Scenic Crew- Illinois Shakespeare Festival ; ISU Students

Position: Scenic Crew- Illinois Shakespeare Festival 2026 (ISU Students)
Job Summary

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is seeking applications for Scenic crew for its 2026 summer season for the positions listed below.

SCENIC INSTALLATION and CHANGEOVER SUPERVISOR

* Scenic carpentry, metalworking, welding, and crew supervisory skills and experience in a professional environment are required. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated metal and scenic fabrication skills, the ability to read and understand complex construction drawings, be self-motivated, and be able to tech/lead young carpenters and interns.

* We are looking for an experienced supervisor with proven success at overseeing and motivating crews, who will also work hands-on during fabricating and fitting scenery for three shows in rep in an outdoor theatre. This supervisor will stay on for the full season, supervising crews changing over and maintaining the scenery after the productions open.

* This position is available for the full season, May 19 - August 5.

SCENIC CARPENTER/CREW

* Significant scenic fabrication experience is required, preferably in a professional environment.

Experience with metal fabrication is desirable. The ideal candidates will have demonstrated scenic fabrication skills, the ability to read and understand complex construction drawings, and be self-motivated.

* Carpenters hired for the full season will work May 19 - August 5 and be transitioned to a deck crew and/or changeover crew when tech begins.

SCENIC CHARGE ARTIST

* Significant scenic art experience using designer's paint elevations and supervisory experience is desired, preferably in a professional environment. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated painting and sculpting skills, work well in a fast-paced environment, be self-motivated, have excellent communication/leadership skills, and be able to teach/lead young scenic artists and interns.

* This position is available for the build period of the Festival, May 19 - July 10.

SCENIC ARTIST/CREW

* Significant scenic art experience using designer's paint elevations, preferably in a professional environment. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated painting and sculpting skills, work well in a fast-paced environment, be self-motivated, have excellent communication/leadership skills, and be able to teach interns.

* Scenic artists hired for the full season will work May 19 - August 5 and be transitioned to a deck crew and/or changeover crew when tech begins.

Housing is available at a reduced cost beginning on May 18.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed, and positions filled as applications are received.

In addition to the required resume and cover letter, interested applicants are encouraged to submit images of their work, uploaded as a Word or PDF document. Alternatively, a link to an online portfolio can be uploaded in a Word or PDF document.

Additional Information

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is a professional repertory theatre company that produces Shakespeare and contemporary plays in the spirit of Shakespeare every summer at the beautiful Ewing Cultural Center in Bloomington, Illinois. The Festival hires professional Directors, Designers, Actors, and production personnel and offers a variety of internships to students from Illinois State University and other colleges and universities. The Festival sells an average of 10,000 tickets per year, is supported by Illinois State University and the Illinois Shakespeare Festival Society.

Student employees are eligible to participate in the University's 403(b) Plan. More information can be found here.

Pay Rate

Positions range from $15.00/hour for Scenic Artists to $20.00/hour for Scenic Charge Artists.

Required Qualifications

Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment

Self-motivated

Strong communication skills

Additional requirements included in the General Summary

Work Hours

Regular shop hours are typically Tuesday through Sunday 8:00am to 4:30pm with an average of 30 hours per week. Individual schedules will vary based on daily needs. Additional hours may be added during tech weeks. Positions stay through the festival and work hours will shift to mostly evening hours for performances.

Proposed Starting Date

May 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume & Cover Letter

Please Note:

These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Optional Applicant Documents

Images of work or links to online portfolio

Please Note:

These documents may be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Contact Information for Applicants

Allie Nicholson

alnich1

Production Manager, Illinois Shakespeare Festival

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory…