PlayMakers Laboratory is hiring a few roles to support our team! See the job descriptions below to learn about becoming a contracted Company Stage Manager or a part time Grant Writer with PML!

PlayMakers Laboratory (PML) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in its 25th year. We provide arts education programs to students aged 7-13 throughout Chicago and then brings students’ stories to life on stage. PML is a community of approximately 60 passionate actor-educators who value the creative voices of young people, teaching both during school hours and in after-school settings. Performers adapt the stories written by our students into sketches, songs, and poems, which are then performed for the school community as well as for the public. PML is seeking Stage Managers of all ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and silhouettes who have great communication, a passion for collaboration, and a desire to create theatre for youth.

At PML, the School Show Stage Manager serves as the hub of communication between the director, cast, production manager, and music director.  As stage manager you will manage attendance, props, sound, music, and transportation for performances at elementary schools throughout Chicago.

PlayMakers Laboratory is especially seeking Stage Managers who reflect the cultural backgrounds of the students we serve, who are primarily Black and Latinx students on the South and West sides of Chicago. We are especially seeking Stage Managers who enjoy music work including designing sound cues and underscoring. Above all, we are looking for artists who are passionate about the work we do and the young people with whom we collaborate.

Ideal candidates should have:
- 2+ years of Stage Management or related experience
- A strong interest in engaging students through the arts
- Strong organizational and leadership skills
- Strong communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to problem solve while at offsite venues
- Ability to adapt a performance to multiple locations
- Willing to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination
- Experience working in schools, with young people
- Interest in working throughout the city of Chicago
- Knowledge of QLab preferred

Time Commitment: School Shows take place throughout the school year, with each process spanning approximately 8 days and culminating in a school-based performance for children, often in a cafeteria, gym, or auditorium. Rehearsals most frequently take place during weekday evenings, with performances during the school day. Each School Show Stage Manager for PML is asked to SM 2-4 shows over the course of the school year.

Category: Non Equity

Pay:  $350/school show (pay reflects 18hrs of rehearsal and a single final in-person performance at an elementary school to conclude a PML residency). PML also does occasional public performances in which Stage Managers are hired on a contract basis. Public show pay is typically $50 Per show & $15 Per hour for rehearsal.

PlayMakers Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. PML provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Cedar Larson, Producer/Company Manager, at clarson@playmakerslab.org. The deadline to apply is: Tuesday, September 20.

PlayMakers Laboratory (PML) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in its 25th year. We provide arts education programs to students aged 7-13 throughout Chicago and then brings students’ stories to life on stage. PML is a community of approximately 60 passionate actor-educators who value the creative voices of young people, teaching both during school hours and in after-school settings. Performers adapt the stories written by our students into sketches, songs, and poems, which are then performed for the school community as well as for the public. PML is seeking to hire a dedicated grant writer to write grant proposals for our organization. The grant writer will write coherent, organized, and compelling proposals. You will apply your knowledge of fundraising methods and plans to reach income goals. You will collaborate with team members in the organization to assist with other fundraising projects and develop relationships with key stakeholders.

To ensure success you need to write well, have proficient knowledge of fundraising methods, and be committed to the mission you are representing. Preferred applicants are deadline-driven team players with outstanding multitasking abilities. As we do not currently operate a brick and mortar office space, this position will work from home and will meet virtually with PML staff.

Grant Writer Responsibilities:
- Developing relationships and collaborating with key stakeholders.
- Displaying adherence to the organization’s mission.
- Maintaining proficient knowledge of the organization’s history and programs.
- Assisting with the execution of the development strategy.
- Identifying grant funding opportunities.
- Writing, submitting, and managing grant proposals.
- Furnishing prospective funders with supporting documents.
- Collaborating with Executive Artistic Director and Company Manager to send funders newsletters, and to promote on-site tours.
- Collaborating with Executive Artistic Director and Board Fundraising Committee to compile an annual report.
Maintaining records in hard copies and computer databases.

Grant Writer Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in creative writing or related field.
- 2+ years of grant writing experience (preferred).
- Proficient with measuring and reaching income goals.
- Proficient with MS Office Word and Excel.
- Excellent knowledge of fundraising information sources.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong people skills.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Understanding of and commitment to the PlayMakers Lab mission.

Time Commitment: 8 hours per week

Category: Non Equity

Pay: $12,000/Annual

PlayMakers Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. PML provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Brandon Cloyd, Executive Artistic Director, at bcloyd@playmakerslab.org. The deadline to apply is: Tuesday, September 20.