Jobs — Fort Salem Theater

Job Title: Associate Executive and Artistic Director
Organization: Fort Salem Theater
Compensation: Approximately $20/hour, DOE
Hours: 20-30 hours per week
Employment Term: Temporary (Approx. May 1 – August 15, 2025), with potential for continued leadership opportunities
Application Deadline: Friday, February 21, 2025

Fort Salem Theater seeks a dynamic and dedicated Associate Executive and Artistic Director to support the leadership of our historic theater during the busy summer season. This role is ideal for a passionate arts administrator who thrives in both executive and artistic responsibilities. Additional paid opportunities may be available through optional teaching or production team participation, if desired.

During the contract period, this position will oversee the rehearsal & production process for Fort Salem Theater’s “Kinky Boots,” Newsies Jr,” and “Tick, Tick…Boom!.”

This position requires various on-site needs at Fort Salem Theater and/or Fort Salem Studio, although certain tasks may be executed remotely. Local housing and transportation is not provided for this position.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as a public-facing representative of Fort Salem Theater, engaging with patrons, donors, artists, and the community.
Oversee patron communications, including customer inquiries, ticketing support, and audience engagement efforts.
Lead weekly production team meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment with the theater’s artistic standards.
Assist with box office operations, including ticket sales, volunteer recruitment, and front-of-house coordination in collaboration with the Box Office/Group Sales Manager..
Manage social media, marketing, and press relations, including basic content creation, press releases, and advertising strategies.
Coordinate venue scheduling for rehearsals, performances, and special events.
Handle inventory and ordering for concessions and essential production supplies (e.g., microphones, batteries, light bulbs).
Provide artistic feedback and support to production directors, ensuring productions align with Fort Salem Theater’s artistic vision and high quality standards.
Assist in fundraising and development efforts, including donor relations and sponsorship outreach.
Support the execution of educational programs.
Supervise seasonal/production-based staff, and volunteers as needed.

Qualifications:

Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Experience in theater administration, production, or artistic direction preferred.
Familiarity with box office systems (AudienceView), social media management (Facebook, Instagram), and marketing tools (MailChimp, Canva).
Ability to multitask and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Passion for the performing arts and commitment to upholding artistic excellence.

To Apply:

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Kyle@FortSalem.com. No calls or social media messages, please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

Fort Salem Theater is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We believe in hiring the right person for the job, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or background. If you are passionate about theater and believe you can contribute meaningfully to our team, we welcome your application.

Cleaner (Fort Salem Theater & Fort Salem Studio)

Fort Salem Theater is seeking a cleaner to work approximately 5 hours per week at a rate of $20/hour. Fort Salem Theater will provide all necessary cleaning supplies. Reliable transportation is required. This position does not require an English-speaking candidate, but the ability to communicate through a translation app (like Google Translate) is preferred. To apply, email Kyle@FortSalem.com.

Dance, Acting, Fitness Instructors

Fort Salem Studio is accepting resumes from experienced arts and exercise-related teachers. Please submit your resume, along with your weekly teaching availability and the classes you are interested in teaching. Classes typically pay $50/hour and require a minimum of 6 enrolled students. Note: classes can not be held after 7PM on weekdays, due to rehearsal schedule in Fort Salem Studio. Weekdays before 7PM and weekend classes are preferred.

Interested? Contact Kyle@FortSalem.com.

2025 Creative/Production Team Opportunities (Part time/Stipend)

Fort Salem Theater invites freelance artists of all experience levels to apply for our 2025 season. Typical show schedules begin 5-7 weeks in advance of each production’s opening night, plus any necessary meetings and pre-production work.

As a 501c3 non-profit organization, Fort Salem Theater hires creatives on a per-show bases with a modest stipend available for each position. Directors and designers are welcome to fulfill more than one position to maximize stipend opportunities when appropriate (examples: Director/Choreographer, Music Director/Rehearsal Accompanist/Pit Musician, Lighting Designer/Lighting Op, etc.)

Please note: the following positions are still accepting applications:
MACBETHANY: Props Designer
SWEENEY TODD: Stage Manager, Choreographer, Sound Designer
KINKY BOOTS: Music Director, Costume Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Props Designer
TICK, TICK…BOOM: Music Director, Stage Manager, Costume Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Props Designer
NEWSIES JR: Director, Music Director, Costume Designer, Props Designer
ROCKY HORROR: TBD
ROMEO & JULIET: Director (TBD), Stage Manager, Lighting Designer, Costume Designer, Props Designer
SNOW BUSINESS: Lighting Designer

Name *

First Name

Last Name

Email *

Subject *

Please indicate the show title(s) you are interested in. Performance dates are listed, but rehearsals generally begin 4-7 weeks in advance, depending on the production needs. *

Macbethany (March 7-9, 2025)

Sweeney Todd (April 25-May 4, 2025)

Kinky Boots (June 20-July 6, 2025)

Tick, Tick...Boom! (August 8-16. 2025)

Disney's Newsies Jr. (July 31-August 1, 2025)

The Rocky Horror Show (October 24-November 1, 2025)

Romeo & Juliet (November 20-23, 2025)

Snow Business (December 12-14, 2025)

OTHER

Please indicate the position(s) you are interested in. *Positions provide a modest stipend. *

Director*

Music Director*

Choreographer*

Stage Manager*

Lighting Designer*

Lighting Operator* (no experience necessary)

Sound Designer*

Sound Operator*

Scenic Builder

Scenic Painter

Props Designer*

Costume Designer*

Costume Assistant/Sewing Assistant

Assistant Director

Assistant Choreographer

Assistant Producer

Musician*

Do you require housing or transportation during the production process? All positions require in-person attendance. *

OPTIONAL: Is there anything else you'd like us to know? Feel free to include conflict dates, websites, video links, recent production bios and/or any other relevant information.

Thank you!

Front of House Volunteer (Ushers, Concessions, Greeter)
Fort Salem Theater invites new and experienced volunteers to welcome patrons to each production. Volunteers are asked to check in at the FST lobby 1 hour before the performance. All volunteers are welcome to attend that evening’s performance for free.

To volunteer, please contact Patron Service Manager Gail Peck at Office@FortSalem.com.

Fort Salem Theater | Copyright 2024
Fort Salem Theater productions are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.