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

Development Assistant

We have an exciting opportunity for a Development Assistant to join our busy development team and support our philanthropy and corporate partnerships functions. Bell Shakespeare relies on the unwavering support of its community of donors, corporate partners and trusts and foundations – each playing an integral role in the Company’s mission to ensure Shakespeare’s work can be shared by all.

This is an excellent role for a candidate looking to start their career in the performing arts. It requires a driven individual who will ensure all administrative and support tasks are delivered to the highest standards, as well as providing exceptional customer service to members of our community. The Development Assistant will be required to attend Opening Night functions, corporate and donor hospitality events and the annual fundraising Gala, therefore, some evening and weekend work will be required.

Who you are

The role would suit someone who thrives in a demanding, fast-paced environment, with the ability to juggle multiple projects at any one time. You will be an organised, detail-oriented self-starter who is personable, warm, collaborative, creative, enjoys working with spreadsheets and data, and will contribute to a positive team culture.

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 Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
  • Have the opportunity to work within major performing arts venues, including Sydney Opera House, Arts Centre Melbourne and Canberra Theatre Centre


To be considered as a successful applicant:

Candidates for this role do NOT require

  • Experience in the arts industry
  • A tertiary qualification
  • English as a first language
  • An Australian driver’s licence
  • Australian citizenship or permanent residency

Candidates for this role require

Essential Criteria

  • Proficient with Excel and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Enjoys solving problems
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisational skills
  • Strong team player and able to work autonomously
  • Sociable and comfortable building relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Ability to juggle tasks and manage competing priorities
  • Minimum age 18+ years
  • A valid visa with permission to work in Australia for a minimum of 2 years

Desirable Criteria

  • Experience using Tessitura (ticketing and database) or similar CRM database
  • Project/event management skills and experience
  • Experience using the Adobe design suite, particularly InDesign
  • An interest in the performing arts

Application:

If you are interested in this role, please email your application for the attention of Ell Katte, Philanthropy and Major Gifts Manager to hr@bellshakespeare.com.au

Download the position description here.

Applications must include:

  1. Cover letter
  2. CV
  3. Response to the essential criteria as listed in the position description (no more than 1 page)
  4. The contact details of two referees who you feel will be able to attest to your suitability for the role.

The Bell Shakespeare Company Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a disability, mature age workers, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and LGBTQIA+ people. We believe that Shakespeare is for all.

The closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday 10 January 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ell Katte (Philanthropy and Major Gifts Manager) at ellk@bellshakespeare.com.au.

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