Artistic Squad Member for Our Upcoming Seasons
SEEKING
Delaware Shakespeare now is accepting submissions for our Artistic Squad.
The Artistic Squad was formed in the wake of the 2020 uprisings out of a genuine desire to center artists of the global majority and their experiences working within predominantly white cultural institutions, in keeping with Del Shakes’ core values of serving populations of all backgrounds. The goal of the Artistic Squad is to employ working artists of the global majority, and pay them for their wisdom and skill in the labor of re-shaping the working culture of Delaware Shakespeare to become one where artists of all backgrounds can feel seen, supported and cared for. In addition to this work, the Artistic Squad also provides administrative and creative support to Delaware Shakespeare’s Staff and Board.
Artistic Squad members serve two-year “terms” beginning in January. (While we are looking to bring someone onto the team for the 2025-2026 seasons, there is potential for folks to be considered to join the Artistic Squad in following seasons.) If there are events or programming that go beyond the monthly hours, additional compensation will be provided. If Artistic Squad members join a production as an artist or Community Care Liaison they are additionally compensated for that labor, while they are also expected to fulfill their Squad duties, within reason.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties of Squad members include but are not limited to:
- Serve on the Artistic Squad for 2025 and 2026 serving two full “terms” beginning in January 2025
- Attending remote Squad meetings (squad meeting frequency shifts depending on the time of year and the amount of programming/events we have going on. It is most frequently bi-weekly, but can be weekly or monthly)
- Performing in bonus programs such as Shakesbeer, or otherwise offering on-the-ground support at such events;
- Providing insight into the production process from a working artist’s point of view;
- Assisting in season planning, including casting, production staffing, and more
- If desired, serving as the Community Care Liaison and Covid Safety Manager for a particular production.
- Inventing new, fun and creative programs and events to increase Del Shakes presence in the community;
- Working as an educational teaching artist occasionally teaching workshops and classes;
- Serving on one of the Board Committees, including: Governance, Finance, Programming, and Development
- One Squad Member from the group serves as a full Board Member attending the six (6) board meetings a year
- Attending Del Shakes performances and events;
- Occasionally assisting in creating and/or reviewing marketing materials
- Assisting with planning, performing in, or coordinating fundraising events and/or other development needs;
- Artistic Squad members are also able to audition or apply for creative production positions in Del Shakes’s season, if desired.
You should apply for this position if you identify as a member of the global majority, and/or carry other marginalized identities such as Indigenous, Queer, Trans/Non-Binary, Disabled, Immigrant etc and are passionate about creating cultural and artistic spaces that center care, dignity and artistic excellence. Bonus if you are also passionate about Shakespeare, the Classics and are interested in reframing and reshaping them to better suit and serve populations that have historically not been centered in those stories. Applicants should be local to the greater Delaware area including but not limited too: Wilmington, Philadelphia, Southern Jersey, etc.
COMPENSATION
Squad members receive a monthly stipend of $600 for their work and are expected to complete anywhere from 5-15 hours of work a month, depending on the current season demands.
INSTRUCTIONS
If interested in submitting, please fill out the Submission Form linked here.
Virtual audition materials are due by EOD November 17th.
Questions can be sent to auditions@delshakes.org.
PERSONNEL VIEWING AUDITIONS:
Mariah Ghant, Artistic Director (she/her)
Eric Mills, Artistic Squad (he/him)
Izzy Sazak, Artistic Squad (they/them)
Cassie Alexander, Artistic Partner and Development Officer (she/her)
OTHER
See a video about the Summer Festival HERE
See videos about the Community Tour HERE or HERE
Learn about Del Shakes’ commitment to antiracism HERE
Wondering how Del Shakes hires directors, designers, and actors? CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT
