Front of House Crew – Illinois Shakespeare Festival 2026 (ISU Students)

Title: Front of House Crew Illinois Shakespeare Festival 2026 (ISU Students)
Employee Classification: Student Special Event
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: School of Theatre Dance and Film

Job Summary

Illinois Shakespeare Festival is seeking to fill several part-time seasonal positions in the front-of-house operations for the Festivals 2026 season. Employment will run from approximately June 17 2026 through August 4 2026. Hours vary depending upon the position typical hours will be approximately 6:00p.m. to 10:30p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays and 9:00am-12:00pm Thursday and Saturday. Must enjoy working outdoors in the summer!

Concessions/Merchandise Manager:
Mature individual with retail or restaurant experience who can assist patrons with retail transactions and supervise a small staff. Previous experience working in retail or restaurant management is preferred. Responsibilities include but are not limited to credit card and cash handling point of sale reconciliations inventory control and light cleaning of the concessions area and Ewing Grounds. Works directly with the General Manager.

House Manager:
Mature individual capable of solving seating problems and handling patron concerns. Previous experience managing the front-of-house for a theatre and supervising ushers is preferred. Light cleaning of the theatre area and Ewing grounds will be required. Works directly with the General Manager and Box Office.

Concessions Associate:
Polite and welcoming individuals who are naturally helpful and can assist patrons with retail transactions. Previous experience in cash and credit card handling is preferred. Responsibilities include but are not limited to credit card and cash handling point of sale close out inventory stocking and light cleaning of the concessions area and Ewing Grounds. Must enjoy working outdoors in the summer!

Ushers:
Polite and welcoming individuals who are naturally helpful calm and observant of patron needs. Must be able to move up and down steps easily. Light cleaning of the theatre area and the Ewing grounds will be required. Must enjoy working outdoors in the summer!

Applications will be taken until all positions are filled.

Additional Information

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is a professional repertory theatre company that produces Shakespeare and contemporary plays in the spirit of Shakespeare every summer at the beautiful Ewing Cultural Center in Bloomington Illinois. The Festival hires professional directors designers actors and production personnel and offers a variety of internships to students from Illinois State University and other colleges and universities. The Festival sells an average of 11000 tickets per year is supported by Illinois State University and the Illinois Shakespeare Festival Society and is preparing for its 49th season.

Student employees are eligible to participate in the Universitys 403(b) Plan. More information can be foundhere.

Pay Rate

Concessions/Merchandise Manager: $17.00 per hour

House Manager: $17.00 per hour

Concessions Associate: $15.00 per hour

Usher: $15.00 per hour

Required Qualifications

See General Summary Information

Work Hours

Employment will run from approximately June 17 through August 4. Hours vary depending upon the position typical hours will be approximately 6:00p.m. to 10:30p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays and 9:00am-12:00pm Thursday and Saturday.

Proposed Starting Date

June 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume & Cover Letter

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on Apply

Contact Information for Applicants

Ann Haugo

Producer Illinois Shakespeare Festival

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable an employment history review based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In addition all appointments are contingent upon proof of eligibility for employment at Illinois State University to perform the required duties described above on your scheduled start date. The Immigration and Control Act of 1986 Public Law 99-603 requires all new employees to file an I-9 in person and no later than three days from the beginning of employment. This may be accomplished within the department or through Human Resources. A list of the types of documentation you will be expected to provide is available at Failure to comply with this law will result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University as your employer is required by federal law to ensure proper tax withholding from wages and to ensure that the required reporting of employee wages withholding and employment taxes is accurate. For this reason every employee must have a valid Social Security Number registered with the University at the time of employment and/or as soon after as possible but no later than 45 days from the start date. Failure to comply with this law may result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on-campus employment for all positions held.

International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of on-campus employment when the university is in session but may work more when the university is not in session. International students should contact the Office of International Studies and Programs for guidance if they have questions concerning employment restrictions.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at . The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system please call Human Resources at .