Call For Creatives for Ignite Theatre Company’s 2023 Season
All available positions, job descriptions, and hiring practices can be found on this page
The Ignite hiring Process has 2 Parts:
PART 1:Submit an application by clicking the button above. You will be asked to include the following
Your resume featuring your work as a theatrical director.
A one-paragraph letter of introduction. Even if you’ve directed here before, some members of our executive staff may not know you yet, personally or professionally.
Phone and email for two to three References. Ideally, these should be people who have worked with you as a director and can speak to your collaboration style, theatrical skill sets, reliability, and insight.
If the committee thinks your proposal is a good fit for Ignite, we will invite you for an interview
PART 2: Interviews will be held by invitation only.
Final Selection: Based on the combination of your vision for the script and interview, the executive staff may choose to recommend you to fill a creative role in our 2022 season. Final decisions or offers cannot be made until the Board gives its approval. We will try to let directors know, as we move along, the status of their proposals. Please review the final section, “Some Things You Should Know.”
The following positions are all paid positions with a negotiable payrate. Ignite theatre company has secured the rights and is looking for paid creatives for the following productions/programs:
2023 main stage directors
After School Program in St. Louis area schools
Open Positions: Lead Instructors, Instructors
Are you looking to work with young people AND you love the arts? Ignite after-school program instructors get to help SPARK the love of arts for young people in St. Louis city during the curial afterschool time. Ignite is looking for teaching artists to join us in a pilot after school program in St. Louis City and County Schools. ONGOING
Footloose: Youth Edition
Open Positions:
Stage Manager, Set Designer/Builder
Tech week rehearsals and performances take place at The Grandel
Auditions: 1/28
Rehearsals: Wednesday & Friday evenings (6:30pm - 7:30pm) & Saturdays (10:00am - 1:30pm)
Tech Week: May 1-9
Performances: May 10-14
SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
We are a nonprofit theatre and have limited financial resources. We offer a stipend to contractors and pay is negotiable.
We have a strict COVID-19 Reopening Plan and we update protocols as circumstances require. As of November 19, Ignite Theatre Company requires that staff and volunteers present a photo ID and show proof of vaccination – a physical or digital copy of a vaccination card – or proof of a negative test (taken within 72 hours,) each rehearsal. Mask protocols will be decided on a show by show basis and depend on the current risk level in the community. Read the full description of our protocols HERE.
All shows hold open auditions – we don’t “pre-cast” roles. That said, directors are responsible for casting their own shows. If you know someone you think would be great for a role, invite them to audition. We ask directors to keep an open mind.
job descriptions
After School program instructor - JOB DESCRIPTION
Purpose of Position: Serve as both an adult responsible for students. Help with the implementation of program activities and work to achieve program learning objectives.
Collective Goals for After School Program
To have fun and develop imagination and creativity
Give children an understanding of musical theatre
Help children learn the process of play with theatre concepts
Maintain health and safety standards
Run a well-organized program
Exhibit Characteristics of: creativity, responsibility, patience, dependability, and maturity; be a self-starter and a team player with a positive attitude.
Duties:
Assume responsibility for safety of students (be familiar with risk management plans) and report all injury incidences to program director
Follow classroom objectives, rules, policies, and guidelines
Assist with all program activities
Serve as a positive role model for students
Be punctual and organized
Participate enthusiastically
Follow directions
Show a genuine interest in students
Run physical activities
Create a method to demonstrate growth during class
An ideal candidate possesses:
Ability to work with young performers
Background in teaching/performing
Dance/vocal training
Audition experience (as a director or performer)
Ability to remain calm and patient
Qualifications and Requirements
Must have related experience in the education or theatre field.
Must complete application requirements.
If hired, attend the training session prior to camp. Training session will be held date TBD. This training session is mandatory. CPR/first aid training is preferred, but not required.
IGNITE CAMP COUNSELOR, addams family/winnie the pooh kids - JOB DESCRIPTION
Purpose of Position: Serve as both an adult responsible for campers and as part of Ignite Theatre Company Bonfire Camp support staff for camp administration. Help with the implementation of program activities and work to achieve camp learning objectives.
Collective Goals for Camp
To have fun and develop imagination and creativity
Give children an understanding of musical theatre
Help children learn the process of play with theatre concepts
Maintain health and safety standards
Run a well-organized camp program
Ability to work with very young performers
Background in teaching/performing
Dance/vocal training
Audition experience (as a director or performer)
Ability to remain calm and patient
Exhibit Characteristics of: creativity, responsibility, patience, dependability, and maturity; be a self-starter and a team player with a positive attitude
Duties:
Assume responsibility for safety of campers (be familiar with risk management plans) and report all injury incidences to camp director
Follow camp objectives, rules, policies, and guidelines
Assist with all camp activities
Serve as a positive role model for campers
Be punctual and organized
Participate enthusiastically
Follow directions
Show a genuine interest in campers
Run physical activities
Create a method to demonstrate growth during camp
Ensure the safety of backstage during the performances of Disney’s Frozen Kids
Qualifications and Requirements
Must have related experience in the education or theatre field.
Must complete application requirements.
If hired, attend the training session prior to camp. Training session will be held date TBD. This training session is mandatory. CPR/first aid training is preferred, but not required.
Assistant Director - Job Description
Ignite is seeking an Assistant Director to participate in our production of Lightening Thief set to perform at the Grandel Theater January 17-21 2024 . Auditions will be held Saturday, August 26th, with rehearsals Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm, Fridays 6:30-8:30 pm, and Saturdays 10:00 am- 2:00 pm starting September 15th. Tech week is Jan. 10-17. Shows run
Job Summary
The Assistant Director will work directly with Ignite Executive Director, Libby Pedersen will serve in a mentor/mentee role, with the goal of this position directing an Ignite show in the 2023 season. The AD will collaborate with the ED on Ignite’s Production of Lightening Thief, on everything from casting to production. You will be expected to be at most rehearsals, tech and show days. There will be days the ED will be unavailable for rehearsal, at which time the AD will take over.
Primary responsibilities:
Work within the Ignite mission of creating great people first and great performers second.
Ensure each performer is highlighted and is valued.
Discuss the concept, ideas, and vision of the production with the ED.
Attend production meetings.
Assist the Director, including taking notes and discussing the process.
Run rehearsals such as run-throughs or speed line runs.
Rehearse scenes if an actor is absent.
Stand in for the director at rehearsals as needed.
Contribute to the overall success of the performance.
Time Commitment:
Required to be at all production meetings.
Required to attend all choreography rehearsals (schedule to be determined by the director).
Required to be at all Tech week rehearsals December 6-12.
Required to be at all Show dates December 13-18
Desirable Skills for this Role:
Someone who loves working with children of all ages, and has experience in children’s theater.
Must have experience in directing and producing.
Able to work under pressure.
Past examples of good leadership and people skills.
Risk-taker
Excellent communication skills-Ability to communicate effectively and with respect to cast, creatives, volunteers and patrons.
Excellent management skills.
Creative
Someone who loves working with children of all ages.
All shows hold open auditions – we don’t “pre-cast” roles. That said, directors are responsible for casting their own shows. If you know someone you think would be great for a role, invite them to audition. We ask all directors to keep an open mind.
If this show does not work for your schedule, please consider applying, and we will keep you in mind for our upcoming shows in 2023.
*Please note, we are a nonprofit theatre and have limited financial resources. We offer a stipend to contractors and listed pay is negotiable. Pay will vary by production.
Choreographer - job description
Ignite is seeking an experienced Choreographer to participate in our production of Addams Family, Winnie the Pooh Kids, Lightening Thief
Job Summary
Responsible for providing arrangements of dance choreography for Ignite’s 2023 productions. This will include leading and delegating the instruction of the cast in prepared dance choreography. The Choreographer will coordinate with the director for this show, and report to Ignite’s Executive Director.
Primary responsibilities:
Audition and help cast performers in shows.
Aid in planning and schedule rehearsals.
Create and contribute to the overall choreography and dance elements of the production
Contribute to the overall success of the performance.
Time Commitment:
Required to be at mutually agreed upon production meetings.
Required to attend all choreography rehearsals (schedule to be determined by the director).
Required to be at all Tech week rehearsals.
All shows hold open auditions – we don’t “pre-cast” roles. That said, directors are responsible for casting their own shows. If you know someone you think would be great for a role, invite them to audition. We ask all directors to keep an open mind.
If this show does not work for your schedule, please consider applying, and we will keep you in mind for our upcoming shows in 2023-2024.
*Please note, we are a nonprofit theatre and have limited financial resources. We offer a stipend to contractors and listed pay is negotiable. Pay will vary by production.
MAINSTAGE STAGE MANAGER - JOB DESCRIPTION
Footloose, Addams Family, Winnie the Pooh Kids, Lightening Thief
Purpose of Position: The Ignite Stage Manager (SM) is key to creating an efficient and positive production. Ability to successfully lead and work with the company, will be of utmost importance. The SM overall purpose will be to work directly with the director, cast and production team to move a show from inception to closing. “Aside from the obvious technical aspects of the positions, in many cases you will be involved in that call on human relations skills and diplomacy.” Serve as both an adult responsible for performers safety and provide practical and organizational support to the director, actors, designers, stage crew and technicians throughout the production process. During performances responsible for making sure that the production runs smoothly are following following all health and safety guidelines
Collective Goals for Mainstage Productions
To have fun and develop imagination and creativity
Give children an understanding of musical theatre
Ensure the safety of each performer
Maintain health and safety standards
Run a well-organized mainstage production
Exhibit Characteristics of: Organization, patience, creativity, dependability, kindness, responsibility, and maturity; be a self-starter and a team player with a positive attitude
Duties:
communicating the director's wishes to designers and craftspeople
coordinating the work of the stage crew
calling cues and possibly actors' entrances during performance
overseeing the entire show each time it is performed
mark out the dimensions of the set on the floor of the rehearsal hall
make sure rehearsal props and furnishings are available for the actors
attend all rehearsals
Supervise performer check in and check out
notify the designers and craftspeople of changes made in rehearsal
To have fun and develop imagination and creativity
Maintain health and safety standards
Assume responsibility for safety of performers (be familiar with risk management plans) and report all injury incidences to show director
Follow Ignite objectives, rules, policies, and guidelines
Assist with show activities
Serve as a positive role model for performers
Be punctual and organized
Participate enthusiastically
Run performer check in and check out
Delegate to show student staff
Take diligent blocking notes
Qualifications and Requirements
Must have significant related experience in the field.
Must provide references as it relates to this position
If hired, attend the training session prior to employment. Training session will be held at Ignite Theatre Company’s office. This training session is mandatory. Scheduling will be discussed and contracted based on both parties' availability.
Ignite is looking for:
Someone who knows how to solve problems.
Someone who has a basic understanding of all the technical demands of a production: lights, sound, props, set changes, make-up changes, and special effects.
Someone with a firm, kind, polite, respectful, and calm manner who can encourage and lead a large number of people to achieve a high standard of backstage discipline.
Someone with stamina and a sense of humor.
Someone who can pass a background check
Someone with reliable transportation
Time requirement
Participation in mutually agreeable production meetings with the production team throughout the production process.
Set Designer and Builder - Job Description
Ignite is hiring an experienced set designer and builder for the following productions:
Footloose: YE performing at the Grandel May 11-14, 2023. Load in May 1, Set Build May 1-4 (set must be completed on or before the 4th), Strike May 14th immediately following the show.
Addams Family: YAP performing at the Robert Reim June 17th and 18th. This is a two week camp beginning June 5th and ending June 18th. Set must be completed on or before Monday, June 12th. Strike is June 18th immediately following the show.
Winnie the Pooh Kids performing at the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves UCC, June 23rd and 24th. This is a one week camp for grades K-5. Set build would start June 19, must be completed on or before June 21st, STRIKE June 24 immediately following show.
Grease performing at the Robert Reim August 3-August 6, 2023. Load In July 29th. Set Build July 29-August 1 (set must be completed on or before August 1st). Strike August 6th immediately following the show.
The Lightning Thief at the Robert Reim November 30 -December 3, 2023. Load In November 20th. Set build November 20- 26 (set must be completed on or before November 26). Strike December 3rd immediately following the show.
Purpose of Position: Create and build a set for a mainstage production or camp. Must be willing to work with students and volunteers in an advisory position.
Collective Goals for position:
To have fun and develop imagination and creativity.
Give student staff a general understanding of set design and construction.
Run a well-organized set build and strike.
Work within a budget utilizing as many materials currently on hand.
Exhibit Characteristics of: creativity, responsibility, patience, dependability, and maturity; be a self-starter and a team player with a positive attitude
Duties Include but are not limited to:
Collaborate with the director to design the layout and look of the set using pencil sketches and software.
Work with the costume, prop, make-up, lighting, and camera crews to confirm set details.
Coordinate with Director of Production and Operations regarding budget, ordering of materials, U-Haul rental, and theater specifications.
Negotiate with vendors to secure the best deals.
Drive U-haul to and from theater with needed set materials.
Supervise set construction.
Organize and delegate jobs to volunteers.
Quality assurance on all aspects of the set.
Brief crew and actors on set safety and also explaining how the set operates.
Mentor a student staff member, including them in all the stages of the design and build process.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Excellent creative intelligence and time management skills.
A good eye for detail and the ability to generate ideas.
Deadline-driven and committed.
Ignite prioritizes applicants who can confidently demonstrate an understanding of scenic design, and are able to ensure the timely execution of that scenic design. Applicants with a dependable knowledge of carpentry would be highly prioritized.
Pre-Requisites:
A dependable vehicle or other mode of transport.
Ability to lift up-to-50lbs.
Willingness to coordinate with Ignite vendors/contractors.
Proven understanding of scenic design and an ability to communicate design elements in a visual way.
Proven understanding of carpentry.
Ability to coordinate with Ignite's Staff & identify performance/equipment needs.
Ability to work with children of all ages and their families.
Must pass a background check.
If hired, attend one training session prior to production. Training sessions will be held at a mutually agreeable date. This training session is mandatory.
A "yes-and" attitude!
*Please note, we are a nonprofit theatre and have limited financial resources. We offer a stipend to contractors and listed pay is negotiable. Pay will vary by production.
Apply for this and other positions at:
http://www.ignitewithus.org/call-for-creatives