Working at Bell Shakespeare

Staff at Bell Shakespeare enjoy a creative and supportive workplace, that encourages collaboration and inspiration.

As part of the Bell Shakespeare team, you will:

  • Receive complimentary tickets to all Bell Shakespeare productions
  • Receive ongoing professional development
  • Be based in a spectacular location at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
  • Have the opportunity to work with major performing arts venues, including Sydney Opera House, Arts Centre Melbourne and Canberra Theatre Centre
  • have access to special opportunities and discounts within the arts, as they arise.

Unless otherwise stated in a job description, all staff are based at our headquarters in Sydney, NSW.

Bell Shakespeare is an equal opportunity employer committed to employing a diverse staff. In line with this commitment, we will prioritise applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, mature age workers, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and LGBTQIA+ people. We believe that Shakespeare is for all.

Current Vacancies

Stage Manager - Coriolanus

  • Sydney based
  • Seasonal

We are seeking an experienced Stage Manager to join the Company in 2025 for our production of Coriolanus. The Stage Manager position is a 4-month contract including touring the show to Melbourne. This position is responsible for managing rehearsals, participating in bump ins and outs, calling the show, and being a supportive member of the 3-person stage management team. The successful candidate will be an approachable, relaxed and friendly team player keen to join a professional team to undertake a challenging but rewarding show.

Contracted Dates will be the following on Coriolanus;

  • Monday 5 May – Wednesday 13 August.

The Stage Manager will provide support to the Production Manager, Director and the Stage Management team to run rehearsals - managing the day-to-day activities, run the stage for technical rehearsals and performances throughout the season, and will provide support and guidance to the cast. The Stage Manager will perform a leadership role and provide guidance to the Assistant Stage Managers, with a focus on imparting knowledge and experience to the team. As a key company representative, the Stage Manager should have a passion for working in a close knit team, and feel comfortable to lead.

About You:

The successful applicant will be an active participant in pre-production planning, rehearsal activity, bump in, season support, bump out. This includes co-ordination and delivery of production related resources, supervision and direction of venue crews, working closely with creative teams, and maintaining accurate records and documentation within the production environment.

As part of the Bell Shakespeare team, you will:

  • Work in an inclusive and supportive environment
  • Receive ongoing professional development and training
  • Receive complimentary tickets to Bell Shakespeare productions
  • Have the opportunity to work in Bell Shakespeare’s state-of-the-art performance venue The Neilson Nutshell, as well as the Art Centre Melbourne’s intimate Fairfax Studio.

To be considered as a successful applicant we require:

Essential criteria

  • Minimum of five years' industry experience in theatrical production
  • Minimum of two years' experience of calling shows
  • Knowledge and experience in theatre production techniques
  • An understanding of the artistic process and the ability to work with creative teams
  • Proven ability to work in a team environment whilst also able to work autonomously
  • Flexible attitude to duties, responsibilities and working hours within the skill set of the position
  • High-level computer skills, particularly using spreadsheets and word processing software
  • Excellent problem solving and communication skills
  • Ability to keep detailed written and electronic records
  • Ability to tour for extended lengths of time
  • Must hold a current driver’s licence
  • Must be an Australian Citizen or hold permanent residency.

Desirable skills

  • Tertiary qualifications in arts, arts management and/or theatre technical and production fields
  • Knowledge of Workplace Health & Safety requirements in a production environment
  • A general understanding of Audio - not limited to set up and pack down, trouble-shooting, programming and maintaining Qlab
  • General understanding of Costume and Props, with the ability to maintain

Application:

If you are interested in the role, please email your CV and a cover letter for the attention of Benjamin Howlett, Head of Production to hr@bellshakespeare.com.au.

Download the position description here.

Bell Shakespeare is an Equal Opportunity employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse applicants, and people with disability are encouraged to apply for this position.

Applications will close at 10am on 3 February 2025.

Deputy Stage Manager - Romeo & Juliet

  • Sydney Based
  • Seasonal

We are seeking an experienced Deputy Stage Manager to join the Company’s National Touring team in 2025 for our production of Romeo & Juliet. The position is a 5-month contract that includes the rehearsal period, and touring. The Deputy Stage Manager is responsible for managing rehearsals, participating in bump ins and outs to set up the audio, calling the show, and being a supportive member of the 3-person stage management team. The successful candidate will be an approachable, relaxed and friendly team player keen to join a professional team to undertake a challenging but rewarding tour.

The contracted dates for this role will be 23 July – 10 December 2025.

The Deputy Stage Manager will provide support to the Production Manager, Director and the Stage Management team to run rehearsals - managing the day-to-day activities, run the stage for technical rehearsals and performances throughout the touring venues, and will provide support and guidance to the cast. The Deputy Stage Manager will perform a leadership role and provide guidance to the Assistant Stage Manager and provide advice for the Touring Company Manager. As a key company representative, the Deputy Stage Manager should have a passion for working with, educating and inspiring crews across the country.

About You:

The successful applicant will be an active participant in pre-production planning, rehearsal activity, bump in, season support, bump out. This includes co-ordination and delivery of production related resources, supervision and direction of venue crews, working closely with creative teams, and maintaining accurate records and documentation within the production environment.

As part of the Bell Shakespeare team, you will:

  • Work in an inclusive and supportive environment
  • Receive ongoing professional development and training
  • Receive complimentary tickets to Bell Shakespeare productions
  • Have the opportunity to work at major performing arts venues including Sydney Opera House, Theatre Royal Hobart, Heath Ledger Theatre Perth, Canberra Theatre Centre and multiple regional venues around Australia.

To be considered as a successful applicant we require:

Essential criteria

  • Minimum of Five years industry experience in theatrical production
  • Minimum of 2 years' experience of calling shows
  • Knowledge and experience in theatre production techniques
  • An understanding of the artistic process and the ability to work with creative teams
  • Proven ability to work in a team environment whilst also able to work autonomously
  • Flexible attitude to duties, responsibilities and working hours within the skill set of the position
  • High-level computer skills, particularly using spreadsheets and word processing software
  • Excellent problem solving and communication skills
  • Ability to keep detailed written and electronic records
  • Ability to tour for extended lengths of time
  • Must hold a current driver’s licence
  • Must be an Australian Citizen or hold permanent residency.

Desirable skills

  • Tertiary qualifications in arts, arts management and/or theatre technical and production fields
  • Knowledge of Workplace Health & Safety requirements in a production environment
  • A general understanding of Audio - not limited to set up and pack down, trouble-shooting, programming and maintaining Qlab
  • General understanding of Costume and Props, with the ability to maintain

Application:

If you are interested in the role, please email your CV and a cover letter for the attention of Benjamin Howlett, Head of Production to hr@bellshakespeare.com.au

Download the position description here.

Bell Shakespeare is an Equal Opportunity employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse applicants, and people with disability are encouraged to apply for this position.

Applications will close at 5pm on 7 February 2025.

Production Team

Bell Shakespeare is Australia’s national theatre company specialising in the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. We are inviting expressions of interest from experienced live performance and theatre professionals who are interested in working on our 2025 productions. Next year, Bell Shakespeare will present three major productions and our in-schools touring program, The Players.

These productions will give you the opportunity to work at a range of performing arts venues including the Sydney Opera House, Arts Centre Melbourne, and Canberra Theatre Centre, along with Bell Shakespeare’s purpose-built premises and theatre The Neilson Nutshell at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct.

As each show is staged at different times of the year, please see below the 2025 season dates and crewing periods along with the available job opportunities.

Season 1: Sydney Opera House, Canberra Theatre Centre, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Wollongong, Arts Centre Melbourne (Monday 13th of January - Sunday 1st of June.)

Season 2: The Neilson Nutshell, Sydney and Arts Centre Melbourne (Monday 5th of May - Sunday 17th of August.)

Season 3 (National Tour): ACT, NSW, WA, VIC, TAS, QLD and Sydney Opera House (Monday 21st of July - Sunday 14th of December.)

Opportunities:

  • Touring Company Manager – (National Tour only)
  • Stage Manager
  • Assistant Stage Manager
  • Production Assistant
  • Head Mechanist
  • Head of Lighting
  • Head of Audio

Bell Shakespeare is an Equal Opportunity employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for these positions.

How to Apply

If you are interested in working with Bell Shakespeare in 2025, please complete the following form:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/4c7b8124922d4686b104b1c665769a15

One application per person, applicants can select multiple roles. Applications close 15 September 2024.

For further information or questions please email Bell Shakespeare’s Head of Production, Benjamin Howlett at hr@bellshakespeare.com.au

Casual Crew

Are you a dedicated individual with a deep passion for the performing arts? Do you thrive in a behind-the-scenes role, helping to create unforgettable theatrical and event experiences? If so, we want to hear from you!

Bell Shakespeare is currently seeking expressions of interest from talented individuals to join our casual crew. We are looking for individuals with various skills; ranging from Lighting, Audio, General Mechanist and General production support. If you have a love for theatre and a desire to contribute to the creative process, this is the opportunity for you.

Bell Shakespeare is Australia's premier theatre company dedicated to producing and promoting the work of William Shakespeare. With a focus on innovative productions, national tours, education programs and engaging with diverse audiences, Bell Shakespeare aims to bring the genius of Shakespeare to life and make it accessible to all.

Now residing in our state-of-the-art headquarters at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Bell Shakespeare offers a wide range of projects and experiences for theatre crew.

Bell Shakespeare is an Equal Opportunity employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse applicants are encouraged to apply for these positions.

How to Apply

If you are interested in crewing at Bell Shakespeare’s headquarters on various shows and events, please complete this form.

One application per person, applicants can select multiple roles. For further information or questions please email hr@bellshakespeare.com.au