Caption Operator

Description

Now Hiring:
Caption Operator
Department: People & Culture / Access
Reports to: Volunteer and Access Manager
Status: Seasonal, Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Union
Hourly Rate: $23.69/hour
Expected Dates:
April 21 – October 27
Location: Ashland, OR

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is seeking a detail-oriented and mission-driven Caption Operator to support accessible theatre experiences for patrons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, as well as patrons who benefit from real-time captioning. This role is ideal for someone who loves language, technology, and live performance—and who is committed to making theatre welcoming and inclusive for all.

As a Caption Operator, you’ll prepare and operate real-time captions for OSF performances. You’ll work behind the scenes and in the theatre to ensure captions accurately reflect dialogue and sound cues, supporting patrons throughout the performance experience. From preparing scripts to operating equipment and assisting patrons at their seats, your work will directly enhance access to live theatre.

Prepare caption scripts by transcribing, editing, formatting dialogue, and inserting sound cues into captioning software.

Attend technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and previews to refine caption timing and accuracy.

Set up, operate, and strike captioning equipment before and after performances.

Advance captions live in sync with actors’ dialogue and sound cues during performances.

Provide direct patron support before, during, and after performances, including troubleshooting devices.

Collaborate with Access staff and fellow Caption Operators, and assist with training as needed.

Document patron feedback and technical issues to support continuous improvement.

Model OSF’s commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility in all interactions.

Have a high school diploma or equivalent (college experience preferred).

Bring strong attention to detail, excellent reading and editing skills, and comfort with technology.

Communicate clearly and collaborate well with colleagues across departments.

Are self-directed and able to manage multiple tasks in a live-performance environment.

Have strong customer service experience, including speaking with the public. Strong communication skills and problem-solving skills.

• Bring knowledge of Word and Excel as needed.

• Background in theatre.
• Prior training and/or experience in theatre captioning.
• Understanding of appropriate communication when interacting with people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, or who may be non-native English users

Ability to access all levels of OSF theatres using stairs.

Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs repeatedly.

Ability to sit for extended periods and maintain strong visual and auditory focus.

Flexible schedule Tuesday–Sunday, including daytime, evening, and weekend shifts.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) was founded in 1935 in Ashland, OR, and has grown from a three-day festival of two plays to a nationally renowned theatre arts organization that presents a rotating repertory season of up to 10 plays and musical, including illuminating interpretations of Shakespeare, other enduring classics, and new works. OSF productions have been presented on Broadway, internationally, and at regional, community, and high school theatres across the country.

OSF received the 1983 Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is one of the largest nonprofit theatres in the nation with three stages, including an outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival creates world-class theatre, revealing our collective humanity through illuminating interpretations of new and classic plays, and inspiring a love of our art form for current and future generations.

• We are committed to working toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, creating a space of belonging for all audiences and employees—through concrete actions and systemic improvements.
• We nurture and support our artists, attracting and retaining diverse, innovative talent across the organization.
• We believe in the transformational power of collaborative artmaking and performance.
• We recognize the importance of responsible stewardship of resources and sustainable business, financial, and environmental practices.
• We serve the public good and engage with and respect our community of artists, audiences, staff, local citizens, patrons, donors, and the greater theatre community worldwide.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.