Work With Us
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!
CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS
– Development Manager
– Bartenders/Concessionaires
– House Managers
– Technical Director—Education
– Wardrobe Assistant (Little Shop of Horrors)
Nothing upcoming. Stay tuned for more information.
Job Postings
DEVELOPMENT
Development Manager
Position Overview
The Development Manager is a critical position responsible for the financial sustainability of Porchlight Music Theatre, overseeing the Annual Fund strategy and serving as the key operational hub for the entire development department, including managing two direct reports. The role involves substantial direct fundraising, including managing a personal portfolio of 50–75 mid-level donors using a “Moves Management” approach. Key duties include leading annual giving campaigns, collaborating on institutional grant submissions, and serving as the staff liaison for the Porchlight Young Professionals Associate Board. Additionally, the Manager provides planning and logistical support for major fundraising events, while maintaining strong data integrity for all financial reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Annual Fund Strategy & Execution
- Support the Director of Development in creating, executing, and evaluating annual fundraising plans to meet revenue goals.
- Lead and implement strategy for the Theatre’s annual fund, including segmentation, messaging, and upgrade pathways
- Develop robust and innovative targeted strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and re-engagement, including LYBUNT and SYBUNT initiatives
- Partner with the Development Operations Associate to execute appeals and campaigns while maintaining ownership of strategy and outcomes
- Analyze campaign performance and adjust strategies to maximize participation, retention and revenue growth
- Write, develop, and manage compelling annual giving direct mail solicitation campaigns in collaboration with the Director of Development, Development Operations Associate, and Executive Leadership
Individual Giving & Donor Management
- Manage a portfolio of 50-75 mid-level donors, actively moving them through the donor pipeline using a “Moves Management” approach (Qualify → Cultivate → Solicit → Steward).
- Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies tailored to each donor
- Conduct regular donor outreach, including in-person meetings, calls, and written communications
- Solicit annual gifts and upgrades to increase donor retention and overall revenue
- Maintain consistent, thoughtful engagement with donors to strengthen long-term relationships and increase lifetime value
- Identify and qualify donors with capacity and inclination for major giving
- Partner with the Director of Development to move donors through the donor pipeline into major gift portfolios
- Track donor movement and progression across giving levels to ensure a strong and active pipeline
- Proactively identify opportunities to deepen engagement and increase giving across the portfolio
Institutional Giving
- In collaboration with the Director of Development, engage in the creation of annual institutional giving strategy and relationship management each fiscal year
- Manage a portfolio of select institutional giving prospects and current funders, deepening relationships between funders and Porchlight Music Theatre
- Oversee the outsourced grant writer(s) in writing and submitting select letters of inquiry, applications, and reports by established deadlines.
- Write specific proposals and reports for select funders
- Ensure up-to-date grant calendar, case for support and other key data.
- Initiate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship meetings with existing and prospective funders/sponsors.
Events & Volunteer Engagement
- Support the planning, execution, and logistical management of major annual fundraising events (e.g., Gala, Chicago Sings) to ensure exceptional donor experiences and goal achievement, collaborating with departments, vendors, venues, and volunteers.
- Support the Development team and Board committees as requested to ensure smooth departmental operations.
- Act as the staff liaison for the Porchlight Young Professionals (PYP) Associate Board; work closely with the PYP Executive Committee to organize meetings, drive recruitment, support fundraising efforts and PYP events.
- Serve as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic representative at performances and events.
Reporting, Data, & Operations
- Reporting & Analysis: Generate reports that track progress toward development goals, assisting the Director of Development in analyzing current donor activity to project future trends.
- Data Integrity: Track and maintain accurate donor listings for all show/event programs and the website.
Qualifications & Requirements
Professional Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience: 3–5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development. Background in arts administration or at performing arts organizations is strongly preferred.
- Portfolio Leadership: Experience managing a portfolio of individual donors, with specific experience in face-to-face or verbal solicitation of gifts ranging from $500 to $2,500+.
- Volunteer Management: Experience acting as a liaison to volunteer leadership groups, Associate Boards, or event committees.
Fundraising & Solicitation Strategy
- The “Ask”: Demonstrated comfort and confidence in discussing financial support with donors. Must possess the persistence to follow up and the savvy to close gifts.
- Campaign Logistics: Strong understanding of direct mail and digital appeal cycles, including list segmentation, merge/purge processes, and production timelines.
- Moves Management: Practical knowledge of “moves management” principles (identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship) and how to apply them to a mid-level portfolio.
- Grant Support: Experience collaborating with grant writers and drafting narrative content for select proposals and reports.
Technical & Operational Skills
- CRM Mastery: Advanced proficiency in donor databases (e.g., Salesforce, PatronManager, Raiser’s Edge). Must be comfortable entering data, running simple queries, and maintaining data hygiene.
- Digital Fundraising: Hands-on experience with online fundraising platforms and email marketing tools.
- Data Analysis: Intermediate-to-advanced Excel skills to track campaign performance, reconcile financials with Finance, and analyze donor trends.
- Research: Ability to navigate prospect research tools (iWave, WealthEngine, Foundation Directory) to identify capacity and affinity.
- Writing: Strong persuasive writing skills that can be adapted to a variety of tones.
Core Competencies & Attributes
- Project Management: Superior organizational skills with the ability to manage a mid-level gifts portfolio, as well as strict deadlines for grants, appeals, and events simultaneously without losing attention to detail.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of shifting tone from formal grant reporting to enthusiastic donor stewardship.
- Financial Acumen: Comfort with numbers and budgets; ability to work closely with Finance to ensure accurate income and expense reconciliation.
- Mission Alignment: A deep appreciation for music theatre and the ability to serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for Porchlight’s mission, productions, and educational programs.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid work environment (3 days onsite)
- Flexibility to conduct donor and prospect meetings to accommodate donor schedules
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for opening nights, the Gala, Chicago Sings, PYP meetings and events, and other events as they arise
Salary Range
- $60,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience
BARTENDERS
Porchlight Music Theatre is looking for experienced, BASSET-certified bartenders for its live theatre performances at the Biograph Theatre. The bar will offer a limited menu focused on beer, wine, soft drinks, premixed signature cocktails, packaged snacks and swag.
Shifts are available for its upcoming runs of;
Little Shop of Horrors: Nov 4-Dec 13, 2026
Dead Outlaw: Feb 10-March 21, 2027
Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story – April 3-25, 2027
Miscellaneous Events and possible extensions TBD
Shifts are generally 4-5 hours in length, except for 2-show days where shifts may be up to 9 hours. The number of staff per shift varies based on house count. Many shifts will be solo. Lead bartenders will also have some administrative hours. Typical single-show shifts are 6pm-10pm or 1:30pm-5:30pm.
Compensation: Lead bartenders $18.50/hr base pay plus tips. Non-leads $16.50/hr base pay plus tips.
- Bartender Duties:Daily setup, including premixing signature cocktails, preparing stock, and ensuring that everything is clean, ready, and attractive at doors opening.
- Efficient, responsible, friendly service to our theatre guests.
- Operation of Square terminal for ordering and payments.
- Proper closeouts of Square, as well as cash (if any).
- Keep the bar area tidy and well-presented throughout shifts.
- Take all bar garbage to dumpsters at the end of shift.
- Other duties as assigned.
Lead Bartender Additional Duties:
- Working with the Executive Director and snack/beverage partner to ensure stock levels are adequate, and to place/pickup/receive stock when it arrives.
- Scheduling of bartender shifts. It is intended that Lead Bartender work as many shifts as possible, supplemented by others as nec essary.
- Maintenance of Square POS
Requirements:
- BASSET certification
- At least one year experience in bartending (restaurant or event)
- Familiarity with Square POS an asset.
About Porchlight Music Theatre
Porchlight Music Theatre is the award-winning center for music theatre in Chicago. Dedicated to setting the stage for the future of the American musical, Porchlight celebrates the past, present, and future of this unique art form through live performance, youth education, and community outreach. As a leader in the Chicago arts community, we are committed to looking at the musical theatre canon through a modern lens, offering intimate and powerful theatrical experiences that inspire and connect our audiences.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and expression of interest to info@porchlightmusictheatre.org. No phone calls please.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
House Manager(s)
Porchlight Music Theatre is looking for experienced house managers for its live theatre performances at the Biograph Theatre. Reporting to the Executive Director, the house managers work with production and box office to ensure smooth patron management, seating, and accessibility for all performances.
Shifts are available for its upcoming runs of;
Little Shop of Horrors: Nov 4-Dec 13, 2026
Dead Outlaw: Feb 10-March 21, 2027
Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story – April 3-25, 2027
Miscellaneous Events and possible extensions TBD
Shifts are generally 4-5 hours in length, except for 2-show days where shifts may be up to 9 hours. Most shifts will be solo, assisted by volunteer ushers (Saints). Typical single-show shifts are 6pm-10pm or 1:30pm-5:30pm.
Compensation: $23/hr
Duties
- Preparing the house and facility for the reception of guests.
- Making sure the auditorium is clean and free from clutter.
- Making sure bathrooms are properly stocked
- Making sure ticket scanners are charged and ready
- Making sure assistive listening devices are charged and ready
- Assigning usher duties and managing ushers, including corresponding with the Saints to make sure shows are covered.
- Assisting patrons with questions, wayfinding and other issues as they arise.
- Ensuring that the theatre is tidy post-show.
- Working with the Audience Services Manager (box office) and Lead Bartender to ensure that patrons have a smooth theatergoing experience.
Requirements:
- Experience in House Management
- Box Office Experience a plus for assisting the box office with patron issues
- Strong client service skills
About Porchlight Music Theatre
Porchlight Music Theatre is the award-winning center for music theatre in Chicago. Dedicated to setting the stage for the future of the American musical, Porchlight celebrates the past, present, and future of this unique art form through live performance, youth education, and community outreach. As a leader in the Chicago arts community, we are committed to looking at the musical theatre canon through a modern lens, offering intimate and powerful theatrical experiences that inspire and connect our audiences.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and expression of interest to info@porchlightmusictheatre.org. No phone calls please.
EDUCATION
Technical Director – George Westinghouse College Prep
Porchlight is proud to partner with George Westinghouse College Prep to support their theater programs fall and spring theater productions. The Technical Director is a key player in the partnership who helps manage the in-school masterclasses, building of the set, teaching basics of stage carpentry to students as well as other technical needs of all productions. They work closely with Porchlight’s Education Director and Westinghouse’s Lead Drama Teacher to ensure quality program delivery and the growth of the program.
Responsibilities:
- Work with Education Director and Theater Director to create schedule of masterclasses, set building, and tech rehearsal
- Create a plan for building, painting, and design of theater sets including portions that will be completed by students in Theater I-IV classes.
- Troubleshoot any issues with student mics and sound mixing
- Act as a Master Carpenter to ensure set pieces are built on schedule
Schedule:
- 11/3-11/7 (8:00 am – 3:10) Build and paint
- 11/8 (12:00 pm – 6:00 pm) Dry Tech
- 11/10 (11:30 am – 9:00 pm) Tech
- 11/11 Schedule flex for catch up
- 11/12 (8:00 am – 3:30 pm) Matinee
- 11/13 (12:00 – 8:00 pm) Show
- 11/14 (5:00 pm – 10:00 pm) Show
- 11/15 (12:00 pm – 5:00 pm) Show
- 11/17 & 11/18 (8:00 am – 3:10 pm) Strike
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should reach out to Education Director, Rebeccah Singer, at rebeccah@porchlightmusictheatre.org. Porchlight Music Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theatre are strongly encouraged to apply.
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@
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.
PRODUCTION
Wardrobe Assistant – Little Shop of Horrors
Dates of Note:
Sun, Oct 25, 2026, 1:30pm: Designer Run
Week of Oct 26, 2026: Load in and tech
Week of November 4, 2026: begin Performances
Up to two days following closing: Strike
Regular performances will run (with some exceptions for holidays) through Dec 13, 2026 with potential extensions, using the following schedule:
Wed, 7:30pm
Thu, 7:30pm
Fri, 7:30pm
Sat 3pm & 7:30pm
Sun, 3pm
Wig Maintenance ability a plus.
Compensation: $22.00 per hour (1099)
Apply with a resume and cover letter to michael@porchlightmusictheatre.org
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.
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.
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.