Synetic Theater is an excellent place to work, volunteer or intern alongside creative professionals. Below please find our opportunities.

JOBS

Production Manager, Full-time

Synetic Theater seeks an experienced Production Manager to oversee the production department for all Synetic Theater’s production and expanded programs operations. Synetic Theater is an award-winning theater, which produces a 4 to 5 show main stage season in addition to one to two teen productions, occasional touring productions, and special events.

The Production Manager is responsible for supervising all aspects of production including hiring and supervision of all production personnel and some artistic personnel (in conjunction with the Artistic Director), working with directors and designers to ensure top quality productions, creating and maintaining production budgets, production facility management and oversight. 3-5 years experience as a Production Manager or member of a Production Management team required.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Production Manager is responsible for supervising all aspects of production.

Specific Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

1. FINANCES

Develop and supervise production budgets (including some facilities and artistic). The Production Manager will keep the COO apprised of the status of the production budget on a regular basis; overall expenses may not go over budget without approval of the COO. Process, track and reconcile all production department accounts payable and overhire/ contractors payments.

2. SCHEDULE

In collaboration with Artistic Director and COO, develop season schedule for all main stage and expanded programming. Develop and administer production calendars and design deadlines for each production. Determine load-in and tech schedules for the stage. Manage resource calendars for all shared facility spaces. Schedule all design and production meetings. Guide all director/design teams through the design process to guarantee the timely completion of all designs. With the input of appropriate technical staff, analyze all designs submitted to determine feasibility of execution within the allotted time, money and personnel available.

4. MANAGING PRODUCTION PERSONNEL

Hire, contract and supervise, in consultation with the Artistic Director and/or COO when appropriate, all production staff and contractors including, but not limited to: designers, full time technical staff, electricians, carpenters, stage managers, production assistants, wardrobe personnel, running crew, artistic consultants and any additional personnel required for specific production needs.

5. PRODUCTION LIAISON

Facilitate clear communications throughout the production process, and act as a liaison between directors, designers, stage managers, and Synetic production and administrative staff. Included but not limited to:

• Coordinate and conduct all design and production meetings. Attend first read through, designer run, technical rehearsals and previews as necessary.
• Maintain department contact information and show rosters.
• Serve as liaison to labor unions for actors, stage managers and designers.
• Ensure company compliance with all union rules.

6. DEPARTMENT SUPPORT

As necessary, support productions with hands-on projects including (but not limited to) assisting with stage work, purchasing, sourcing and researching materials and techniques. Maintain a safe work environment at all times. Address safety hazards with appropriate personnel promptly.

7. ARTISTIC PLANNING

Attend artistic planning meetings, workshops and readings; read and analyze scripts. Develop working relationships with area designers, production managers, technicians, and actively scout new talent in an effort to bring projects, scripts, playwrights, designers, directors, or other artists to the artistic team’s attention.

8. HUMAN RESOURCES

Production Manager is responsible for HR documentation for all production personnel and some artistic, including but not limited to: submit information for contact prep by the Operations Manager, collect tax forms, process and sign timesheets and handle the initial paperwork for Workers’ Compensation for all production department-related claims.

9. INVENTORY AND PURCHASING

Oversee inventory and maintenance of all shop, lighting, costume and sound equipment. Oversee all routine facility supply stocking as well as general facility hardware such as lamps and stage supplies such as tape. The Production Manager is responsible for general upkeep of the performance and storage facility and needs to notify Operations Manager of any issues with the facilities that need resolving. Decisions of significance will be made in consultation with the COO and the Artistic Director.

11. SAFETY OFFICER

The Production Manager is the Synetic Deputy Safety Officer  (Operations Manager is the Safety Officer) responsible for overseeing the maintenance of a safe work place in compliance with OSHA, ADA and Building Fire Codes. Deputy Safety officer is responsible for addressing any safety hazards or safety infractions and following up on any hazard reports in the absence of the Safety Officer. The Production Manager is also responsible for ensuring that all production contractors are familiar with the safety manual and Emergency Procedures policy.

12. RENTAL STAFFING

Hire and/or supervise the technical/production staff when the Synetic facility is rented to outside organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidate will have a minimum of three years experience as a Production Manager or as a member of a Production Management team. This includes: broad understanding in all aspects of technical theatre. Negotiating and acting as mediator in artistic and technical discussions. Experience creating, monitoring and adhering to budgets. Experience overseeing production calendars and schedules. Ability to read a script and assess requirements in regards to staffing, budgeting and design. Able to lift 40lb, climb ladders, and perform manual labor on an occasional, as-needed basis. Driver’s license. In addition the candidate will possess excellent computer skills and detailed knowledge of spreadsheets; knowledge of common industry-specific software such as CAD programs, Lightwright, Qlab or Isadora, and experience reading ground plans, light plots and other theatrical specifications a plus. Excellent communication skills, the ability to manage shifting and competing priorities, exercise good judgment and discretion, and maintain a positive attitude in stressful environment.

2013/2014 Main Stage SEASON AUDITIONS

When:     Sunday, May 19, 2013: 5-10pm and Monday, May 20, 2013: 5-10pm
Where:    Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell Street, Arlington, VA 22202
To sign up: email your name (in the subject line), headshot, resume and three time slot requests to auditions@synetictheater.org

Synetic Theater is announcing its general auditions for 2013/14 season. Auditions will run in half-hour blocks. Performers will be asked to accompany the choreographer in movement exercises and improvisations with their group. Following the movement section, performers will be selected from the group to perform a one-minute monologue of their choice, which can include movement or not, as the performer prefers.

It should be noted that Synetic is a physical theater company and therefore all auditionees can expect to be physically challenged. Please dress appropriately for movement. The floor that will be used for the company’s production of “Three Musketeers” may be padded carpeting. To avoid rug-burn, it is recommended that auditionees wear full-leg coverage. Bare feet are allowed on the stage but you will be asked not to interact with the set, especially in bare feet — shoes you can move comfortably in are recommended.

As Synetic’s 2013/14 season will contain shows that have no dialogue, it is acceptable for members of Actor’s Equity to audition. While Synetic is a non-union company, it has been confirmed that union rules do not extend to wordless shows, and thus Synetic happily invites Equity members to take part in its auditions and callback training.

IMPORTANT: Performers who are called back will be asked to attend the Callback Training Session from June 24, 2013 to June 30, 2013. In these sessions, Synetic techniques will be introduced and the movement and creative qualities of the performers will be appraised. From this session the company will determine who from the callbacks will be invited to the intensive company training period in July/August. While conflicts do not mean denial, it is recommended that performers attend as many sessions as possible in order to absorb the technique and to have the best chance at being consistently seen — the people most likely to be cast are the ones that take to the technique and have a consistent presence in training.

USHER
Ushers volunteer at performances to assist patrons with seating, concessions and other duties as assigned by the House Manager.  Volunteer ushers are permitted a seat to see the performance provided that the show is not sold out.  If you are interested in ushering with Synetic Theater, please contact the House Manager at ushers@synetictheater.org for training, availability and scheduling.

VOLUNTEER
Synetic Theater often needs volunteers to help us with a wide variety of tasks around the administrative office and around town. Often times, we request help with:
-Data entry and filing
-Distributing brochures, posters and postcards to local coffee shops and libraries
-Working Synetic tables or booths at events
If you are interested in helping out, we’d love to have you on board! We often offer complimentary tickets to our performances as compensation for help.
Please send an e-mail to synetic@synetictheater.org and let us know your availability and any special skills or interests.

INTERN
DEVELOPMENT INTERN
The Development Intern is responsible for executing development activities to cultivate individual, corporate, government and institutional donors, resulting in increased contributed income to Synetic Theater to support its mission and strategic plan.
Qualifications:
-Excellent writing skills (please submit writing sample with letter of interest)
-Superb attention to detail
-Team player, adaptability, and willingness exceed expectations
-Knowledge of D.C. philanthropic community, preferred
Hours and Compensation:
-Minimum 2 days per week in Crystal City, VA
-Small stipend to cover transportation cost
-Available as soon as possible

To apply, email cover letter, resume, and writing sample to synetic@synetictheater.org with “Development Intern – Your Name” in Subject line. For more information, email or call: (703) 824-8060

MARKETING INTERN
The Marketing Intern will assist the Marketing Manager with tasks such as: press list management and distribution of media materials, creation of marketing and communications collateral for print and web, assistant in the planning and execution of special events, and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
-Team player, ability to exceed expectations, and a willingness to do so.
-An interest in the arts, specifically theater.
-Some experience in graphic design, preferred.
Hours and Compensation:
-Minimum 2 days per week in Crystal City, VA
-Small stipend to cover transportation cost
-Available as soon as possible

How to Apply: Email cover letter and resume to synetic@synetictheater.org, with “Marketing Intern – Your Name” in the subject line. For more information, email or call: (703) 824-8060