Join our Team

As the professional summer theatre at the University of Virginia, Virginia Theatre Festival is committed to fostering a welcoming environment both onstage and off.

See below for our current full-time and seasonal job openings!

Seasonal Positions

VTF seeks talented theatre artists, technicians, and administrators from all backgrounds to support our 52nd annual summer season in 2026. We are proud to offer employment opportunities for current college students, recent college graduates, and theatre professionals at all levels of experience.

Browse our current seasonal job openings below, and click on each position’s title below to view the job description, contract dates, and pay rate.

To Apply: Submit an Application Form HERE. Please also email your Resume (required), Cover Letter (required), Portfolio (recommended for Production positions), and Writing Sample (recommended for Admin positions) to vtfemployment@virginia.edu.

Note: a separate form submission is required for each position you wish apply to. If you are applying to multiple positions, please send only one resume and one cover letter listing all the positions you are interested in.

Part of VTF’s 2026 Arts Admin Cohort Team

About This Position
Virginia Theatre Festival is seeking two House Management Leads for our Summer 2026 season to provide house management, volunteer usher training, ticket scanning, and audiences services support for our season’s productions. These positions will also be part of VTF’s Arts Admin Cohort and receive cross training in company management, concessions sales, and marketing roles in order support a wide range of administrative needs during the summer season. More info about the Cohort can be found below. This position reports to the Operations Director.

Qualified candidates will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to organize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment. Applicants must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, flexible, and able to work in a team situation. Every member of our company should always have a willingness to learn, as well as a commitment to a safe and equitable work environment.

About The Arts Admin Cohort

VTF's annual summer Arts Admin Cohort program offers an experiential and intensive training opportunity aimed at supporting the development and training of future theatre and arts leaders. Over the course of 10 weeks, the Cohort will gain unique experience and skill development in all administrative aspects involved in producing a professional summer theatre season. The team consists of four seasonal staff members, and each member serves as a lead in their assigned area while also supporting a wide range of arts admin needs during the summer season. Cohort members will receive cross training across administrative areas including marketing, fundraising, front of house, concessions, and company management. Cohort members will also participate in professional development opportunities, such as lunch-and-learns with University and industry professionals as well as mentorship and job shadowing opportunities within the VTF Company. Questions about the program? Reach out to VTF Managing Director Jenny Mays at jmays@virginia.edu.

Pay Rate - $15.00/hour
Contract Dates - May 20-July 28, 2026
Work Authorization Requirement - US work authorization is required.
Work Schedule - Weekly schedules will vary between ~30-40+ hours/week, in response to workload and production needs. Employees are eligible for overtime pay with managerial approval for any hours worked over 40 per week. Day, weekend, and evening hours are required.
Housing - We will provide housing to seasonal employees who are based out-of-town (with a home address 50 miles or greater from our theatre) or are a current UVA student. Housing will be located within walking distance of our theatres. Housing is not pet-friendly. 

Job Duties

  • Prepare theater and lobby space for performance by checking the theater space, restrooms, concessions areas, and lobby floors to ensure cleanliness.
  • Set up ticket scanners prior to event.
  • Restock playbill inventory.
  • Receive seat count from Box Office Manager.
  • Prepare volunteer ushers and concessions workers for the show including training new ushers, concessions workers, and assigning positions.
  • Open house at the appropriate time in concert with the Stage Manager.
  • Communicate with Stage Manager to start the show and end intermission.
  • Stand post in the lobby during the performance to monitor traffic from the street and oversee facility security.
  • Respond to emergencies by following the emergency plan.
  • Oversee the reset of the space after the performance, including collecting refuse from the theaters.
  • Complete a performance report form and submit it to the Operations Director after the performance including attendance report.
  • As part of the Arts Admin Cohort, this position will also support the company management team with executing company-wide events; staging and preparing housing; and supporting move-in, first-day, move-out needs throughout the summer.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Experience & Skills

  • Background in customer service, event staff, and/or crowd management.
  • Must be a positive and energetic person who loves theater and would like to be a part of a tight knit team.
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Experience & Skills

  • Valid driver’s license with clean driving record

 

Apply Here

About This Position
Virginia Theatre Festival is seeking an Assistant Director/Assistant Choreographer for our Summer 2026 season to support the Director of our musical production. This position reports to the Artistic Director and Director.

Qualified candidates will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to organize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment. Applicants must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, flexible, and able to work in a team situation. Every member of our company should always be willing to learn, and commit to fostering a safe and equitable work environment. Experience in theatre is not required.

Pay Rate - $16.25/hour
Contract Dates – June 9-July 10, 2026
Work Authorization Requirement - US work authorization is required.
Work Schedule - Weekly schedules will vary between ~30-40+ hours/week, in response to workload and production needs. Employees are eligible for overtime pay with managerial approval for any hours worked over 40 per week. Day, weekend, and evening hours are required.
Housing - We will provide housing to seasonal employees who are based out-of-town (with a home address 50 miles or greater from our theatre) or are a current UVA student. Housing will be located within walking distance of our theatres. Housing is not pet-friendly.

Job Duties

  • Assist the Director as needed.
  • Attend and take notes at all rehearsals.
  • Communicate regularly with the Director regarding the progress of the production
  • Collaborate with the creative team
  • Attend all production and design meetings
  • Run special rehearsals if requested
  • Attend and assist with auditions and call-backs (dependent upon schedule)
  • Perform research on the production as requested

Required Experience & Skills

  • Extreme attention to detail
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely
  • Ability to work both independently and together with co-workers
  • Capability to think critically and to make decisions
  • Ability to remain calm under stressful situations
  • Comfortable using technology


Apply Here

Tickets to the Virginia Theatre Festival are sold through the UVA Arts Box Office, the consolidated and centralized box office supporting the arts departments and programs at the University of Virginia. If you are interested in working with the box office this summer, please view the job description here to learn more.

Please note, this position is being hired by the UVA Arts Box Office. To apply, please email cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least 3 references to Darryl
Smith, xhe5xj@virginia.edu with the subject line: "Application: Arts Box Office Ticket Sales Staff" as opposed to filling out the VTF form.

About This Position
Virginia Theatre Festival is seeking two Follow Spot Operators for our Summer 2026 season to support the installation, run, and strike of our season’s productions. VTF will produce a three-show summer season. These positions report to the Lighting Supervisor.

Qualified candidates will possess excellent interpersonal, organizational, collaborative, and communication skills and the ability to organize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment. Applicants must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, flexible, and able to work in a team situation. Every member of our company should always have a willingness to learn, as well as a commitment to a safe and equitable work environment.

Pay Rate - $15.00/hour
Contract Dates - June 29-July 21, 2026
Work Authorization Requirement - US work authorization is required.
Work Schedule - Weekly schedules will vary between ~30-40+ hours/week, in response to workload and production needs. Employees are eligible for overtime pay with managerial approval for any hours worked over 40 per week. Day, weekend, and evening hours are required.
Housing - We will provide housing to seasonal employees who are based out-of-town (with a home address 50 miles or greater from our theatre) or are a current UVA student. Housing will be located within walking distance of our theatres. Housing is not pet-friendly.

Job Duties

  • Assist the Lighting Supervisor in the execution of all lighting designs
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized electrics working environment
  • Assist with hang, circuiting, focus, maintenance, and strike of fixtures for all productions
  • Assist with the installation of practicals, atmospheric, and special effects if required
  • Help to maintain lighting inventory, including but not limited to intelligent LED fixtures and moving lights
  • Program and operate EOS family lighting consoles for productions
  • Work on special projects as assigned

Required Experience & Skills

  • Knowledge of conventional dimming and lighting fixtures maintenance and operation
  • Ability to interpret lighting paperwork
  • Knowledge of electricity, wiring, and soldering
  • Ability to work on ladders, in lifts, at heights of up to 30+ ft. and in a fly loft grid
  • Ability to safely lift 50 lbs.
  • Ability to climb and carry ladders, kneel, crouch, and work with hands in any direction
  • Basic math skills

Preferred Experience & Skills

  • Knowledge of EOS family lighting consoles
  • Knowledge of intelligent LED fixtures, moving fixtures, and scrollers


Apply Here

About This Position
Virginia Theatre Festival is seeking a Props Carpenter for our Summer 2026 season to support the build, run, and strike of our season’s productions. VTF will produce a three-show summer season. This position reports to the Technical Director and Props Shop Manager.

Qualified candidates will possess excellent interpersonal, organizational, collaborative, and communication skills and the ability to organize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment. Applicants must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, flexible, and able to work in a team situation. Every member of our company should always have a willingness to learn, as well as a commitment to a safe and equitable work environment.

Pay Rate - $15.00/hour
Contract Dates – May 26-June 19, 2026
Work Authorization Requirement - US work authorization is required.
Work Schedule - Weekly schedules will vary between ~30-40+ hours/week, in response to workload and production needs. Employees are eligible for overtime pay with managerial approval for any hours worked over 40 per week. Day, weekend, and evening hours are required.
Housing - We will provide housing to seasonal employees who are based out-of-town (with a home address 50 miles or greater from our theatre) or are a current UVA student. Housing will be located within walking distance of our theatres. Housing is not pet-friendly.

Job Duties

  • Perform skilled carpentry work using a variety of materials related to the construction of theatrical props
  • Collaborate with the Props Manager on the planning, build, modifications and repairs for all hand props and prop furniture for our productions with an emphasis on quality and safety
  • Assist the Props Manager in maintaining and coordinating prop shop and storage
  • Ability to lift 50lbs

Required Experience & Skills

  • Carpentry experience
  • Metalworking experience
  • Experience working with hand and power tools

Preferred Experience & Skills

  • Furniture repair
  • Prop construction
  • Painting experience


Apply Here

About This Position
Virginia Theatre Festival is seeking a Props Carpenter for our Summer 2026 season to support the build, run, and strike of our season’s productions. VTF will produce a three-show summer season. This position reports to the Technical Director and Props Shop Manager.

Qualified candidates will possess excellent interpersonal, organizational, collaborative, and communication skills and the ability to organize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment. Applicants must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, flexible, and able to work in a team situation. Every member of our company should always have a willingness to learn, as well as a commitment to a safe and equitable work environment.

Pay Rate - $15.00/hour
Contract Dates – May 26-June 19, 2026
Work Authorization Requirement - US work authorization is required.
Work Schedule - Weekly schedules will vary between ~30-40+ hours/week, in response to workload and production needs. Employees are eligible for overtime pay with managerial approval for any hours worked over 40 per week. Day, weekend, and evening hours are required.
Housing - We will provide housing to seasonal employees who are based out-of-town (with a home address 50 miles or greater from our theatre) or are a current UVA student. Housing will be located within walking distance of our theatres. Housing is not pet-friendly.

Job Duties

  • Perform skilled carpentry work using a variety of materials related to the construction of theatrical props
  • Collaborate with the Props Manager on the planning, build, modifications and repairs for all hand props and prop furniture for our productions with an emphasis on quality and safety
  • Assist the Props Manager in maintaining and coordinating prop shop and storage
  • Ability to lift 50lbs

Required Experience & Skills

  • Carpentry experience
  • Metalworking experience
  • Experience working with hand and power tools

Preferred Experience & Skills

  • Furniture repair
  • Prop construction
  • Painting experience


Apply Here

About This Position
Virginia Theatre Festival is seeking a Sound Engineer for our Summer 2026 season to support the installation, run, and strike of our season’s productions. VTF will produce a three-show summer season. This position reports to the Audio-Visual Specialist and A1.

Qualified candidates will possess excellent interpersonal, organizational, collaborative, and communication skills and the ability to organize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment. Applicants must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, flexible, and able to work in a team situation. Every member of our company should always have a willingness to learn, as well as a commitment to a safe and equitable work environment.

Pay Rate - $19.00/hour
Contract Dates – June 1-July 3, 2026
Work Authorization Requirement - US work authorization is required.
Work Schedule - Weekly schedules will vary between ~30-40+ hours/week, in response to workload and production needs. Employees are eligible for overtime pay with managerial approval for any hours worked over 40 per week. Day, weekend, and evening hours are required.
Housing - We will provide housing to seasonal employees who are based out-of-town (with a home address 50 miles or greater from our theatre) or are a current UVA student. Housing will be located within walking distance of our theatres. Housing is not pet-friendly. 

Job Duties

  • Overseeing the setup and maintenance of sound system components (speakers, microphones, digital mixing boards, sound playback computers, etc.).
  • Overseeing the setup and maintenance of intercoms, both wired and wireless.
  • Operating sound effects playback and/or operating the mixing board during techs and performances (depending on individual show requirements)
  • Troubleshooting broken equipment and basic repairs of cables and connectors.
  • Coordinating with other departments to facilitate the realization of the overall design of the show.
  • Supervising other members of the sound team when the Audio-Visual Manager is unavailable.

Required Experience & Skills

  • Experience working on a digital mixing board
  • Experience mixing music in a live context
  • Ability to safely climb ladders, work on catwalks, and lift 50lbs.
  • Understanding of basic rigging safety regarding hanging overhead speakers

Preferred Experience & Skills

  • Experience designing or troubleshooting audio systems that involve mixing consoles, processors, power amplifiers, and speakers
  • Experience working with QLab and Dante digital audio systems


Apply Here

About This Position
Virginia Theatre Festival is seeking three Assistant Stage Managers for our Summer 2026 season to support the rehearsal process and run of our season’s productions. These positions report to the Production Stage Manager and Director of Production.

Qualified candidates will possess excellent interpersonal, organizational, collaborative, and communication skills and the ability to organize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment. Applicants must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, flexible, and able to work in a team situation. Every member of our company should always have a willingness to learn, as well as a commitment to a safe and equitable work environment.

Pay Rate - $15.00/hour
Contract Dates - May 26-June 28, 2026 (Show One - Play)
Work Authorization Requirement - US work authorization is required.
Work Schedule - Weekly schedules will vary between ~30-40+ hours/week, in response to workload and production needs. Employees are eligible for overtime pay with managerial approval for any hours worked over 40 per week. Day, weekend, and evening hours are required.
Housing - We will provide housing to seasonal employees who are based out-of-town (with a home address 50 miles or greater from our theatre) or are a current UVA student. Housing will be located within walking distance of our theatres. Housing is not pet-friendly.

Job Duties

  • Assist the Production Stage Manager through the rehearsal process and run of shows for one of our season’s productions
  • Assist the Production Stage Manager in the development of show related paperwork and its implementation
  • Set up and clean the rehearsal spaces at the start and end of all rehearsals
  • Take line notes and assist in developing blocking notes during the rehearsal process, deliver lines when necessary once performers are off book
  • Act as the liaison between the backstage area and the Production Stage Manager during the technical process and the show’s run
  • Help supervise the backstage area in tandem with the ATD Run Crew Chief and coordinate the proper placement of scenic and stage elements and props
  • Occasionally fill in when necessary for the Production Stage Manager

Required Experience & Skills

  • Previous experience in assistant stage management at the university or professional level
  • Ability to work under pressure while attending to the needs of multiple constituents
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Safety awareness and prioritization
  • Keen eye and ear for detail
  • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve conflicts
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related equivalents


Apply Here

Auditions

Local auditions for the 2026 season took place in February, and our taped submissions deadline has passed.

We hope to have casting decisions completed by April 15, 2026. 

Compensation:

Non-Union – $406.25-$650.00/week depending on role (based upon a 25-hour or 40-hour work week at $16.25/hour)
AEA – $769.00/week (Single Engagement Agreement through URTA)
Brooklyn Boys roles in NEWSIES – $250 honorarium

Housing is available to seasonal employees who are based out-of-town (with a home address 50 miles or greater from our theatre) or are a current UVA student.

Virginia Theatre Festival is committed to fostering a welcoming environment both onstage and off. We seek talented theatre artists, technicians, and administrators from all backgrounds to support our 52nd annual summer season in 2026.

About the Virginia Theatre Festival

Now in its 52nd year, the Virginia Theatre Festival, a program of the University of Virginia, is the Commonwealth’s longest-running professional summer theatre company. Founded in 1974, VTF treats local and regional audiences to some of the world’s most renowned plays and musicals while also highlighting the voices of new playwrights and composers. Featuring professional artists from around the country, VTF’s work celebrates the unique power of live theater to evoke history and recollection, catalyze conversation and change, and inspire joy and laughter.

Virginia Theatre Festival is committed to fostering a welcoming environment both onstage and off. We seek talented theatre artists, technicians, and administrators from all backgrounds to support our 52nd annual summer season in 2026. We are proud to offer employment opportunities for current college students, recent college graduates, and theatre professionals at all levels of experience.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.