work with us
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to celebrate the complexity of our shared human experience.
We envision a world awakened by the wonder of theatre.
OUR VALUES
Belonging: Portland Playhouse works to be radically inclusive onstage and offstage. We serve together. We rise together. We lead with kindness.
Gratitude: We are here by the grace and generosity of our community. We honor, join with, and are guided by those who came before us as well as current and future generations.
Courage: We challenge the status quo; we take risks. We listen and learn with an openness to change.
STAFF OPENINGS
Spring 2026: Seeking Full Time Technical Director
Title: Technical Director
Reports to: Director of Production
Direct reports: Head Electrician, Head Carpenter, Head Props, Head AV, Crew
Job Summary:
The Technical Director is primarily responsible for supervision and implementation of all production elements (lighting, sound, props, set design and construction) except costume, hair and makeup.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Job Duties/Competencies/Responsibilities:
- Oversees and implements the company’s production elements, including build, paint, props, maintenance and strike.
- Assess technical challenges and develop proactive solutions.
- Advises Director of Production on the technical specifications, costs and usage of technical equipment required for the individual show.
- Reads and interprets blueprints, drawings and plots; supplements build drawings or working drawings as needed.
- Plans, coordinates and completes construction of all scenic design elements within the designated time and budget as determined by the overall production schedule and budget.
- Supervises the set up, maintenance and operations of sound, lighting, stage and other technical equipment and systems.
- Assists with the preparation of and manages technical operation budgets; maintains inventory of specialized supplies.
- Purchases, leases and/or borrows and returns equipment, as needed.
- Manages rental equipment to other organizations to maximize Playhouse inventory
- Makes recommendations regarding capital purchases of technical equipment.
- Monitors the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, video and rigging equipment; arranges for the repair and/or replacement of equipment within budgetary constraints; and performs preventative maintenance on equipment.
- Maintains current knowledge of all equipment and supervises training on all equipment.
- Helps recruit, manage and retain stagehands (which includes specialists such as video programmers, furniture carpenters, riggers, special effects people).
- Develops, implements and monitors policies to ensure a safe work environment in the stage and production areas.
- Attends production meetings & staff meetings
- Serves as Building Supervisor after normal hours of operation, or during assigned productions and rental events.
- Research, budget, plan and implement shift to renewable energy-saving technologies.
- Develops and maintains relationships with local designers, builders & colleges with technical training programs
- Provides an annual technical inventory of all equipment with recommendations for replacement or maintenance
- Stays abreast of new technology and software relative to lighting and audio and video engineering.
- Assists other departments as needed, especially Education, Community Programming and Events.
- Additional duties as assigned by the Director of Production.
Education and/or Experience:
Minimum 4-5 years of experience or formal training with in-depth knowledge in all aspects of technical theater.
Minimum 3 years of experience in the following areas:
- Training & Management of stagehands
- Theatre/Dance production
- Familiarity with the AEA rulebook.
- Nonprofit management
- Operations including budgeting, payroll, hiring, contracts, labor laws and scheduling
- Multitasking
- Interpersonal Skills
- Carpentry, set construction, and rigging skills (required).
- Welding skills.
- Reading and producing ground plans, sections, technical/construction drawings
- Theatrical lighting, sound, and projection systems
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of ADA and OSHA compliance
- Able to handle multiple, simultaneous tasks in a timely manner
- Collaborative attitude
- Heavy-lifting abilities
- Competent, working knowledge of theatrical equipment, tools and software.
- Must have a car and a valid driver’s license.
- BA or MFA in technical theatre
- Must be comfortable climbing an extension ladder.
- Ability to drive non-CDL trucks up to 26 feet with lift gate
Computer Skills:
- Drafting software: Vectorworks and/or AutoCAD
- Google suite
- Audio/video: Qlab, video projections
- Mac operating systems
Equity & Accommodation
Portland Playhouse is committed to a diverse, racially and culturally inclusive, and equitable workplace in which differences broaden our awareness, enrich our daily experiences, and contribute to our collective strength.
As part of our commitment to equity, Portland Playhouse will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals who are differently abled to perform the primary responsibilities of this job.
Compensation:
This salaried position starts at $60,000 annually and provides full benefits, including: employer-paid medical, dental, and vision; and 30 days off annually. Portland Playhouse will match up to 4% of 401k contributions.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Please put “TD applicant” with your last name in the subject line. Deadline to apply is June 30, 2026.
AUDITIONS
Portland Playhouse announces general auditions for its production of
Simply Simone
as part of its 2026-2027 Season.
We are seeking submissions from both AEA and Non-Union actors.
AUDITION DATES AND INSTRUCTIONS:
Sunday, May 3rd, 4:00pm – 10:00pm (lunch break 6:30p – 7p)
Monday, May 4th, 11:00am – 6:00pm (lunch break 2p – 3p)
Tuesday, May 5th, 3:00pm – 10:00pm (lunch break 5p – 6p)
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
To sign up for an audition, please email us at [email protected].
Audition time slots will be in 5-10 minute increments.
WHAT TO PREPARE:
For this audition, please prepare one song of your choosing – it can be any song – no more than 32 bars please. We will also ask you to prepare a song in the style of Nina Simone (I Love You Porgy) and sheet music will be provided to you when you schedule an audition. An accompanist will be present, so please bring sheet music for the song of your choosing.
Please bring a physical copy of your headshot and resume with you to your audition. Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide.
Portland Playhouse does not discriminate against any employee, volunteer or customer on the basis or race, color, cultural heritage, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, size, mental or physical dis/ability or appearance, genetic status, marital status, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status or any other status protected under local, state, or federal law.
A note about casting (adopted from language with consent originally created by Kevin Kantor and Emily Traquin of Actors Theatre of Louisville):
Most characters we encounter currently are on the binary and are written with he/him or she/her pronouns and you will see that in the following character descriptions. However limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with. We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character but are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities. Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide.
BREAKDOWN:
Simply Simone
Written by Robert Neblett and Davis Grapes
Musical and Vocal Arrangements by Vince Dimura
Directed and Choreographed by Patdro Harris
Portland Playhouse dates
SPT7; Projected minimum: $718/week (11 weeks)
First Rehearsal: March 23rd, 2027
First Preview: April 28th, 2027
Opening: May 1st, 2027
Closing: June 6th, 2027 (possible extension through June 27th, 2027)
SEEKING:
NINA 1 – 16-20 years old. The Child. Innocent and energetic, she is always hopeful for a brighter future. She is also the constant reminder of an idyllic past. High soprano voice.
NINA 2 – 20-30 years old. The Singer. She is on the verge of success, optimistic yet cautious. She’s been burned and is a little gun shy. She finds her deepest pleasure in music.
NINA 3 – 30-40 years old. The Activist. She is angry and ready to buck the system. As racial turmoil increases in the country, she becomes more personally involved. But as that mood of protest increases, she also becomes more psychologically vulnerable. A powerful soul singer.
NINA 4 – 40-50 years old. The Exile. She is wise, yet jaded. She has seen the way of the world and chosen to reject it, rather than continue to live amongst hypocrisy and hatred. She speaks her mind bluntly and doesn’t care who takes offense. Rich alto voice.
All of the characters are played by African-American women. This is an ensemble piece, and no one role is more important. They all come together to tell this amazing story.
AUDITION SPACE INFORMATION:
Portland Playhouse (Sanctuary Space)
602 NE Prescott St.
The audition room: 625 square feet and can accommodate no more than 20 individuals at a time.
The holding room: 320 square feet and can accommodate no more than 10 individuals at a time.
PERSONNEL (viewing auditions):
Brian Weaver, Artistic Director
Charles Grant, Producing Director
Patdro Harris, Director and Choreographer
Brenda Hankins, Music Director
Thank you for your time and effort in preparing your audition. We look forward to seeing your work! If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected]
Portland Playhouse
602 NE Prescott St.
Portland, OR 97211
Interested in Getting Involved?
We are always looking for volunteers as well as apprentices, crew members and corporate partnerships.
