.5 million people have enjoyed nearly 500 shows at Berkeley Rep, which have gone on to win six Tony Awards, seven Obie Awards, nine Drama Desk Awards, one Grammy Award, one Pulitzer Prize, and many other honors.

Berkeley Rep seeks a highly motivated, deeply collaborative, rigorous, compassionate, and curious individual for the new position of Associate Producer — New Work, a senior level position, reporting to the artistic director.

Essential duties and responsibilities

The associate producer will:

• Have primary responsibility in collaboration with the artistic director and associate artistic director, for The Ground Floor: Berkeley Rep’s Center for the Creation and Development of New Work, including the Ground Floor Summer Residency Lab.
• Lead the producing of the Summer Residency Lab, in collaboration with artistic director, associate artistic director, artistic associate, and general management associate, along with seasonally-hired staff, including project selection, budgeting, hiring and supervision of Lab-specific staff, and participation in creative, responsive feedback to further the work of the lead artists.
• Have a significant voice in season planning and work closely with the artistic director on play selection, selection of directors, designers, and other members of creative teams, including casting.
• Work with the artistic director on the ongoing creation of Berkeley Rep’s slate of commissions including support of commissioned works, creating bespoke developmental trajectories for the various projects, providing creative guidance and logistical and dramaturgical support, and coordination with the general manager regarding contracting and progress of writers during commission period.
• Collaborate with the artistic director and other members of the artistic team in all producing activities including the mainstage season, readings, and workshops, as well as the curation and producing of special events throughout the year.
• Develop and maintain relationships with writers, directors, designers, composers, choreographers, agents, and other industry professionals locally and nationally.
• Contribute to the contextualization of the productions for the audience, through the writing of program pieces, and the creation of other dramaturgical materials including lobby displays.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and rigorous work environment/culture.

Other activities may include providing mentorship and guidance to artistic staff and fellows, engagement with trustees and board committees, collaboration with marketing and development departments for long-term strategy and content-creation as it relates to the public-facing representation of Berkeley Rep, and special projects as needed.

Please note that this is not a directing position, nor a literary management position — this is an opportunity for a great creative producer with a demonstrated passion for new work to be part of a small and dynamic artistic staff engaged in all aspects of Berkeley Rep’s artistic life.

Qualifications and skills

Qualified applicants will have significant experience as a theatre producer, expertise in dramaturgy and the development of new work, support of the artistic process from an aesthetic and logistical standpoint for both mainstage and developmental work, and an interest in arts leadership. The associate producer should care deeply about fostering collaboration between artists, between artist and audience, and amongst colleagues. The associate producer should be a self-starter able to work independently and collaboratively, with a deep commitment to the creation of new artistic work.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in professional theatre as a producer and/or artistic administrator.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in and commitment to the development of new work.
• Significant dramaturgical experience, and capacity to collaborate with writers and directors with generosity, rigor, and curiosity to help them realize their vision for their work.
• Interest in and commitment to equity, diversity, access, and inclusion work and the representation of diverse voices onstage and in all areas of the company.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high degree of emotional intelligence and cultural competency.
• Demonstrated skill in working collaboratively with colleagues.
• Ability to problem-solve and negotiate with diplomacy.
• Broad knowledge of contemporary American playwriting, playwrights, and directors.
• Existing relationships with a wide range of artists, including those who may be new to Berkeley Rep, plus ability to identify and nurture new artistic relationships for the organization.
• Appetite for immersion in all aspects and structures of a large-scale regional theatre.
• Ability to serve as a representative of Berkeley Rep in the community and to the field.

Application procedure

Berkeley Rep is an equal opportunity employer and offers a full range of employee benefits including 85% employer-paid health and dental insurance, optional vision, FSA, and 403(b) plans, professional development support, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Position available immediately. Email submissions only. Please submit a cover letter and résumé to jobs@berkeleyrep.org with “Associate Producer — New Work” in the subject line. Persons from diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

Berkeley Rep will contact candidates of interest. Please, no calls or faxes. Only complete submissions will be considered.

Apply

The Berkeley Rep Next Generation Fellowship program provides tailored training and immersive, hands-on experience alongside accomplished professionals in artistic and technical production, arts administration, arts education, and community engagement.

Additionally, all fellows receive:

• Professional development workshops and educational sessions led by Berkeley Rep staff members, guest artists, and administrators
• Mentorship from Berkeley Rep staff members, including members of the senior leadership team
• Opportunities to shadow members of senior leadership, and other departments, to provide insight into the overall management and operations of the theatre
• A monthly fellowship stipend of $1200
• A one-time travel reimbursement up to $250 to assist with traveling to Berkeley at the start of the fellowship
• Shared housing with utilities included
• Complimentary tickets to all Berkeley Rep productions and other Bay Area theatres
• Field trips to local art institutions and entertainment companies

Structure of the fellowship

This full-time, 11-month program requires a commitment of approximately 40 hours per week. Schedules are determined by educational and departmental needs, and/or season scheduling. Fellows benefit from a robust support structure, including a dedicated departmental supervisor and guidance from a seasoned mentor.

What are we looking for in a potential fellow?

Berkeley Rep seeks applicants who have already acquired basic training and experience in their field of interest and are ready for the next step toward a career in professional theatre. Ideal candidates should be willing to engage in the creative process, eager to test the limits of their own ingenuity, and ready to join a professional, artistic community. Our goal is to support our fellows in a successful transition from life as a student to becoming accomplished theatre professionals.

What do I need to include in my application?

A complete application includes filling out our form, along with all of the following:

• A cover letter about yourself, your skills, and what you want to get out of the fellowship.
• A copy of your résumé.
• Contact information for three references.
• The following positions require writing samples: Bret C. Harte and Peter F. Sloss Artistic, Education & Community Engagement, Marketing & Development, and Media Relations.

What should I submit as a writing sample?

• Writing samples should be 2–5 pages in length. An excerpt of a previous work is okay.
• Artistic fellowships require two writing samples. One piece should be about a play (criticism or analysis) and the other should demonstrate your ability to communicate an idea.
• Education & Community Engagement and Marketing & Development require one writing sample. This can be an academic essay or play review.
• Please do not submit creative writing (short story, play, or movie script) as a writing sample.

Is parking provided for fellows?

There is street parking available at our Harrison Street campus. However, we do not provide parking in our housing facility or at the theatre. Our housing and theatres are in Downtown Berkeley, and free parking can be challenging. Public transportation (bus and subway) is available and accessible from all our facilities. Fellows are eligible to receive discounted fares on public transportation.

Can I apply for more than one position?

Yes! As part of the application process, you are asked to list your top two fellowship positions that you would like to be considered for.

Do you offer high school internships or fellowships?

Berkeley Rep does not offer high school internships or fellowships. High school students interested in participating in Berkeley Rep programming should check out our Teen Leadership Council.

Are non-U.S. citizens eligible to apply?

Yes. However, applicants are responsible for securing and providing all necessary visas and/or work permits for participation in the program.

Costumes

This fellowship trains closely with the costume director and staff in all of the workings of a professional costume shop. Through hands-on experience, the fellow learns from nationally recognized designers and artisans. Depending on the fellow’s interests and skills, they may explore areas like costume construction, wig making, costume painting, distressing, and shopping for a modern show. Ideal candidates have basic sewing skills and an interest in creating and/or designing theatrical costumes.

Lighting/Electrics

This fellowship receives hands-on learning experience working with lighting designers from all over the country for the mainstage season. In addition, the fellow assists the Lighting Supervisor in all areas of electrics, which includes using industry-standard software such as VectorWorks, Spotlight, and Lightwright, building practicals, hanging, focusing, and running of shows. Opportunities may exist to assist/design/mentor for the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre. Ideal candidates have an interest in both design and electrics.

Production Management

This fellowship is immersed in all areas of the production management process at a professional regional theatre, through mentorship by the Director of Production and Associate Production Manager. This includes learning about leadership and management principles, creating and negotiating contracts, budgeting, expense tracking, creating and updating schedules, note taking, and assisting on facility rentals and events. This fellowship track includes the opportunity to take on small rentals, special events, and SOT events such as the summer intensive and the high school theatre festival as the lead project manager, liaising between the production departments and various other stake holders. The ideal candidate is a creative problem-solver who has broad knowledge of technical theatre, excellent communication skills and thrives in a team atmosphere.

Properties

This fellowship provides hands-on training in properties construction, carpentry, crafts, soft goods, welding, painting, research/shopping, and administration. Applicants should have a strong work ethic, problem solving, and good communication skills. Ideal candidates are flexible and have a creative personality. Applicants must submit a digital portfolio for review.

Scenic Art

This fellowship follows the time-honored tradition of learning-by-doing. The scenic art fellow will learn the skills and techniques to enable them to participate as a full member of the scenic art team. Applicants with painting experience outside the realm of theatre, as well as those hoping to pursue a career in scenic design, are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will have strong drawing and color-mixing skills. Applicants must submit a digital portfolio, including a sample of figure drawing or portraiture.

Scenic Construction

This fellowship is focused on the hands-on development of skills in scenic construction and working in a professional production shop. The fellow will learn to face challenges as a builder, welder, theatrical rigger, automation technician, and draftsperson. The fellow works with state-of-the-art equipment to transform raw materials such as woods, metals, and plastics into complex scenic elements. The scenic construction aspects of the fellowship will take place in the scene shop facility, with scenic installations in our Roda Theatre fly house and fixed-grid Peet’s Theatre.

Harry Weininger Sound

This fellowship offers training in audio and video production at a professional level. Mentored by the Sound and Video supervisor, the fellow will learn about system design, signal flow, automated and non-automated systems, wireless microphones, recording, intercom systems, repairing equipment, rigging, video playback systems, projection equipment, cameras, troubleshooting, and how to collaborate well with colleagues. From challenging dramas to large-scale musicals, the sound fellow will be exposed to many different styles of production. Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in engineering as well as design.

Stage Management

This fellowship focuses on the stage management process working under the guidelines of the League of Resident Theatres and Actors Equity Association Collectively Bargained Agreement. This fellow will work with local and out of town AEA union Stage Managers and Assistant Stage Managers as part of the stage management team on 3-4 shows per season. In most instances, this role will be a part of the full process, starting with production meetings, into the rehearsal and technical rehearsal process, and remaining with the show through runs and understudy rehearsals. Based on interest and the demands of each show, fellows may have the opportunity to shadow the Calling Stage Manager in the booth or follow different tracks on the show. The fellow may also rotate off a show after opening and into another area of interest such as stage operations, props, or production management.

Bret C. Harte and Peter F. Sloss Artistic

Created in memory of Bret C. Harte, a passionate young theatre director and Berkeley Rep employee, and Peter F. Sloss, who served as a Berkeley Rep trustee from 1991 to 1997 and was a fervent champion in the development of new plays, these two fellowships involve mentored training in all aspects of artistic department work including season planning and producing, casting, dramaturgy, and rehearsal room support. The fellow will be deeply immersed in the artistic staff of a major regional theatre, working closely with the Artistic Director, Associate Artistic Director, Associate Producer, and Artistic Associate. Opportunities are provided for assistant directing, reading and evaluating play submissions, attending and organizing auditions, helping to plan and execute The Ground Floor Summer Residency Lab, writing articles for the show programs and other contextual work, support of In Dialogue community engagement events, as well as new projects that regularly arise. Artistic fellows are mentored by Artistic Director Johanna Pfaelzer and Associate Artistic Director David Mendizábal. Ideal candidates will be organized, motivated, and personable, with an interest in artistic leadership, directing, writing, and/or dramaturgy. Candidates must submit, in addition to their other application materials, two writing samples — one piece should be about a play and the other should demonstrate your ability to communicate an idea(s).

Company Management

This fellowship focuses on the basics of artist hospitality, including coordinating artist travel to and from Berkeley as well as their accommodations while here. Berkeley Rep’s company management team serves as the primary point of contact between visiting theatre artists, Berkeley Rep’s staff, and the Berkeley community. The fellow will develop skills in event planning by assisting with company-wide events and learn about general theatre management while assisting with contracts, the preparation and maintenance of budgets, and other administrative projects as required throughout the season. Ideal candidates will have a high degree of personal organization, strong interpersonal skills, discretion, facility with Microsoft Office, and the ability to work in a detail-oriented manner while remaining flexible. Shares on-call duty phone responsibilities with the Company Manager.

Education and Community Engagement

This fellowship provides a comprehensive opportunity for an individual to learn about the inner workings of a multifaceted theatre education program and to collaborate interdepartmentally across the organization to support its community relationship building program, In Dialogue. The fellow will participate in mentored projects focusing on programming, training, community engagement, advocacy, marketing, and evaluation. Ideal candidates will have a primary interest in the programming and administration side of arts education programs, some experience teaching or working with young people, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion work and antiracism.

Marketing and Development

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of both marketing and development (fundraising). Mentored by the associate directors of marketing and development and collaborating with members of both teams, the fellow will get hands-on experience in engaging and tracking patrons from first-time ticket buyers to longtime supporters across multiple communications platforms, including email campaigns, social media, and direct mail. Learn how to craft engaging content that drives ticket sales, and persuasive language that’s key to fundraising. This fellowship also focuses on campaign strategy, timeline and budget development, multimedia content creation, campaign execution, and analytics and reporting that will inform future campaigns. Ideal candidates have a passion for theatre, writing, and connecting art to patrons in fun and creative ways.