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Black Hills Community Theatre is looking for Directors, Stage Managers and Designers for multiple shows in the 2022-2023 Season!
To apply for any of the below positions, email info@bhct.org.
To apply for any of the below positions, email info@bhct.org.
Mainstage Productions
Average Family (September 2022)
Shrek (November 2022)
She Kills Monsters (January 2023)
Sister Act (March 2023)
Death By Design (May 2023)
Dinner Theatre Fundraiser
TBA December 2022
Reading and Discussion Series
Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage on January 6th
Marjorie Prime by Jordan Harrison on March 10th
Everybody by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins on June 2nd
New Play Development Series
October 29th and February 24th (Plays TBD)
To apply for any of the below positions, email info@bhct.org.
All applications for production positions are accepted on a rolling basis.
Average Family and Shrek applications are currently being reviewed.
Average Family and Shrek applications are currently being reviewed.
Assistant Directors / Reading Series Directors
BHCT relies heavily on our directors for the organization and execution of each individual production. Directors for the mainstage shows are selected through a vetting process. We ask that directors interested in a mainstage production first work with us as a director of a Reading and Discussion Series and/or New Play Development show. We also encourage potential directors to serve as Assistant Directors for a mainstage production. BHCT strives to be a place where burgeoning theater makers can gain their first opportunities and season professionals can continue to hone their craft. Because mainstage directors have such an important job, we ask that directors we have not worked with before learn about BHCT through an Assistant Director or Reading Series director position. Directors who have previously directed a mainstage production at BHCT can email Jayme Kilburn (Artistic Director) with their interest. Mainstage directing opportunities are offered to directors on a rolling basis based on directors’ interest.
Assistant Directors are fully involved in every aspect of a BHCT mainstage performance. A Director may choose to work with an Assistant Director in different ways, but for the most part, BHCT encourages mainstage Directors to consider Assistant Directors as full partners and collaborators in the directing process. On average, BHCT rehearses mainstage productions 15 hours per week (Sun-Thurs from 6:30-9:30pm). Assistant Directors will be a resource for the Director, may lead their own rehearsals, and provide input on the overall vision of the play.
Reading Series Director duties involve approximately 12 hours of rehearsal in the two weeks leading up to the reading. Directors collaborate with the scholar/dramaturg in the rehearsal room. Gain experience in casting, directing actors, and analyzing a script. The Education & Outreach Director, Merlyn Q. Sell, is available to support reading directors as much as needed/desired. A perfect opportunity for those new to directing! Once production teams for the series are confirmed, an orientation for all involved will be scheduled to answer any questions you may have about the series and/or rehearsal process.
Assistant Directors are fully involved in every aspect of a BHCT mainstage performance. A Director may choose to work with an Assistant Director in different ways, but for the most part, BHCT encourages mainstage Directors to consider Assistant Directors as full partners and collaborators in the directing process. On average, BHCT rehearses mainstage productions 15 hours per week (Sun-Thurs from 6:30-9:30pm). Assistant Directors will be a resource for the Director, may lead their own rehearsals, and provide input on the overall vision of the play.
Reading Series Director duties involve approximately 12 hours of rehearsal in the two weeks leading up to the reading. Directors collaborate with the scholar/dramaturg in the rehearsal room. Gain experience in casting, directing actors, and analyzing a script. The Education & Outreach Director, Merlyn Q. Sell, is available to support reading directors as much as needed/desired. A perfect opportunity for those new to directing! Once production teams for the series are confirmed, an orientation for all involved will be scheduled to answer any questions you may have about the series and/or rehearsal process.
Stage Manager / Assistant Stage Manager
The Stage Manager assists the director obtain their artistic vision by ensuring communication, organization and safety through all personnel involved on a show. The Stage Manager is the first person to arrive and the last person to leave every rehearsal and performance. It is their duty to make sure everything runs efficiently through the rehearsal process and then take lead on the show once it opens. On average, BHCT rehearses mainstage productions 15 hours per week (Sun-Thurs from 6:30-9:30pm).
Duties for Mainstage Stage Managers Include:
Reading Series Stage Manager: Assist directors in scheduling, run the audition room, be the point of contact for actors, communicate with other production team members and build experience in stage management. Expected commitment is a max. 20 hours per reading. A low stakes intro to the world of stage management. Once production teams for the series are confirmed, an orientation for all involved will be scheduled to answer any questions you may have about the series and/or rehearsal process. (Ideally one stage manager would handle the full Reading & Discussion Series and another the New Play Development Series, but managing just an individual title is possible).
Duties for Mainstage Stage Managers Include:
- Maintain a clean and productive rehearsal space.
- Collaborate with the director on show needs.
- Take blocking and line notes.
- Email the production team nightly rehearsal reports.
- Attend weekly production meetings.
- Stay in communication with the Technical Director, Artistic Director, and Designers regarding show needs.
- Be the point of contact for the production.
- Run the technical aspects of the show during performances.
Reading Series Stage Manager: Assist directors in scheduling, run the audition room, be the point of contact for actors, communicate with other production team members and build experience in stage management. Expected commitment is a max. 20 hours per reading. A low stakes intro to the world of stage management. Once production teams for the series are confirmed, an orientation for all involved will be scheduled to answer any questions you may have about the series and/or rehearsal process. (Ideally one stage manager would handle the full Reading & Discussion Series and another the New Play Development Series, but managing just an individual title is possible).
Scenic Design (Mainstage)
Starting from the text of the play, the scenic designer envisions the built world of the show. Depending on the script, the set might be imaginatively abstract, studiously realistic, or somewhere in between. In consultation with the play’s director, the designer settles on a basic design that serves the needs of the actors, the vision of the director, and the intent of the author. From there, the designer consults with the company’s technical director to refine these ideas within the constraints of time, budget, and other limitations, eventually arriving at a detailed design that carpenters, painters, electricians, and other skilled technicians can build onstage. Finally, the scenic designer stays in contact with the production director and technical director until the show opens, in order to address issues that come up during rehearsal and construction.
Duties for Set Designer Include:
Duties for Set Designer Include:
- Consulting with the director prior to rehearsals to create a scenic design.
- Presenting this design to actors and production staff at the first read.
- Attending weekly production meetings.
- Working with the Technical Director on execution of design.
- Having all scenic elements in place by Sunday of tech.
- Attending most (if not all) tech rehearsals.
Lighting Design (Mainstage)
Working hand in hand with the director and the rest of the creative team, the lighting designer takes the show to the next level. The Lighting Designer is a critical role that focuses on improving the moment-to-moment actions of a show. Utilizing light, shadow, and color a lighting designer accentuates the gravity of any particular scene and reinforces the underlying themes and emotion that might not otherwise be obvious.
Duties for the Lighting Designer Include:
Duties for the Lighting Designer Include:
- Implementing a lighting design that allows for a safe and enjoyable performance for both audience and performers.
- Studying the script in detail and working with the director to highlight and emphasize important moments in the show.
- Attending all production meetings to collaborate with other members of the design team.
- Programming a show, start to finish in a safe, sensical, and replicable way.
- Attending most (if not all) tech rehearsals.
Costume Designer (Mainstage)
A Costume Designer is in charge of providing all clothing items worn onstage during a performance. These needs vary depending on the show. Many costumes can be found from BHCT’s Costume Shop and the budget for each show can be used to purchase remaining items or buy materials to construct needed items. The Costume Designer works with the Director in executing an overall vision for the show, researching the appropriate time period, and creating costumes that are practical for the performer.
Duties for the Costume Designer Include:
Duties for the Costume Designer Include:
- Reading the full script, marking and making notes on areas that will affect costume.
- Research the time period and setting of the play.
- Researching fashion in certain time periods and places.
- Design the costume for each character.
- Work with the Director on the overall vision of the play.
- Presenting your design to actors and production staff at the first read.
- Attending weekly production meetings.
- Work with the Costume Shop Manager, Chris Lee, on execution of design.
- Have all costume elements in place by Sunday of tech.
- Attending most (if not all) tech rehearsals.
Props Designer (Mainstage)
A Props Designer is in charge of acquiring all the physical objects that an actor interacts with onstage (that aren't costumes or sets). These needs vary depending on the show and range from pens and paper to a fake chocolate cake that needs to look like it is being eaten onstage! A majority of basic props can be found in BHCT storage, but the designer is also given a budget for items and materials that need to be purchased or crafted from scratch. The Props Designer has a flexible schedule, attending weekly production meetings and observing occasional rehearsals.
Duties for the Prop Designer Include:
Duties for the Prop Designer Include:
- Go through the script and consult with the Director on necessary props.
- Work with the Director and other Production Staff to execute the overall vision of the play.
- Communicate with Production Staff on any needs regarding fabrication.
- Fabricate and/or buy props appropriate to the world of the play.
- Attend weekly production meetings.
- Have all props in place by Sunday of tech.
- Attend most (if not all) tech rehearsals.
Reading Series Designer
Dip your toes into the design waters by creating one key piece for use or display in the reading. Mentorship available from established designers. Once production teams for the series are confirmed, an orientation for all involved will be scheduled to answer any questions you may have about the series and/or rehearsal process.
This is a great opportunity for first-time designers!
This is a great opportunity for first-time designers!
Reading Series Dramaturgs
Help discover the world of the play through research and close reading. Work with directors and scholars to unlock the text and provide the tools for actors to bring it to life. Participate in the post-show discussion about the ideas of the play and the impact they have on us now. Once directors for the series are confirmed, an orientation for all involved will be scheduled to answer any questions you may have about the series and/or rehearsal process.
For more information about serving as a dramaturg, please email Merlyn Q. Sell (merlyn@bhct.org)
For more information about serving as a dramaturg, please email Merlyn Q. Sell (merlyn@bhct.org)
Music Director / Choreographer / Musicians
Similar to the role of director, BHCT often works with trusted and vetted Musical Directors, Choreographers, and Musicians for our large scale musicals. At the same time, we always welcome and encourage new artists into our space! BHCT's musicals this season are Shrek and Sister Act. As these shows approach, we will put out calls for various positions. If you are musically inclined and would like to work on one of our musicals, please contact info@bhct.org directly for more information.
To apply for any of the listed positions, email info@bhct.org.