Employment
EMPLOYMENT
SEASONAL STAFFING
Festival staffing positions include free housing (shared suites with private bedrooms) and one day off/week. Two meals/day provided during tech. Travel is the responsibility of the staff person, but local train and airport pick-up provided. CATF is a whirlwind of activity with a company of over 100 individuals living and working together. Work ethic, sense of fun, and a commitment to the art is an absolute must.
Click here to see all of the available staff positions, read job descriptions, and apply.
UNION AFFILIATIONS
CATF is proud to employ members of the following unions and associations:
Actors’ Equity Association
Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc.
United Scenic Artists
SCRIPT SUBMISSION POLICY
If you are an agent representing a playwright and would like to submit a script for consideration, please fill out this form.
If you are a playwright self-submitting a script for consideration, please fill out this form.
AUDITIONS:
NYC auditions are handled by McCorkle Casting, Ltd.
AMERICA’S NEWEST PLAYS
What’s Your Passion?
The Contemporary American Theater Festival is dedicated to fearlessly producing new American theater. CATF hires approximately 50 interns to help bring these bold and compelling plays to life. As a member of the CATF Intern Company, you will have the unique and exciting opportunity to work in repertory. Spend your summer working with other emerging artists, who are just as passionate as you, and learning from top theater industry professionals.
Internships are designed for individuals who are 18 years or older.
CATF is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and anti-racist environment. As such, ideal candidates for the Intern Company are team players. They work collaboratively, have a positive attitude, are motivated, and are supportive.
Read CATF’s Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Vision Statement
How to Apply
Review the job descriptions below. Please limit your application to two departments. If you are applying for two departments, you must fill out and upload your cover letter and resume for both positions. If hired, you will only be assigned to one department. Internships start as early as mid-May and run through the beginning of August.
Job Descriptions
Box Office Interns work with other members of the Audience Services Team to ensure CATF audiences have an exceptional festival experience. Box Office Interns assist customers both over the phone and in-person during normal box office hours and during performances. Interns process ticket orders and donations in Spektrix (training is provided), maintain and organize will-call, assist customers with their accessibility needs, and provide information to customers both about the productions and the Shepherdstown area.
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
Concession Interns work with other members of the Audience Services Team to ensure CATF audiences have an exceptional festival experience. They are responsible for managing and selling food, beverages (including alcohol), and merchandise to audience members. Concession Interns will manage the inventory across various theatrical venues and order additional supplies, food, and beverages as needed. They will also help the Box Office Team answer phone calls and process ticket orders in Spektrix (training will be provided).
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
House Management Interns work with other members of the Audience Services Team to ensure CATF audiences have an exception festival experience. House Management Interns are responsible for scheduling volunteer ushers and training ushers. During performances, House Management Interns will communicate with both Stage Management and the Box Office Team. They will ensure that all entrances and exits are properly unlocked, fire code regulations are adhered to, manage intermission, late seat audience members, and collect an accurate attendance count.
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
Interns work alongside Staff Carpenters and Technical Directors to realize the scenic designs for all productions. During tech, interns are assigned to the run crew in one of our venues along with a Staff Carpenter. During the run, interns will also assist with timely changeovers and/or the repair of set pieces as necessary. Basic experience with standard theatrical construction techniques and tools, the ability to lift/carry at least 50lbs, and comfort while working on ladders and lifts is preferred.
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
Company Management Interns report to the Company Manager and assist in upholding CATF’s passion for radical hospitality. Responsibilities include: support in artist onboarding; transportation of artists and guests; artist housing preparation; coordinating artist arrival to housing including box and suitcase delivery; facilitate meals for artists as needed; carrying out coordination of company events; and perform office related tasks.
All members of the Company Management team will be required to work early mornings, late evenings and weekends, as well as rotate on-call duties for unexpected emergencies such as housing lock outs, after-hours transportation, medical needs, etc. The Company Manager will create a schedule that is mutually beneficial to all members of the team with staggered days off.
Applicants should have a human centric style of management and ability to approach all individuals and situations with empathy. As well as being comfortable adapting to schedule changes and shifting priorities as needs arise.
Position requires engaging with new people on a regular basis; a desire to work in a collaborative environment while also working independently on specific responsibilities; having time-management skills, organization skills and attention to detail; ability to lift and ; climbing stairs; working outdoors; sitting in a vehicle for long periods of time; use of Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and other task management apps; use of personal cell phone; a valid driver’s license.
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
Interns work with the Costume Shop Staff and Designers to assist with the fabrication of costumes for all productions. At tech, interns are assigned to the wardrobe crew for two shows. For the remainder of the season, interns assist with maintaining costumes between performances. Basic experience with standard theatrical costume construction and alteration techniques is preferred. Depending on show and venue assignment, some work in a catwalk may be necessary.
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
Working with the Director of Development, CATF’s Development Intern aims to provide excellent customer service and radical hospitality to festival artists, guests, patrons, and donors; communicate with donors; assist with record keeping; work with donor information in Spektrix; conduct development-related research for projects; help prepare for hospitality and talktheater events; and participate in grant fulfillment and reporting. Additionally, this position will participate as a member of CATF’s Audience Services Team as needed. This position requires proficiency with or an interest in learning the Microsoft Office Suite, ticketing and CRM software, and a passion for working with people.
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
Interns work alongside Actors’ Equity Association Stage Managers and Assistant Stage Managers on 1-2 shows (depending on the venue) each season. Stage Management Interns assist with all aspects of the rehearsal and performance process, and will assist with backstage operations during the run. Some previous experience in Stage Management, the ability to lift/carry at least 25lbs, and a history of working with Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs is preferred.
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
The Production Management intern works closely with the Production Manager and Associate Production Manager to plan and schedule all Production Department work calls to ensure a smooth season. The Production Management Intern also assists with budget tracking and shopping in support of individual departments. During the performance period, the Production Management Intern works with the Production Manager and Assistant Production Manager to ensure the shows are maintained at a high quality level throughout the run. Basic knowledge of theatrical terminology, schedules, and work practices is necessary. Some experience in at least one other production department (lighting, carpentry, costumes, etc.) and with Google Drive is preferred.
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
Interns assist in the realization of the lighting designs in all venues, including maintenance and hanging/focusing of lights. During tech, interns serve as a board operator in one venue and work with the Master Electrician and Lighting Designer to program the show. During the run, interns assist with changeovers and work with staff to complete necessary maintenance and repairs. Experience with basic theatrical lighting equipment, the ability to lift/carry 50lbs, and work at heights up to 30’ (on lifts, ladders and/or catwalks) is necessary; some experience working with ETC EOS family consoles is preferred.
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
The Marketing & Communications Intern works with the Director of Marketing & Communications to create and execute strategic marketing plans. The Intern assists with the creation and budgeting of printed and digital advertisements; website management; communications with patrons; gathering, organizing, and editing information for the digital program; press relations; representing CATF at community events; and other activities that support CATF’s marketing efforts. This Intern may also assist the Audience Services Team during performances. This position requires experience or interest in learning Microsoft Office Suite and Spektrix, strong written and verbal communication skills, data management, attention to detail, and an enthusiasm for working with people.
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
Interns assist Props Staff with the fabrication of props for all productions. At tech, each intern is assigned to the run crew in one venue. Responsibilities include assisting with changeovers and/or props maintenance. Experience with standard theatrical prop or carpentry construction techniques and tools, and comfort working at heights over 20’ is necessary, basic experience working with at least one of the following is preferred: soft goods/upholstery, Photoshop, and/or welding.
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
Interns work with the Scenic Artists to execute the scenic techniques and treatments for all shows. During tech and performances, they are assigned to the run crew in one venue. Responsibilities during the run include assisting with changeovers and/or assisting with touchups. Basic experience with standard theatrical paints, techniques, and tools, the ability to lift 25lbs, and comfort while working at heights over 20’ (on lifts or ladders) is necessary; some experience with faux finishes, 3D texturing, and/or prep work is preferred.
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
Interns assist in the realization of the sound design for all venues. At the beginning of the season, interns assist with system setups and maintenance, as required. During and after tech, interns are assigned as the sound operators in a particular venue, working closely with the Sound Designers to execute their designs accurately. During the run, sound interns assist with changeovers and system maintenance as necessary. Some experience with basic to intermediate sound systems, comfort with working at heights up to 25’, and the ability to lift/carry 50lbs is necessary; introductory experience with Qlab and digital consoles is preferred.
For the full list of responsibilities, available positions, and to apply for the Intern Company, click here.
Interns Receive:
- Free, shared housing
- Weekly stipend
- Complimentary tickets
- Resume and cover letter workshop
- Free gym membership to Shepherd University’s Wellness Center
- Educational and professional development opportunities
More about the Contemporary American Theater Festival
As CATF is beginning its thirty-fourth season, the Festival is experiencing an exciting time of transformation. With a new leadership model, the Festival is reaffirming its mission to produce and develop new American theater and strengthening its commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression (ARAO).
Located on the campus of Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, the professional theater festival is located 90 minutes from the DC/Baltimore metro region and attracts 6,500 patrons across 39 states. CATF is dedicated to providing personalized and radical hospitality to all patrons, artists, and guests of the festival.
CATF is committed to producing and sharing art in an inclusive, collaborative, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive environment. To learn more about CATF’s anti-racist and anti-oppressive values, visit the ARAO website page.
CATF is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, Veteran, ability status, or any status protected by law. CATF makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. If you have any questions or need assistance completing the application, please email us at info@catf.org.