current job openings

Scroll down for information about our general auditions January 4, 2025

WARDROBE SUPERVISOR

$700/week plus overtime ($26.25/hr); June 03, 2025 - July 31, 2025

To apply: Send your resume to production@grsf.org

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Wardrobe Manager manages the Wardrobe Crew in the running and changeover of all costumes for the Festival productions, including two mainstage shows, preshow events, and an external residency. The Wardrobe Manager will:

• Lead the setup of costumes

• Oversee the upkeep (maintenance, repairs, laundry, etc.) of costume pieces

• Be present for all tech rehearsals and assigned shows/performances

• Perform wardrobe dressing duties

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have knowledge in running costumes backstage in repertory, have experience dealing with quick changes, and have the ability to establish comfort and trust quickly as well as the ability to cultivate a positive work environment. 

HEAD ELECTRICIAN

$1130/week; May 15, 2025 - June 29, 2025 and July 27, 2025 - July 31, 2025

To apply: Send your resume to production@grsf.org

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review submitted light plot for two mainstage shows from Lighting Designers to determine viability

• Oversee lighting purchases and rentals for two mainstage shows

• Oversee and execute the install of the light plots, work with lighting designers for focus and throughout tech and oversee lighting crew

• Work with other shop heads to integrate and install practicals and set mounted fixtures

• Execute the Lighting Designers’ visions in a safe and efficient environment

• Supervise and teach Lighting Apprentice and Lighting/Sound Apprentice as needed

Qualifications:

A good candidate will be dedicated to a safe and stable work environment. They will be able to effectively predict and plan workloads for themselves and those they supervise. Experience in teaching or supervising less experienced technicians is preferred. Candidates should have extensive knowledge of lighting technology, hanging and focusing of the lighting plots.

APPRENTICESHIPS

GRSF offers apprenticeships in props, lighting, lighting/sound, costumes, and stage management. Apprentices are paid $11.13 per hour plus housing and are eligible for overtime.

Most apprenticeships are ideal for candidates at the third- or fourth-year undergraduate level. Apprentices who do not meet all qualifications are still encouraged to apply.

To apply, please fill out this form.

COSTUME APPRENTICE (2 POSITIONS)

May 20, 2025 - July 30, 2025

The Costume Apprentice position reports to the Costume Shop Manager and Wardrobe Manager and works alongside other Costume Apprentices. The Costume Apprentices start the season as stitchers and then transition to wardrobe run crew.

Job Duties:

• Assist with construction of costumes

• Help to set up and shut down wardrobe 

• Assist in the maintenance, repairs, and laundering of costumes during the season

• Be present for all tech rehearsals and assigned shows/performances

• Perform wardrobe dressing duties

Qualifications:

This position requires an individual who is punctual, able to take directions and good under pressure.

The following areas of expertise are preferred:

• Construction of costumes

• Hand and machine sewing

• Costume repairs

• Quick changes

• Running wardrobe dresser tracks

LIGHTING APPRENTICE

May 16, 2025 - July 30, 2025

The Lighting Apprentice works closely with the Head Electrician and Lighting Designer to install the  lighting systems for the production season. The Lighting Apprentice becomes the lighting board operator for the season as well as the lighting technician when the Lighting Designer leaves.

Job Duties:

• Assist with hanging and circuiting all lighting elements

• Assist with all focus calls for repertory plot 

• Assist with wiring for all electrified and battery operated props

• Assist with the build and execution of lighting and atmospheric effects

• Perform dimmer checks and ensure the integrity of all lighting elements before each show call for light board operation

• Assist with all lighting calls 

• Assist with the maintenance of all lighting elements

Qualifications:

This position requires an individual who is punctual, able to take directions, good under pressure, and able to work independently. 

The following areas of knowledge/experience are preferred: 

• Lighting programming

• Lighting board operation

• Hanging and running cable to lights

• Operating flyrail systems

LIGHTING/SOUND APPRENTICE

May 16, 2025 - July 30, 2025

The Lighting/Sound Apprentice works closely with the Head Electrician, Sound Supervisor, and Lighting/Sound Designers to install the sound and lighting systems for the production season. The Lighting/Sound apprentice becomes the playback/sound operator for the season as well as the audio technician when the Sound Designer leaves.

Job Duties:

• Assist with hanging and circuiting all lighting elements

• Assist with all focus calls for repertory plot 

• Assist with wiring for all electrified and battery operated props

• Assist with the build and execution of lighting and atmospheric effects

• Perform dimmer checks and ensure the integrity of all lighting elements before each show call for light board operation

• Assist with all lighting calls 

• Assist with the maintenance of all lighting elements

• Assist with hanging and circuiting for all sound elements

• Assist with programming for sound elements

• Perform maintenance and checks for all sound elements

• Operate Qlab and the sound board during performances

Qualifications:

This position requires an individual who is punctual, able to take directions, good under pressure, and able to work independently. 

The following areas of knowledge/experience are preferred: 

• Lighting programming

• Lighting board operation

• Hanging and running cable to lights

• Operating flyrail systems

• QLab programming and playback

• Pro Tools or Logic

• Dressing/operating wireless microphones

• Communications (Clear-Com, Telex, etc) operation/troubleshooting

PROPS APPRENTICE

May 16, 2025 - July 30, 2025

The Props Apprentice works with the Props Designer to create props for mainstage productions. During technical rehearsals, the Props Apprentice transitions to props run crew and takes on the responsibility of maintaining props after opening.

Job Duties:

• Under the guidance of the Props Designer, construct and modify props for two mainstage productions.

• Maintain integrity of the prop design during the run of the season, including minor repairs and maintenance

• Meet deadlines in an environment of change and creative process

• Implement prop notes from stage management after all shows have opened and the Props Designer has left

• Assist with scenic changeovers during the run of the season

• Run a crew track during technical rehearsals and performances

Qualifications:

This position requires an individual who is punctual, able to take directions, good under pressure, and able to work independently. 

The following areas of knowledge/experience are preferred:

• Carpentry

• Sewing

• Painting

• Props construction and modification

• Run crew

• Graphic design

Auditions

Great River Shakespeare Festival is holding in person general auditions in Winona, Minnesota on January 4, 2025 from 11am to 6pm for consideration for our 2025 acting company. Please fill out this form and we will contact you with an audition time.

Equity rules require in person auditions at our theater, but for those unable to travel to Winona, we will also view a limited number of video submissions. Please see the lower part of the form if you wish to submit by video.

Please note that we are a repertory company, which means that all actors will be cast in two productions and may have understudy assignments. Please follow the submission instructions carefully and submit all materials as requested. 

Productions for 2025 are Comedy of Errors and Romeo and Juliet. The roles of Romeo, Juliet, both Dromios and both Antipholi are cast, and others may be cast from previous company members.

For both in person and video submissions, please present two contrasting monologues totaling 4 minutes or less. Please include at least one Shakespeare monologue. The second piece may be Shakespeare a contemporary piece. We encourage modern heightened language pieces including spoken word. Please perform in the vernacular that is most natural for you - we do not believe in “standard American” speech and value expressive use of language in every form. If you play and instrument, please bring it and present a sample of you playing. If you sing well, please present 32 bars in any style a Capella.

GRSF is committed to inclusive casting. We encourage all performers to participate regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender-identity, sexual orientation, or disability. For productions where race or ethnicity is central to the show’s plot or themes, casting will reflect those requirements. Contract dates are May 20 - July 27, 2025. The Equity contract is LOA based on LORT-D with a minimum salary of $820/week.

Individuals of interest will be contacted directly via email regarding callbacks, which will also be held via video submission.