Opportunities at Porchlight Music Theatre

Porchlight is Chicago’s center for music theatre thanks to the work of our dedicated and talented staff and artists. If you have skills and experience that would be an asset to our team, we’d love to meet you!

Porchlight Music Theatre is a professional, nonprofit Chicago theatre with an annual budget of about $2.5million. We are part of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers, operating on a CAT II contract, as well as the Chicago Federation of Musicians.

Celebrating the past, present and future of this unique American art form for more than 25 years, Porchlight is in residence at the historic, intimate Ruth Page Center for the Arts in Chicago’s Gold Coast, and completed the best-attended and highest-grossing season in its history just prior to the pandemic.

Porchlight delights more than 30,000 patrons each season with a three- to four-show Mainstage season of inventively reimagined classics, recent Broadway hits and new musical finds; a Porchlight Revisits series of rarely seen musicals in limited run with enhanced dramaturgy; a New Faces Sing Broadway cabaret series; and a free Broadway in your Backyard neighborhood-park concert series, in addition to educational programs for students of all ages through classes and camps, Chicago Public Schools and community partnerships. 

It’s an exciting time to be a part of Porchlight Music Theatre!

Thank you for your interest in Porchlight Music Theatre.

2025/2026 Season Auditions have now concluded.

Future auditions will be announced in this space.

Job Postings

 

PRODUCTION

Production Supervisor (The Irish… and How They Got That Way)

 

DUTIES

  • Provide production supervision/management services for the production of THE IRISH… AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY to be produced at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts in Chicago.
  • Participate in hiring and contracting, and manage all production staff and contractors including, but not limited to: designers, technical staff, electricians, carpenters, production assistants, wardrobe personnel, run crew, artistic consultants and any additional personnel required for specific production needs.
  • Participate in developing and managing production budgets, track expenses throughout the production, and reconcile the production with the Producer.
  • Participate in HR documentation for all production personnel, including but not limited to contract preparation, timesheet processing and any production-related Workers’ Compensation claims with Company Manager.
  • Participate in the submitting of weekly production personnel payroll and timesheets to Company Manager.
  • Participate in creating/maintaining department contact information and production rosters with the Company Manager.
  • Work with the Artistic Director on all budgeting that occurs for the production.
  • Develop and administer build, load-in, tech and strike schedules for the stage.
  • Organize and conduct all full staff production meetings with the director, Porchlight staff, stage manager and design team, and as many “break out” meetings with the team members as required to ensure clear communication.
  • Manage director/design teams through the design process to guarantee the timely completion of all designs and the feasibility of execution within the allotted budget of time, money and personnel available.
  • Manage the logistics of planning, organization and scheduling for load in, tech, run and load out of production.
  • Manage the construction and installation of all physical elements/lighting design of production.
  • Coordinate with stage manager and execute transportation (via rented van and/or Porchlight staff vehicles) from rehearsal space to theater of any items that require assistance.
  • Oversee insurance compliance with all union and safety rules.
  • Participate in and assure the reconciliation of all budgets and expenditures with designers/department heads and Porchlight finance department in a timely fashion, no later than two weeks after closing.
  • Attend pre-first rehearsal production meetings, first AEA rehearsal/designer presentation and designer run(s). As needed, attend technical rehearsals and post-performance production meetings.
  • Be present during tech rehearsals, providing technical trouble-shooting and support as needed. Be reasonably available as needed during performance run, providing technical trouble-shooting and support as needed.
  • As necessary, support Technical Staff with on-site hands-on assistance and production management.LOCATION INFORMATIONScene Shop: 2321 N. Keystone, Chicago
    Rehearsal Studios/Production Office: 4200 W. Diversey, Chicago
    The Ruth Page Center for the Arts (Theater), 1016 N Dearborn St, ChicagoWORK STARTProduction meetings begin late September 2025
    Load-in starts Monday, January 12, 2026
    Tech Starts Tuesday, January 27, 2026
    Previews Start Saturday, January 31, 2026
    Press, Friday, February 6, 2026
    Anticipated Close, Sunday, March 15, 2026
    Strike, March 15, 16, 17
    COMPENSATION    $30.00 per hour on a 1099 for an anticipated 280 hours

    TO APPLY

    Please email a resume (PDF preferred) and cover letter to info@porchlightmusictheatre.org. Subject: “Production Supervisor.”

    Please no phone calls. We will respond whether or not you are called in for an interview.

    Applications will be accepted through September 15, 2025

Scenic Supervisor (The Irish… and How They Got That Way)

 

DUTIES

  • Work with the Production Management team to ensure that the team’s Scenic vision is accomplished, completed on time, within budget.
  • Attend production meetings as requested by Production Management.
  • Communicate with Production Management, providing updates throughout the process.
  • Respond in a timely manner to emails and phone calls to ensure that all ideas, and thoughts are being communicated.
  • Draft and provide technical drawings prior to beginning build.
  • Collaborate with fellow production departments ensuring interdepartmental needs and schedules are addressed.
  • Coordinate and execute acquiring all scenic materials by pulling from stock, purchasing, building and or renting from approved vendors.
  • Hire, train and manage additional labor for assistance with the build, installation, maintenance and strike of the scenery.
  • Participate in and supervise build, load-in, installation, strike, and transportation of all scenic elements.
  • Ensure the safety of build, installation, and use of all scenic elements.
  • Participate in and be responsible for the construction of all scenic elements, ensuring delivery by the production deadlines unless otherwise approved by the Production Supervisor.
  • Create and maintain documentation to properly track the scenic design, build process and budget.
  • Maintain scenery throughout the run and address scenic related notes.
  • Responsible for managing and reconciling the scenic budget, including expenses incurred by the Scenic Designer, according to the processes provided by Production Management.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and organization of PMT’s scenic stock and materials in storage throughout the build.
  • Maintain PMT’s tool and equipment inventory in collaboration with Production Management throughout the build.

LOCATION INFORMATION

Scene Shop: 2321 N. Keystone, Chicago
Rehearsal Studios/Production Office: 4200 W. Diversey, Chicago
The Ruth Page Center for the Arts (Theater), 1016 N Dearborn St, Chicago

WORK START

Production meetings begin late September 2025
Build starts Monday, December 29, 2025 (3 weeks)
Tech Starts Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Previews Start Saturday, January 31, 2026
Press, Friday, February 6, 2026
Anticipated Close, Sunday, March 15, 2026
Strike, March 15, 16, 17

COMPENSATION

$27.50 per hour on a 1099 for an anticipated 290 hours

TO APPLY

Please email a resume (PDF preferred) and cover letter to info@porchlightmusictheatre.org. Subject: “Scenic Supervisor.”

Please no phone calls. We will respond whether or not you are called in for an interview.

Applications will be accepted through September 15, 2025

 

A/V Supervisor (The Irish… and How They Got That Way)

 

DUTIES

  • Work with the Production Management team to ensure that the team’s audio and media/video visions are accomplished and completed on time and within budget.
  • Attend production meetings as requested by Production Management.
  • Communicate with Production Management, providing updates throughout the process.
  • Respond in a timely manner to emails and phone calls to ensure that all ideas, and thoughts are being communicated.
  • Collaborate with fellow production departments ensuring interdepartmental needs and schedules are addressed.
  • Coordinate and execute acquiring all audio and media/video materials by pulling from stock, purchasing, and or renting from approved vendors.
  • Create and maintain documentation to properly track the audio and video designs, processes, and budgets.
  • Hire, train and manage additional labor in assisting with the installation, maintenance and strike of audio and media/video equipment.
  • Supervise build, load-in, installation, strike, and transportation of audio and video elements.
  • Install a sound delivery system that will properly execute the needs of the production, inclusive of clear-com system for backstage and paging system to the house and dressing rooms for communication.
  • Install video equipment for both design and logistical needs – including SM and Conductor monitors.
  • Ensure the safety of installation and use of all audio and video elements.
  • Collaborate with Sound Designer to ensure proper installation, optimization, tuning, and balancing of the sound system.
  • Collaborate with Media/Video Designer to ensure proper installation, optimization, focusing and alignment of the media/video system.
  • Ensure that all performers, including understudies and musicians, have proper microphones that are properly functioning, appropriate to the performer, safe and clean to use.
  • Attend designer run through rehearsals unless otherwise approved by the Director of Production.
  • Collaborate with the Audio Engineer to ensure the sound design is properly implemented and maintained.
  • Be responsible for managing and reconciling the audio and media/video budgets, including expenses incurred by the designers, according to the processes provided by Production Management.
  • Maintain PMT’s equipment inventory in collaboration with production management during production.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and organization of PMT’s audio and media/video stock and materials in storage during production.
  • LOCATION INFORMATION
    Scene Shop: 2321 N. Keystone, Chicago
    Rehearsal Studios/Production Office: 4200 W. Diversey, Chicago
    The Ruth Page Center for the Arts (Theater), 1016 N Dearborn St, Chicago
  • WORK START
    Production meetings begin late September 2025
    Load-in starts Monday, January 12, 2026
    Tech Starts Tuesday, January 27, 2026
    Previews Start Saturday, January 31, 2026
    Press, Friday, February 6, 2026
    Anticipated Close, Sunday, March 15, 2026
    Strike, March 15, 16, 17
  • COMPENSATION
    $27.00 per hour on a 1099 for an anticipated 122 hours

  • TO APPLY
    Please email a resume (PDF preferred) and cover letter to info@porchlightmusictheatre.org. Subject: “A/V Supervisor.”

    Please no phone calls. We will respond whether or not you are called in for an interview.

    Applications will be accepted through September 15, 2025

 

Audio Engineer (A1) (The Irish… and How They Got That Way)

 

DUTIES

  • Work with Production Management, the Audio/Media Supervisor, and the Audio Assistant (A2) to ensure that the Sound Designer’s vision is accomplished and completed on time and within budget.
  • Attend production meetings starting during load-in, to the end of Tech Week, as requested by the Audio/Media Supervisor and Production Management.
  • Respond in a timely manner to emails and phone calls to ensure that all ideas, and thoughts are being communicated.
  • Communicate thoughts and concerns, as well as budget information, to Production Management and Audio/Media Supervisor.
  • Collaborate with fellow production departments ensuring interdepartmental needs and schedules are addressed.
  • Assist with the installation of a sound delivery system that will properly execute the needs of the production, inclusive of clear-com system for backstage and paging system to the house and dressing rooms for communication.
  • Collaborate with the Audio/Media Supervisor and Sound Designer to ensure proper installation, optimization, tuning, and balancing of the sound system.
  • Ensure that all performers, including understudies and musicians, have proper microphones that are properly functioning, appropriate to the performer, safe and clean to use.
  • Assist in maintaining documentation to properly track the sound design, system layout, and budget, as requested by the Audio/Media Supervisor.
  • Attend rehearsals and Designer Run as requested by the Production Supervisor and Audio/Media Supervisor including, but not limited to, brush up rehearsals and put-in rehearsals.
  • Assist the Stage Management Team to address any sound related issues throughout the PRODUCTION.
  • Assist the Audio Assistant (A2) in preparation for being the emergency A1 cover during a run.
  • Assist the Stage Management Team and/or the Director to address any sound related issues/questions during Understudy Rehearsals. Attendance of these rehearsals will be based on the Director’s needs and the approval of the Production Supervisor.
  • Attend all performances and mix the show to meet the Sound Designers specifications.
  • Execute Sound Designer’s design at each performance.
  • Once in the run, collaborate with the A2 and ensure that the sound department for the PRODUCTION is functioning smoothly.
  • Collaborate with the rest of the Audio/Media Team to ensure a safe and smooth strike process.
  • Maintain PMT’s equipment inventory in collaboration with the Audio/Media Supervisor when accessed during PRODUCTION.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and organization of PMT’s audio stock and rental materials used when accessed during PRODUCTION.
    LOCATION INFORMATION
    Scene Shop: 2321 N. Keystone, Chicago
    Rehearsal Studios/Production Office: 4200 W. Diversey, Chicago
    The Ruth Page Center for the Arts (Theater), 1016 N Dearborn St, ChicagoWORK START

    Load-in starts Monday, January 12, 2026
    Tech Starts Tuesday, January 27, 2026
    Previews Start Saturday, January 31, 2026
    Press, Friday, February 6, 2026
    Anticipated Close, Sunday, March 15, 2026
    Strike, March 15, 16, 17

    COMPENSATION
    $26.00 per hour on a 1099 for an anticipated 190 hours

TO APPLY
Please email a resume (PDF preferred) and cover letter to info@porchlightmusictheatre.org. Subject: “AUDIO ENGINEER (A1.)”

Please no phone calls. We will respond whether or not you are called in for an interview.

Applications will be accepted through September 22, 2025

 

EDUCATION

Teaching Artist

Porchlight accepts resumes for Teaching Artists on a rolling basis for all youth programs – specifically for in-school residencies and after-school programs. 

$25-35/hour plus paid prep time and travel stipend per class.

If you are interested (or know anyone who may be interested) in this role, send an email with your teaching resume attached to our Education Director, Rebeccah Singer, at rebeccah@porchlightmusictheatre.org! Please note, no cover letter required.

Responsibilities:

  • Work with Education Director and teaching team to plan, prepare, and execute classes upon agreed schedule 
  • Attend teachers’ meeting prior to the start of the teaching session and agreed upon number of continuing training and professional development sessions 
  • Arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of class and be ready to receive students at class time 
  • Not miss more than two classes per session 
  • Communicate the need for a sub as soon as possible to Education Director 
  • Participate in self evaluation and provide feedback on teaching team and class experience
  • Restore the classroom space after class each day 
  • Communicate the need for all printing and supplies as soon as possible, or purchase and submit reimbursement
  • Adhere to all deadlines for class communications including newsletters and programs 

How to Apply:

Please send your teaching resume to Education Director, Rebeccah Singer, at rebeccah@porchlightmusictheatre.org. Porchlight Music Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theatre – especially residents of Chicago’s south and west side and Spanish speaking teaching artists – are strongly encouraged to apply.

INTERNSHIPS

Join the Team. Be a Porchlight Intern.

Porchlight Music Theatre’s Internship program is an opportunity for qualified college students, graduates and young professionals to learn in a hands-on environment as part of the staff of a non-profit theater. Porchlight offers internships in different categories: Artistic Administration, Education & Outreach, Development & Special Events, Marketing & PR/Publicity, and Artistic/Casting.

Porchlight Interns work closely with their departments on special projects and ongoing work. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Porchlight Music Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. You can find more information about each internship in “more info”.

Questions? Email rebeccah@porchlightmusictheatre.org

Porchlight is NOT accepting applications for internships at this time. Thank you for your interest.

MORE INFO

Be a Part of Our Team As a Volunteer*

Porchlight Music Theatre welcomes volunteers to assist our staff on a variety of projects and events.

  • Volunteer benefits include complimentary tickets to Porchlight Music Theatre productions and events, as available.
  • Volunteers must complete and submit an application, and an interview will be conducted either in person or via phone.

For more information, please email info@porchlightmusictheatre.org, subject: Volunteer.

*Please note that theatre ushers are provided by The Saints, Volunteers for the Performing Arts. For information on how you can become a Saint, call (773) 529-5510.

I Want to Volunteer!

 

Script Submissions

Porchlight Music Theatre accepts full length scripts year-round from literary agents and theatre professionals with whom we have an existing professional relationship. We invite unrepresented writers to submit a brief bio, short synopsis, and ten pages of sample dialogue and music on CD or sent electronically.

More Info