Each summer Plays-in-the-Park employs a staff of artisans and technicians to work the various theatrical disciplines of our season.
Employment begins the end of May and could last until early September, depending upon availability and the season's needs, but will definitely last until the first week of our third show which is mid-August.
The workday for PROPS/COSTUMES/SCENIC ARTISTS is generally 9 to 5 with occasional weekend hours needed during tech.
ELECTRICS and SOUND generally work evening shifts and weekends with hours changing depending upon whether it is a tech period or a performance period.
CARPENTERS work generally 7:30 am until 3:30 pm.
Interviews are required and salary is discussed at that point. Plays-in-the-Park is part of the Middlesex County Department of Parks and Recreation, and thus salaries are commensurate with summer help for the Parks Department and are governed by its rules and regulations.
Our staff is most often comprised of college students (18 years of age is the minimum for ELECTRICS/SOUND/CARPENTRY), freelance artists, teachers and retired professionals.
Send inquires to pipoffice@playsinthepark.com
Below is a general breakdown of the positions and their responsibilities:
PROPERTIES
Work with Head Propster Gabby Komleski in creating, building designing, buying and securing all the props for the current season. Help train the volunteer prop run crew in the use of the props. Work with the producer and director on the creation of the props. Should be well versed in arts and crafts and scenic painting; carpentry skills a plus.
COSTUME SHOP
Work includes stitching, cutting, draping, building, refurbishing, buying, and renting all the costumes for the season. Typically a third of each show's needs are rented, one third is bought or refurbished from stock and one third is created and build from scratch. Work hand in hand with professional costume designers.Help train the volunteer dressers. A perfect opportunity for someone who is handy with a needle and would like some extra money.
ELECTRICS AND SOUND
Under Master Electrician Roman Klima and Sound Designer Chris Woolley, the combined department covers testing, repairing, hanging, focusing, gelling, and cabling the large lighting inventory. The electrics/sound department often works the shows as well in positions such as board ops, deck electricians, special effects operators, mixing engineers and, on occasion, spot operators. There is often climbing involved, using scaffolds, genie lifts and lighting towers.
SCENIC ARTISTS
The scenic artists, under the supervision of Mike D'Arcy, a professional scenic designer, are responsible for everything that is painted - from gridding and painting drops and scrims, to all the scenic elements no matter how large or how small, to specialty items such as portraits and signage.
CARPENTERS
The carps work with T.D. David Griffin in a well-equipped scene shop in the theater building. In addition to all carpentry work, there is extensive rigging involved as well.
BOX OFFICE/TICKETS
On shows nights, we need staff to work the box office and rip tickets/stamp hands when we seat the people from 5 pm until 9 pm. This is part time work during show nights, approximately 20 hours a week.
Please email pipoffice@playsinthepark.com with your interests and resume, and to schedule an interview.
KIDS-IN-THE-PARK INSTRUCTORS -
The Kids-in-the-Park Summer Theater Workshop is in need of a Musical Director, Choreographer and Arts & Crafts Instructor.
All positions require previous experience working with children. Musical Director position requires good piano skills, ability to sight read, teach music and accompany children in rehearsals and Final Performance. Choreographer must have experience teaching dance; looking for an individual who is organized, patient and compassionate with young children. Arts & Crafts Instructor must be able to design and assist children in construction of elementary props, costumes and painting scenery. Employment is for a six-week period, from July 6 – August 17, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Those interested may contact Jackie Neill at the Parks Department at jackie.neill@co.middlesex.nj.us or call 732-745-3936. You may e-mail or fax a resume. Fax # is 732-745-7351.Great opportunity for teachers looking for summer employment in the Arts!
