Every year, Optimist Theatre hires about 30 people to make the magic happen.
Open positions for the 2026 season....
Sound Engineer
Optimist Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park performances are fully amplified outdoors using wireless microphones. The Sound Engineer is responsible for mic’ing actors, operating the sound board for performances and pre-show activities, and troubleshooting equipment on site. Pay is $2,125 for the season, paid in three installments.
Production Crew (2–3 positions)
Shakespeare in the Park begins with a blank slate at every location. Production Crew members unload the vans, set up the performance space, and pack everything back up at the end of the day. Must be able to lift 40 pounds. Pay is $1,500 for the season, paid in three increments.
House, Surveys & Games Crew (3 positions)
This team is the public face of Shakespeare in the Park. Crew members help set up front-of-house areas, post signage, run Renaissance-era games, distribute surveys, and welcome audience members as they arrive. Pay is $1,500 for the season, paid in three increments.
Online Event Placements (Remote)
With 12 show locations, we rely on strong community visibility. This remote position posts Shakespeare in the Park details on online community calendars, event listings, and local sites using materials provided by our Community Outreach Director. Pay typically ranges from $750–$900, depending on hours you need to work to complete the project.
Production Assistant (Hourly)
The Production Assistant supports the Executive Director with a wide range of tasks, from errands and flyer delivery to coordinating meals and organizing post-show inventory. Most work is in person between June 1 and August 19. Pay is $20/hour, paid weekly, with an estimated 4–10 hours per week.
General Notes...
Open positions for the 2026 season....
Sound Engineer
Optimist Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park performances are fully amplified outdoors using wireless microphones. The Sound Engineer is responsible for mic’ing actors, operating the sound board for performances and pre-show activities, and troubleshooting equipment on site. Pay is $2,125 for the season, paid in three installments.
Production Crew (2–3 positions)
Shakespeare in the Park begins with a blank slate at every location. Production Crew members unload the vans, set up the performance space, and pack everything back up at the end of the day. Must be able to lift 40 pounds. Pay is $1,500 for the season, paid in three increments.
House, Surveys & Games Crew (3 positions)
This team is the public face of Shakespeare in the Park. Crew members help set up front-of-house areas, post signage, run Renaissance-era games, distribute surveys, and welcome audience members as they arrive. Pay is $1,500 for the season, paid in three increments.
Online Event Placements (Remote)
With 12 show locations, we rely on strong community visibility. This remote position posts Shakespeare in the Park details on online community calendars, event listings, and local sites using materials provided by our Community Outreach Director. Pay typically ranges from $750–$900, depending on hours you need to work to complete the project.
Production Assistant (Hourly)
The Production Assistant supports the Executive Director with a wide range of tasks, from errands and flyer delivery to coordinating meals and organizing post-show inventory. Most work is in person between June 1 and August 19. Pay is $20/hour, paid weekly, with an estimated 4–10 hours per week.
General Notes...
- Optimist Theatre pays all team members — no volunteer positions are currently available.
- The season runs from early June through mid-August, with performances on Saturdays and Sundays from July 11–August 16. Lunch is provided on show days.
- There are a few more open positions than those shown. They will be added as soon as details are available.