Caption Operator

Location:

Oregon
Headquarters (On Site)
15 S Pioneer St
Ashland, OR 97520, USA

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/hr expected Dates: 8/1/2026 – 10/27/2026

Location:

Ashland, OR
This position is represented by IATSE Local 154.

• Prepares caption scripts by:
  • Attending show introductions, technical rehearsals, and dress rehearsals as needed.
  • Transcribing and editing final scripts into the caption software.
  • Rehearsing during preview performances.
  • Continuously updating caption scripts to match any script changes made during the run of each show, such as dialogue, sound cues, etc.
  • Rehearsing captions with Volunteer and Access Manager or peer.
• Provides caption services during live performances by:
  • Setting up and striking equipment prior to and after each performance.
  • Troubleshooting technical glitches.
  • Advancing text in time with the actors’ speech delivery and sound cues.
• Prepares to provide caption services for all productions:
  • Watches all production during technical and dress rehearsals as well as preview performances.
  • Rehearse all captions scripts during the first two weeks of a production’s run.
• Ensures a positive patron experience by:
  • Meeting patrons prior to the performance to set up the device at their seat.
  • Checking‑in with patrons during intermission and after the performance.
  • Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues during the performance as needed.
  • Retrieving the delivery device at the end of the performance.
  • Interacting in a professional manner.
• Advocates for improvements by:
  • Documenting patron feedback.
  • Documenting and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Embraces the Festival’s commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility by:
  • Behaving in a manner that enhances relationships among all company members, particularly those belonging to groups of diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, language, ability, age, and socioeconomic status.
  • Interrupting behaviors that hinder our diversity and inclusion efforts.

• Communicate with House Staff regarding patron and device needs.
• Collaborate with and understudy for other Caption Operators as assigned or needed.
• Attend meetings as scheduled.
• Assist in training new Caption Operators as needed or assigned.
• Assist with updating caption devices and/or interacting with IT staff as needed.

Supervision Received: Volunteer and Access Manager

Supervision Exercised: None

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college experience preferred.
• Strong technical skills and ability to learn captioning software and equipment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong customer service experience, including speaking with the public.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Self‑directed, able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Knowledge of Word and Excel as needed.
• Excellent reading, spelling, vocabulary, and editing skills.
• Ability to work with colleagues across the organization.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Background in theatre.
• Bilingual.
• 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.

• Must be able to access all levels of the theatres using stairs.
• Must be able to lift/carry 20 pounds repeatedly, up and down stairs.
• Must have the ability to see and hear.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Specific abilities include auditory and visual concentration.
• Ability to work flexible shifts Tuesday – Sunday, including days/evenings/weekends as scheduled.
• Maintain an open schedule with irregular work hours.

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.