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Careers at The Rose

The Rose proudly recruits, nurtures, maintains and honors a diverse, highly qualified resident staff of theater artists, administrators, educators and operational staff members. We focus on providing fair and competitive compensation and opportunities for growth. Positions are updated as they become available. On an as-needed basis, we also have a variety of internships and apprenticeships available.

What We Believe 

It is our goal to ensure that all children have access to the arts regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, abilities, gender or accessibility needs. We believe children are the key to the future and as such, deserve to see themselves represented everywhere. We engage in a wide range of stories and productions to broaden experiences and learning opportunities. We offer a variety of classes to meet young people where they are. Providing each student with the chance to learn and grow in creativity, imagination, resilience, empathy, tolerance, and connections is what we do. This work is accomplished by an inclusive and diverse, professional staff of artists, educators, technicians, and administrators, devoted to live theater and arts education for young people. These are equal parts of the while that make us The Rose Theater.

This was my first visit and it was fantastic. All the performers did an amazing job.
My nieces, sister-in-law and I loved it so much.

– Drew G.

Full Time Positions

Resident Lighting Designer and Head Electrician

Responsible for the implementation of all aspects of lighting/electrics and projection.  This includes providing lighting design for productions, staff supervision, budget maintenance, preparation, implementation, and maintenance for all shows, education events, and rentals at the Omaha Theater Company. Assist Resident Sound Designer in the preparation, implementation, and maintenance of audio needs for shows, education events, and rentals as needed.

Essential Job Duties

  • Provide lighting design for mainstage and education productions, events, and rentals as assigned.
  • Program and operate the lighting consoles as needed for mainstage and education technical rehearsals, performances, events, and rentals as assigned.
  • Facilitate planning and paperwork for guest lighting designers. 
  • Manage the execution, use, and maintenance of lighting and video used in any production, rental, and/or tour. Assist with load-ins and strikes as assigned.
  • Manage the setup, use, and maintenance of projection elements and equipment. 
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized workspace, enforce safety policies, and oversee the maintenance and inventory of lighting and projection tools and equipment.
  • Assist the Production Director in developing and monitoring lighting budgets and schedules.
  • Assists the Production Director in the hiring, training, mentoring, and supervision of all lighting technicians, overhire, apprentices, and volunteers.
  • Ensure the safety of actors, crew, and audience members in all Omaha Theater Company spaces.

Other Job Duties

  • Attends all necessary meetings and rehearsals, including production, all-staff meetings, and technical and dress rehearsals.
  • Work flexible schedule depending on production needs.
  • Participate in company events/activities as required.  
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Production Director.

Minimum Required Education, Training, and Experience

  • B.A or B.F.A. in Technical Theater or 3-5 years professional experience. 
  • Knowledge of lighting technologies. 
  • Working knowledge of theatrical sound systems.
  • Working knowledge of basic theatrical rigging.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Act as a representative of The Rose Theater at all times, providing excellent customer service to members, patrons, vendors, and staff.
  • Interact and communicate effectively with employees at all levels within the organization.
  • Work collaboratively with staff and guest designers.
  • Lead staff to meet goals and deadlines.
  • Demonstrate understanding and commitment to Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression principles and practices
  • A passion for making theater for young audiences.
  • Create imaginative lighting designs for theatrical productions
  • ETC console proficiency.
  • DMX data distribution and cabling knowledge.
  • Projection/media playback software proficiency, QLab required. Familiarity with Isadora is also preferred.
  • Vectorworks proficiency
  • Understand and operate the double purchase fly system.
  • Demonstrate time management, planning, and organizational skills.
  • Set priorities, meet deadlines, manage projects, and multitask.
  • Communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats.
  • Basic computer skills and proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
  • Maintain current certification in CPR/1st Aid.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

  • Stand or kneel for extended periods of time.
  • Work at heights of up to 70’. 
  • Climb stairs and ladders. 
  • Lift, push, or pull at least 50lbs. 
  • Valid driver’s license with the ability to drive a full-size pickup and straight box truck. 
  • On-site attendance is required.

Position Compensation Range & Benefits

  • $45,000 – $50,000
  • Company benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, a Flexible Spending Account, supplemental AFLAC options, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a discounted YMCA membership.

Application Procedure 

Interested candidates need to submit a cover letter describing interest, along with a resume and list of three references.

  • Interested applicants may submit materials via the form below
  • Alternatively, a cover letter and resume may be emailed to Biannah Peji-Palm at biannahp@rosetheater.org.
  • Please let us know if you have access needs not met by either of these application methods.
  • We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Part-time, Temporary & Contract Positions

Part-Time Education & Event Marketing Coordinator

Key Responsibilities

Education Marketing (Primary Focus – 120th & Center)

  • Develop and execute marketing strategies for youth classes, camps, workshops, and education programs
  • Create digital and print marketing collateral, including:
    • Education brochures
    • Flyers and posters
    • Social media graphics, videos and photos
    • Draft and manage education email marketing campaigns
    • Create engaging social media content
    • Capture photo and video content during education programming
    • Coordinate marketing timelines with education staff
  • Support registration campaigns and enrollment growth

This portion of the role primarily occurs at the 120th & Center Street location during active programming hours in the late afternoon/early evening.

Mainstage Event & Experience Marketing (Downtown – 2001 Farnam St.)

Weekend availability is required during mainstage production runs (approximately 8 shows per fiscal year).

Responsibilities include:

  • Work with the marketing team to develop creative lobby activities tied to each production
  • Work with the marketing and production teams to design and implement pre- and post-show audience engagement experiences
  • Decorate and theme lobby spaces
  • Oversee and manage lobby activities during public performances
  • Ensure safe and organized operation of activities
  • Clean up and reset lobby areas following performances
  • Capture content (photo/video) from activities for marketing use

Additional Responsibilities

  • Assist with cross-promotional efforts between education and mainstage programming
  • Collaborate with artistic and education teams
  • Support special events as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Schedule Expectations

  • Average 20–21 hours per week annually
  • Weekday hours at the 120th & Center Street location (late afternoon/early evening)
  • Required attendance at public mainstage performances at 2001 Farnam Street
    • Primarily Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays during production runs
  • Approximately 24 working weekends per fiscal year

Qualifications

  • Experience in marketing, communications, arts administration, or related field preferred
    Graphic design skills (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools)
  • Photography and videography skills, including capturing content during live events and educational programming
  • Basic photo and video editing skills (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, CapCut, Canva, or similar platforms)
  • Ability to create short-form video content for social media (Reels, TikTok, etc.)
  • Experience with email marketing platforms
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
  • Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
  • Passion for arts education and community engagement

Compensation

  • $20–$22 per hour
  • Part-time, non-exempt

How to apply:

Submit your application via the button below or alternatively cover letters and resumes can be emailed to biannahp@rosetheater.org

Summer Theater Education Internship

Rose Summer Interns assist with directing youth theater production camps (ages 6-18), co-teach weeklong creative drama camps (ages 3-18), supervise before and after camp childcare, attend professional development sessions in lesson planning, classroom management, teaching for various ages and abilities and more.

WHEN: May – August (40-45 hours per week, 5 days per week). Applications open in December for each upcoming summer. Priority is given to applicants who submit their materials by January 19th of the summer/year for which they are applying.

WHO: High school graduates studying or pursuing opportunities in professional theater, education, creative writing, or related fields and who are interested in educational theater. All interns must be able to work as teachers.

COMPENSATION: $600/week. Housing is provided via a paycheck deduction of $500 per month.

Questions? Reach out to Maddison Poling at maddisonp@rosetheater.org.

Apply Now!

Year-long Teaching Artist Fellowship

Fellows will co-teach and lead teach drama classes (ages 3-18), teach middle school after-school program, participate in productions, co-direct a Teens ‘N’ Theater or Youth Production, perform in one/two theater-in-education productions, lead in-school drama workshops to teach curriculum, work with an arts administration team, receive one on one mentorship from theater professionals, attend workshops in lesson planning, teaching, theater for social change, accessibility, resume building, acting and more.

WHEN: August – May (40-45 hours per week, 5 days per week). Applications open in December for each upcoming term. Priority is given to applicants who submit their materials by January 19th of the summer/year for which they are applying.

WHO: Individuals with degrees or commensurate experience in professional theater, education, creative writing or related fields. Candidates should have an interest in educational theater. All fellows will be asked to work as teachers and actors.

COMPENSATION: $620/week. Housing is provided via a paycheck deduction of $500 per month.

Questions? Reach out to Maddison Poling at maddisonp@rosetheater.org.

Apply Now!

Professional Apprentice Program

The Omaha Theater Company sponsors a Professional Apprentice Training Program in technical theater. The program provides a practical, hands-on experience that gives emerging theater artists an opportunity to work directly with designers, technicians and professionals in their respective fields.

Applications for 26/27 are now closed – check back in December for 27/28 apprentice openings. Questions? Reach out to our Director of Production, Sarah Buck at sarahb@rosetheater.org.

Apprenticeships

Stage Management Apprenticeship

Stage Management Apprentices work as an assistant stage manager and run crew on various mainstage productions. Starting with pre-production meetings through rehearsals and performances, they will work closely with actors, students, directors and choreographers.

Assignments also include the opportunity to stage manage a mainstage production later in the season. When not assigned to a show, Stage Management Apprentices assist with administrative/production management work and other areas of production as needed. This includes helping with load-ins, strikes and light hang/focus. Applicants should be able to interact with a wide variety of personalities and adapt to various working styles. Additionally, the apprentice must stay focused, take initiative and maintain a professional demeanor in the workplace.

Applicants must possess strong writing and computer skills as there is an emphasis on producing quality paper work. The ability to read music is desirable and prior stage management experience is required. A practical knowledge of electrics and a basic understanding of power tools is a plus. This apprenticeship is suitable for those working towards careers as professional stage managers.

Electrics/Audio Apprenticeship

The Electrics/Audio Apprentice will work directly under the supervision of the Resident Lighting & Sound Designers to implement the lighting and sound design for each mainstage production. This apprentice will also gain hands-on experience with audio implementation. This position includes assisting with the hanging and focusing of lights, reading and drafting the light plot, assisting the lighting designer with paperwork, assisting the sound designer with programing and digital mixing and general maintenance of our inventory and spaces, along with working scenic load-ins and strikes.

Electrics/Audio Apprentices may have the opportunity to act as a lead electrician, A2, and/or serve as run crew on mainstage productions. Assignments also include the opportunity to design lights for a mainstage production later in the season and a portion of our youth productions.

Applicants should have a practical knowledge of electrics and a basic understanding of electricity, along with the ability to read and interpret lighting paperwork. Familiarity with ETC Ion lighting console and Vectorworks is a plus. Experience or interest in sound design and implementation is a plus. This apprenticeship is suitable for those working towards careers as lead electricians and lighting designers.

Costumes/Wardrobe

The Costumes/Wardrobe Apprentice works under the supervision of the Costume Designer and Costume Shop Manager to support the implementation and maintenance of costumes for all mainstage productions. From pre-production through rehearsals and performances, the apprentice collaborates closely with designers, directors, stage management, performers, and production staff.

Responsibilities include assisting with costume construction, fittings, alterations, and repairs; organizing and maintaining costume stock; and supporting daily costume shop operations. The apprentice also assists with costume load-ins, dress rehearsals, performances, strikes, and laundering.

Later in the season, the apprentice may have the opportunity to take on increased responsibility in a leadership role. Depending on professional interests and trajectory, this may include serving as lead wardrobe, designing or co-designing costumes, or acting as lead draper or crafts artisan on a mainstage production.

Applicants should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and able to work with a wide variety of personalities. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, initiative, and a professional demeanor are essential. Prior experience with sewing, costume construction, or wardrobe work is preferred. Familiarity with basic sewing machines, hand stitching, and garment care is required; experience with patterning, dyeing, or crafts is a plus. This apprenticeship is suitable for those pursuing careers in costume design, costume technology, or wardrobe management.

What to Expect

Apprentices are an integral part of the production team with the Omaha Theater Company and in order to create well-rounded theater professionals, our technical theater apprentices participate as staff members within their assigned roles on a variety of shows and projects. They are encouraged to develop good marketable habits, refine their interpersonal skills and develop relationships with theater professionals. On-going feedback and evaluations are given throughout the season providing an opportunity for the apprentice and their supervisor to discuss future goals. Apprentices also receive specialized training in specific disciplines and are able to take on leadership roles with the Teens ‘N’ Theater program & Youth Productions, including implementing lights and sound, leading load-ins and training board ops.

  • The contract period for the professional apprentice program is from mid August – mid May. It is a full-time position with varying hours. An outside job cannot be relied upon as supplemental income. 
  • Gross Compensation is $620/week. Housing is provided via a paycheck deduction of $500 per month. Complimentary tickets are also available for apprentices. 
  • Housing is provided via a paycheck deduction of $125 per week. A personal vehicle is recommended but not required.

Assistant Director Positions

The Rose is committed to providing mentorship opportunities to artists of all kinds. Assistant director positions are primarily a learning experience. No compensation, housing, transportation or honorarium will be offered for these positions. Complimentary tickets and networking opportunities will be available. Interested applicants do not need to possess a specific level of experience but should be enrolled in a degree program or be an early career theater professional. Placement for assistant directors is based on the anticipated quality of the match between the director and prospective assistant director. Experiential learning will not be uniform across all assistant director positions.

Availability: Our main stage shows have evening, weekend and daytime rehearsals. Most productions will rehearse for four weeks.

If you are interested in assistant directing, please send a letter of interest, resume, portfolio and availability to Artistic Director Matt Gutschick at mattg@rosetheater.org.