Work With Us

THE LAST ILLUSION
Winter 2025, performing Feb 14-23, 2025

Projection Designer ($400 Stipend)
This position will be designing and programming projections using the equipment at Ames City Auditorium. Several of our successful past projection designers have come from software /computer and similar majors, as well as from the theater department. Computer savviness and an eye for design (theatrical or otherwise). Previous projection design experience is a bonus, but not a requirement. We’re happy to teach you the basics. It’ll also help you out a lot if you have the ability to do some research and learning on your own.

• Survey performance space for technical production elements/capabilities.
• Collaborate with Director, Stage Manager, Designers and Production Manager to create a unified artistic plan for the production based on selected script.
• Attend a minimum of two (2) rehearsals of the show.
• Create an instrument schedule including specific projectors and/or additional materials that will be used, and distribute copies to Production Manager and designers.
• Create a detailed budget at least two weeks prior to load-in detailing any necessary expenses.
• Train student projections operator.  
• Assist with Load-in to the theater. Hang and focus projectors.
• Run the projections computer or supervise student operators.
• Assist with strike.  Arrange for return of any rented equipment.

TEEN PLAY FESTIVAL
Winter/Spring 2025, performing Apr 3-6, 2025
A smaller-scale production involving participants ages 13-18; specifically, looking for 2 production mentors

Mentors for Teen Play Festival ($600 Stipend per position; 4 mentors total)
The Teen Play Festival will involve 4 plays produced by teen participants. The Teen Play Festival Mentors will help guide and assist 1 of the 4 plays being produced by the students. They will help guide each cast/director on accomplishing the completion of their assigned play. Mentors will keep their play on track, provide assistance and suggestions when students come across obstacles, and assist with other needs to successfully produce each play. Mentors will attend auditions and provide guidance in the casting process for their assigned student director. 

• Rehearsal process will be 1-2 days a week plus the occasional check in with the production manager. 
• Ideal candidates will enjoy working with kids ages 13-18. They should have basic knowledge and experience of 2-3 design elements to be able to assist the teens in creating their designs.
• ***Mentor positions should have some knowledge of the following designs. Directing, Lights, Sound, Costumes, Set and Props in order to help guide the student directors to make educated artistic decisions. All combinations are welcome.
• ***Mentors are expected to act as second adults during the rehearsal process. Responsibility will be split among the mentors.

DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS: THE MUSICAL
Spring/Summer 2025, performing Jun 20-29, 2025

Props Designer ($400 Stipend)
Props Designer designs and builds the props for the production. This position will put in the most work during tech week and performances. Ideal candidate is a creative person with time management. Previous experience preferred but not required. Duties will include:

• Collaborate with the Director, Stage Manager, and Production Manager to create a unified artistic plan for the production based on selected script.
• Identify necessary property requirements for production based on script, budget, and input from the production team.
• Prepare props list and distribute to the Director, Stage Manager, and Production Manager.
• Obtain (purchase, build, rent, etc.) necessary rehearsal props and performance props for production.
• Organize cast members and parent volunteers to help acquire necessary props.
• Repair existing props as necessary.
• Attend production meetings.
• Assist with other aspects of production as needed.
• Keep properties in good repair during shows, if needed.
• Assist with set strike.

Sound Designer ($500 Stipend)
Assist with basic sound needs at Ames City Auditorium (some auditorium staff and training will be available). Maintain microphones and run them during the show. This position will put in the most work during tech week and performances with weekly production meetings. This is a great opportunity if you’re looking to build audio production experience. An ideal candidate will have basic sound board and sound system knowledge. Ability to operate, maintain, and balance microphones. Duties will include:

• Survey performance space for technical production elements/capabilities.
• Work with the director to design sound effects and incidental music for the show.
• Work with the director to determine which actors need microphones and when during the show.
• Create a pre-show/intermission playlist.
• Assist with load-in to the theater.
• Attend production meetings.
• Attend all tech rehearsals: hand out microphones, do mic checks, run the sound board, and adjust as needed.
• Distribute microphones to actors before each performance.
• Perform mic checks prior to performances and maintain good battery life of all microphones.
• Run the sound board.
• Store mics neatly between shows.
• Assist with strike. Take down all audio equipment, return it to STC, and put it away.

Lighting Designer ($500 Stipend)
This position will be designing and programming lights using the equipment at Ames City Auditorium. Several of our successful past lighting designers have come from software/computer/electrical engineering and similar majors, as well as from the theater department. Computer savviness and an eye for design (theatrical or otherwise). Previous lighting design experience is a bonus, but not a requirement. We’re happy to teach you the basics. It’ll also help you out a lot if you have the ability to do some research and learning on your own. Duties will include:

• Survey performance space for technical production elements/capabilities.
• Communicate with Craig Kaufman, of City Auditorium, to gather a list of all instruments available.
• Collaborate with Director, Stage Manager, Designers and Production Manager to create a unified artistic plan for the production based on selected script.
• Attend a minimum of two (2) rehearsals of the show and create a lighting plot and distribute copies to the Production Manager, City Auditorium, and designers.
• Create an instrument schedule including gels, gobos or additional materials that will be used and distribute copies to the Production Manager, City Auditorium, and designers.
• Create a detailed budget at least two weeks prior to load in detailing any necessary expenses.
• Arrange any special equipment rentals (spotlights, etc).
• Train student light board operators. Student operators should be scheduled by the Lighting Designer to attend the same rehearsals as the Lighting Designer as well as dry tech/crew training and tech rehearsals.
• Assist with Load-in to the theater. Hang and focus lights.
• Supervise student operators.
• Assist with set strike. Arrange for return of any rented equipment.

Scenic Designer ($450 Stipend)
This position handles design, decoration, finish painting, etc. Attend weekly production meetings and scheduled build days. All tools provided. An ideal candidate will have creative design and strong visualization skills. Able to take inspiration from the director’s concept and run with it. Dedication to stay involved with the project until completed. Previous theatrical design experience is a bonus, but not a requirement.

• Design scenery with input from the production team which will be both technically and financially feasible based on the current status of the company’s set construction talent pool and budget.
• Collaborate with the Director, Stage Manager and Production Manager to create a unified artistic plan for the production based on selected script.
• Schedule with the set builder, the use of the community truck for load-in day and strike day.
• With the Set Builder, deliver materials list, ground plans and scene storage plans to Ames City Auditorium according to production schedule guidelines.
• Assist with other aspects of production as necessary.
• Supervise and assist with load-in to the theater.
• Assist with backstage activities and scene changes. 
• Assist set strike; arrange for the disposal, return and/or storage of set pieces and props.

Scenic Builder ($500 Stipend)
This position handles more construction than design. Attend weekly production meetings and choose build days that work for you. The most work time will be during the last month of the production process. Several mid-skilled parent volunteers will assist with building. All tools provided, plus a fun work environment. An ideal candidate will have basic construction knowledge, mostly wood-focused. Able to create and build from plans. Good teamwork and communication skills. Experience in theatrical set building is a plus, but if you have the building skills and you want to try this as a new opportunity, we’re happy to teach you the theater part!

• Organize scenery construction sessions by purchasing or otherwise acquiring (rent, borrow, etc.) all necessary set construction items, arrange delivery to construction location, and plan for each session’s activities anticipating widely varying levels of participation from session to session.
• Ensure scenery construction sessions are scheduled with student set construction crew members and supervise all construction sessions.
• Instruct any student set construction crew members on proper shop safety.
• Schedule the use of the community truck for load-in day and strike day.  Pick up and return the truck.
• Deliver materials list, ground plans and scene storage plans to Ames City Auditorium according to production schedule guidelines.
• Assist with other aspects of production as necessary.
• Supervise and assist load-in to the theater.
• Assist with backstage activities and scene changes. 
• Assist with set strike; arrange for the disposal, return and/or storage of set pieces and props.

Projection Designer ($400 Stipend)
This position will be designing and programming projections using the equipment at Ames City Auditorium. Several of our successful past lighting designers have come from software /computer and similar majors, as well as from the theater department. Computer savviness and an eye for design (theatrical or otherwise). Previous projection design experience is a bonus, but not a requirement. We’re happy to teach you the basics. It’ll also help you out a lot if you have the ability to do some research and learning on your own.

• Survey performance space for technical production elements/capabilities.
• Collaborate with Director, Stage Manager, Designers and Production Manager to create a unified artistic plan for the production based on selected script.
• Attend a minimum of two (2) rehearsals of the show.
• Create an instrument schedule including specific projectors and/or additional materials that will be used, and distribute copies to Production Manager and designers.
• Create a detailed budget at least two weeks prior to load-in detailing any necessary expenses.
• Train student projections operator.  
• Assist with Load-in to the theater. Hang and focus projectors.
• Run the projections computer or supervise student operators.
• Assist with strike.  Arrange for return of any rented equipment.