Annie is a spunky depression-era orphan living in miserable times when a wealthy industrialist borrows her for a PR stunt. The fiery Annie quickly warms his cold heart, and leapin’ lizards – both their lives are forever changed! Set in hard-knock times reflective of our own, Annie’s inspirational journey reminds us that “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow” and there’s always room for hope and optimism!

GET 20% OFF ADULT TICKETS THIS FRIDAY 11/11 7PM SHOW WITH CODE: GOOGLEFRI  – OR -  SATURDAY 11/12 7PM SHOW WITH CODE: GOOGLESAT. Reserve your seats and enter code for Friday or Saturday show on final purchase page.

CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS NOW

SHOW TIMES: October 29- December 4, 2011. Weekends: Thurs, Fri and Sat at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm, Sundays at 12pm and 5pm. “Meet and Greets” with cast members after Saturday and Sunday matinee shows! Read more about the show, browse our parental advisory by scrolling down below.

TICKETS: $35 Adults / $33 Senior / $25 Youth / $17 Tot (5 and under)

CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS NOW

Directed by MINA MORITA. Music Direction by JONATHAN FADNER. Choreography DANE PAUL ANDRES.  Annie features an exciting cast of professional actors and artists, as well as two alternating casts of youth actors who play Annie and the orphans.  Click here to view cast list.

CLICK HERE TO GO ON FACEBOOK -  see photos, share our Annie Event, and go behind the scenes . Or click here to see a slide show!

THE STORY IN A NUTSHELL:

ANNIE is a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

PARENTAL ADVISORY: Is Annie right for my child?

Parents often ask us if our plays are suitable for this or that specific age, and of course, since we don’t know your child, it’s hard for us to say. What might be scary for one child might be titillating for another, so what we like to do is tell you more about the show, and let you make the decision yourself.  You know your child best. While Annie has been a perennial favorite with families since the 70′s here is an overview of some the material that might need pre-show warning or discussion with your child.

Poverty/Desperation
We’re in the midst of a great recession in this country and some children might be hearing about people on the brink of losing their jobs, homes and belongings.  Annie is set in the 1930′s during The Great Depression and she observes some of the desperation firsthand when she comes across a “Hooverville” shanty-town.  In one scene, the homeless residents express their anger and frustration at Herbert Hoover, the political establishment, and the society that has failed them.

Drinking
Miss Hannigan drinks to excess, as do some of the denizens of Hooverville. In this production, Hannigan is a real person in a desperate situation, not just a caricature or purely a villain.

Warbucks also alludes to drinking, and suggests getting Annie a brandy. (This is played as an endearing joke – he doesn’t know what to do with a kid.) All the servants drink a champagne toast to celebrate Annie’s adoption.

Violence
Miss Hannigan is brutal and bullying with the orphans.  The orphans, under Miss Hannigan’s “care,” have learned to be aggressive with one other.  They threaten each other and get into a few physical fights.

In Rooster and Lily’s plot to pose as Annie’s parents to obtain reward money, he suggests making her “disappear,” alluding that Annie will be murdered.  The show does not contain the kidnapping scene from the movie (viewers might remember a scene where Annie is hanging off a bridge.) Annie never leaves the Warbucks mansion and is never in physical danger with regard to Rooster.

The Dogcatcher threatens that Sandy will be “put to sleep” if he catches the dog out without a leash again.

Orphans/Orphanage/Adoption
A large part of the play takes place in an orphanage. Ms. Hannigan, the evil overseer makes many disparaging comments about the orphans such as, “Who would want to be an orphan?”  She also suggests that their parents would never come back for them.

Scary moments for the extra-tiny kids.
There will be a loud siren during  the scene with a police raid on Hooverville.
There is a scary moment when Hannigan catches Annie by surprise when she is trying to escape.

Helpful Discussion Points for Parents with Older Children:

1. What does it mean to be a good parent? (Warbucks tries to win Annie’s affections with a shiny new locket, but ultimately has to prove his love to her not through material means, but by going to the effort of trying to find her new parents, and protecting her from Hannigan/Rooster.)
2. Annie’s hope and optimism make the world around her a better place. In the face of a desperate situation is it possible to stay positive and try to change the world instead of giving up?
3. Cycle of violence: the orphans are violent and aggressive because their background is violent. How can violence/bad behavior lead to more bad behavior? How can it be stopped?
4. One thing that we are going for with this Annie is that Hannigan is a real person in a desperate situation, not just a caricature or purely a villain. What might have happened with Hannigan to make her so angry and depressed? Can she change?

Things to think about with children under five:

The musical is two hours long.  If your child is able to watch a movie or enjoys being read to or told stories, they will be ready for an afternoon of musical theatre.  Live theatre is mesmerizing and many young children enjoy the spectacle and excitement of seeing live actors singing and dancing on stage, no matter what their understanding of the story.

There will be moments when the theatre fades to darkness before the lights fade up again. This can be disconcerting to some young children.

Please feel free to email the box-office with any other questions or concerns about the show. boxoffice@berkeleyplayhouse.org

The jungle is jumpin’ with jazz in this exciting Disney classic also including exciting “Just So Stories” by Rudyard Kipling. Find out how the camel got its hump or the leopard got its spots, then join Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang as they swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan! With specially adapted-for-stage Just So stories in Act One and a musical adapted from the beloved film, in Act Two, The Jungle Book  includes all your favorite Disney tunes, like “The Bare Necessities,” and “I Wan’na Be Like You.” With colorful characters and that toe-tapping jungle rhythm, The Jungle Book KIDS is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages.

The Jungle Book is one of four shows in the Berkeley Playhouse Summer Conservatory Festival.

JULIA MORGAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley. SHOW TIMES: Friday, Aug 19 @ 7pm;  Saturday, Aug 20 at 1pm and 6pm; Sunday August 21 at 1pm.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS NOW

SWEENEY TODD

Book by Hugh Wheeler / Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
Directed by JON TRACY. Music Direction by ANGELA ZULLINGER

A chilling, macabre, yet funny musical thriller that tells the tale of an exiled barber who returns to 19th century London to seek revenge against the judge who framed him. The Barber’s thirst for blood soon expands to include his unfortunate barber-shop customers, while the resourceful proprietress of the pie shop downstairs suddenly has a new meat pie recipe that has all of London clamoring!

Sweeney Todd……………………….Sydney Jacobs-Allen
Mrs. Lovett……………………………Sachi Granich
Anthony……………………………….Arianna Cuevas
Johanna………………………………..Aubri  Kahalekulu
Judge Turpin………………………….Kyle Choate
Beadle…………………………………..Emily Abel
Beggar Woman……………………….Emma Choate
Tobias…………………………………..Maddie Pomaro
Pirelli…………………………………….Kenya Granich
Fogg……………………………………..Michelle Huebel
Birdseller……………………………….Amanda Drexler

ENSEMBLE
Nicole Ackerman-Greenberg
Veronica Fletcher
Jeremy Friedman,
Kristin Lew
Anna Polumbo-Levy
Hannah Tobin-Bloch

Production Photos of Seussical the Musical (Summer 2011)
(Photos by Larry Abel)

For more information, contact:  jerry@berkeleyplayhouse.org
For Advance Photos, Click Here

Rebecca Pingree is Gertrude McFuzz

William Hodgson is The Cat in the Hat

Chloe Hillebrand as Jojo (double-cast with Nandi Drayton)

Mr. & Mrs. Mayor Float into the Julia Morgan Center on a Speck of Dust

Horton Hears A Who

Advance Photography of Seussical (Summer 2011)

For more photos, please contact:  jerry@berkeleyplayhouse.org
Click Here for Production Photos

William Hodgson as the Cat in the Hat

Members of the Cast of Berkeley Playhouse's Seussical

Berkeley Playhouse @ Julia Morgan Center for the Arts
JOB DESCRIPTION:  Marketing & Development Assistant

The Marketing & Development Assistant is a part-time, entry-level position that supports the functions of our Marketing Manager and Development Manager.  The Assistant is the “glue” that holds together all of the many crucial tasks being performed in these two departments.  The Assistant, in some ways, must be the most organized and efficient member of our staff team, and must be willing to roll up her/his sleeves and do whatever it takes to make sure tasks are done accurately and on-time.  In addition to specific marketing and development tasks, the Assistant will also be required to staff the reception area (phones and deliveries) during some shifts.

KEY JOB ELEMENTS

The following duties are representative of the scope and types of responsibilities assigned to the Marketing & Development Assistant.  They are not all-inclusive.  Other duties may be assigned, as needed.

MARKETING – GENERAL

• Coordinate monthly Theatre Bay Area listings for the organization.
• Serve as the webmaster/editor for copy and formatting for website updates for all departments.  Constantly monitor the website for errors, outdated materials, formatting consistency, etc.
• Update, keep current the various social media outlets used by the organization – Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Yelp, etc.
• Keep lobby materials supplied and current for Berkeley Playhouse programs and others.
• Coordinate the marquee (sign) on the main entrance of the building – make sure the marquee is updated for each internal and external event.

SUBSCRIBER RELATIONS

• Assist with creation of welcome package and oversee the distribution of welcome letter to new and returning subscribers.
• Coordinate set-up and disbursement of Bring-A-Friend passes for each new subscriber (working with Patron Services).
• Answer subscriber questions and assist with bookings and benefits. Return subscription-related calls and respond to email inquiries on behalf of Marketing Manager.
• Assist with invitations to subscriber events, news announcements and show announcements
• Assist with distribution of annual subscriber surveys.

PROFESSIONAL SHOW & CONSERVATORY SHOW MARKETING

• Create listings for shows in local calendar listings and online event venues.
• Coordinate distribution of postcards and posters.
• Exploit social media for maximum exposure for shows.
• Create and distribute e-marketing materials for professional and youth shows to cast members and parents for their disbursement to friends and family.

PROFESSIONAL SHOW & CONSERVATORY SHOW AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE

• Assist with gathering of bios, notes, headshots, credits, show lists, donor lists, for playbill
• Oversee the creation of the playbill including fine edits and revisions with graphic artists for printing.
• Print playbills for each show.
• Assist with invitations to board members, VIP’s, actor alums, industry to opening night and opening night celebrations.
• Coordinate the Opening Night events for cast, crew, subscribers, VIPs.
• Oversee the issuing of post-show audience surveys each Monday after weekend of shows.
• Synthesize audience responses into reports that are usable for staff and board of directors.
• Create e-blasts for professional and youth shows.

EDUCATION (CONSERVATORY)

• Assist Director of Education & Education Associate to release information on education programs via press releases, website, etc.
• Assist in writing and cleaning up marketing copy for classes and educational programs.
• Create e-blasts for Conservatory programs.
• Update website with programs, classes and camps

COMMUNITY & OUTREACH EVENTS

• Help plan and budget for community events such as Solano Stroll and Spice of Life to promote organization and expand awareness of brand and programs.
• Help Marketing Manager create attractive concept for booth, booth materials, banners and season promotions at community events.
• Execute schedule for production of banners and materials.
• Design and prepare hand-outs, flyers, and ticket sales incentives and coupons for event
• Assist with packing the booth materials the day before event; set up for the event, staff booth on day of event, with support from other staff and volunteers.

AUCTION DONATIONS AND GIFT CERTIFICATES

• Receive and administer for auctions and gift certificates from various community organizations
• Create or provide auction materials and gift certificates according to need
• Track donations; report on number and value of in-kind donations made by Berkeley Playhouse
• Set up prizes with winners.

FUNDING AND DEVELOPMENT

• Assist with Annual Campaign: data entry/correspondence for donations, including assisting with annual campaign mailing and telethons
• Assist with data collection for grant applications as needed
• Assist with Fund Event and other special events.
• Development: help to create event, gather materials and donations, assist with overseeing human resources; Marketing: provide marketing support to promote the event. Assist with staffing event.
• Reporting and stats – assisting with the creation, gathering and analyzing of surveys with the aim of looking for development opportunities in funding, audience development, and volunteers as well as marketing and programmatic opportunities.

REGULAR HOURS

15-20 hours per week to start.  During peak times (like near Fundraising Event or show openings), there will be more hours, including some evening and weekends.  Schedule to be determined with Marketing Manager and Development Manager.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• College degree in marketing, communications or related field is preferred; however, relevant experience will substitute.
• 1 or more years of customer service experience is required.
• Basic graphic design experience is needed – Versed in use of PhotoShop, InDesign, Publisher.
• Understanding of WordPress or other similar blog platforms.
• Artistic sensibilities that match the high quality of our programs, brand and marketing materials.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Keen eye for detail; commitment to accuracy.
• Availability for weekend day and weekend evening hours during peak times, as needed by Marketing and Development departments.
• Must be comfortable using all basic Office software.
• Very good handling difficult people and situations.  Calm and resourceful.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Able to lift 25 pounds, and work in conditions that require walking, standing, kneeling, lifting, being outside.

• We will accept cover letter/resume from qualified applicants at:  jobs@berkeleyplayhouse.org
• Please provide the name, email & phone info for three professional references (we will not contact without receiving permission first)
• Applications accepted until position is filled; Ongoing review of resumes and cover letters begins immediately
• Desired start date is July 15; however, we will continue to interview until the right candidate is selected

• Oversees day-to-day office operations; supervises office administrative help
• Develops procedures and protocols for office, finances, human resources, basic building operations
• Serves as company contact for insurance, workers’ comp, IRS, EDD, etc.
• Supervises work of contracted bookkeeper; Ensures timely and accurate reporting
• Supervises work of Facilities & IT Coordinator; Conducts weekly walk-throughs of building with Facilities & IT Coordinator
• Supervises Patron Services Manager; ensures smooth ordering, reporting, deposits, etc. from box office and concessions
• Supervises Executive Assistant (who is shared between all four members of the Leadership Team, and also does general receptionist duties)
• Supervises Booking Coordinator for outside renters; Oversees the rental and organization calendar
• Supervises issue of contracts to actors, directors, designers, and technicians (with administrative support) – Serves as contract signer
• Meets regularly with Board Finance Committee & each Manager to monitor department budgets
• Serves as signer on checking account and other business documents

• Supervises Marketing Manager and Marketing staff.
• Approves marketing plan and strategies to attain revenue and attendance goals.
• Oversee subscription campaign strategy; working closely with contracted firm on renewal campaign as needed.
• Work closely with Marketing team and Artistic Director to approve art concepts for shows and programs.

• Bachelor’s degree in business or arts administration (or closely related field) required; Master’s degree preferred
• 3-5 years professional  in a theatre or arts administration role; supervisory experience required
• Demonstrated success as a supervisor of employees – including EDD regulations, basic employment law
• Demonstrated success as a manger of budgets and financial functions; Thorough knowledge of Quickbooks is very beneficial
• Demonstrated knowledge of technical theatre and theatre production
• Familiarity with Equity rules and regulations
• Very strong interpersonal & communication skills – written, oral, email etiquette, writing for different audiences (web, parents, business associates, vendors, industry partners)
• Negotiating skills, mediation skills, ability to handle many tasks with poise and patience
• Demonstrated success in audience and fund development
• Education is at the heart of our company, so we always hire people who enjoy working with children and parents

• We will accept cover letter/resume from qualified applicants at:  jobs@berkeleyplayhouse.org
• Please provide the name, email & phone info for three professional references (we will not contact without receiving permission first)
• Applications accepted until position is filled; Ongoing review of resumes and cover letters begins immediately
• Desired start date is October 24; however, we will continue to interview until the right candidate is selected

When the tiny clover-dwelling “Whos” are threatened with danger (and the general disbelief in their existence), Horton, the Elephant (Benjamin Pither) must face ridicule, kidnapping and a court trial in the Jungle of Nool to save his little Who friends. Meanwhile big bird, Gertrude Mc Fuzz (Rebecca Pingree) never loses faith in him, even though she goes completely un-noticed by Horton!

Enjoy Dr Seuss’s most beloved stories and characters woven together in one fantastical musical journey. With the hip, Berkeley Playhouse Cat in the Hat (William Hodgsdon) as your emcee, Seussical, the Musical, is a thrill ride through the imagination of one of the finest musical writing teams and the 20th  century’s most entertaining story-tellers!

Music by Stephen Flaherty / Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens / Co- Conceived by Eric Idle. Based on the Works of Dr. Seuss.

Seussical the Musical runs 2 hours with intermission.

Is Seussical, the Musical  right for my child?

As a hodge-podge of the many stories written for children by the inimitable Dr. Seuss, Seussical, the Musical is definitely suitable for all ages.  If your child loves being read to or enjoys listening to stories and can sit still for long periods, they will  love the  live theatre  experience.

If  your child has already been introduced to the work of  Dr Seuss and a few of the tales and characters such as Cat in the Hat, Horton, the Whos and Gertrude McFuzz – they will be especially engaged with this imaginative conglomeration of musical stories!

Generally speaking, Berkeley Playhouse does not like to  suggest an age range for their shows, but rather leaves the decision to the parent. The show is 2 hours long with intermission – a little longer than most movies.

Seussical is a light-hearted, family-friendly show suitable for all ages (including you),  however here are some things that could be upsetting to some children. You know your child best. What might be funny or innocuous to one child, could be scary or upsetting to another. Here are a few advisories:

1. When Horton hears a Who, he is not believed and is mocked by the Sour Kangaroo and the monkeys.
2. The Whos are in some distress as their speck of dust hurtles through the atmosphere – this is told through singing and mime.
3. JoJo is ‘alone in the universe’ and appears to have no parents.  He is forced to join an army led by a ridiculous General.
4. While fighting a senseless war (The Butter Battle) Jojo is killed (indicated by a loud BLAM) and his hat and weapon are returned to his parents who sing sadly while the cat lightens the mood with humorous  melodrama and brings Jojo back to life.
5. Gertrude McFuzz thinks her tail isn’t fancy enough to get her noticed by Horton and  when Horton  ignores her, she feels hurt and dejected.
6. Mayzie La Bird lays an egg which she abandons for ‘the good life’, but luckily Horton agrees to take care of it.
7. Horton is captured by hunters and thrown in jail where he is subjected to more ridicule before the Whos cry of “Yopp!” is finally heard from the speck of dust and Horton is finally believed.

Feel free to contact us at boxoffice@berkeleyplayhouse.org if you have any other questions or concerns.

PRODUCTION CREW

Kimberly Dooley…Director & Choreographer
Tal Ariel…Musical Director
Sofia Dertimanis …Stage Manager
Dane Paul Andres …Youth Director/ Dance Captain
Lizz Guzman …Youth Coordinator
Mary Pingree  …Scenic Designer
Emily Hagen …Costume Designer
Megan Lush …Props Designer
Mike Sweeny …Sound Designer/Engineer
Jacqueline Steager …Lighting Designer
Kat Wepler …Production Manager
Elizabeth McKoy  …Artistic Director
Melissa Hillman  …Associate Artistic and Casting Director

CAST:

Dane Paul Andres  …Wickersham Brother
Kayla Berghoff …Bird Girl
Nkechi Emeruwa  …Bird Girl
Jonathan Fadner  …Mr. Mayor
Miguel Gamalinda  …Wickersham Brother
John Paul(JP) Gonzalez …Wickersham Brother
William Hodgson  …Cat in the Hat
Don Hardwick …Ensemble
Ji Kim-Fung …Bird Girl
Nicole C. Julien  …Sour Kangaroo
John Lewis  …General
Derek Leo Miller …Wickersham Brother
Kimberly Miller …Ivlada Vladikof/Featured Aerialist
Sarah Mitchell  …Mayzie La Bird
Rebecca Pingree  …Gertrude McFuzz
Benjamin Pither  …Horton
Elissa Stebbins …Mrs Mayor
Nandi Drayton …Jojo
Chloe Killebrew  …Jojo

TEEN ENSEMBLE:

“GREEN EGGS” 2pm shows: July 16, 30, 13 **7pm shows: July 9, 14, 15, 16, 27, 30, August 11 **12pm shows: July 10, 17, 31, August 14*** 5pm shows: July 17, 31, August 14.

Mashusha Oddle Doodle Who             Michelle Heubel
Molliny Maree McWhoster                  Emily Abel
Whoseena Mackletree Marsh             Sydney Jacobs Allen
Hoo Nozwho                                         Kristin Lew

“& HAM” 2pm shows: July 9, 23, August 6 *** 7pm shows: July 22, 23, August 4, 5, 6, 11, 13*** 12pm shows: July 24, August 7 *** 5pm shows: July 10, 24, August 7, 14

Cindy Michoo Who                         Teala Volkamer
Olga Opal O’Wholligan                    Juliet “Jet” Harper
Kettelamaroon Bhoo Who            Sabra Jaffe

YOUTH ENSEMBLE:  Note there are two alternating youth ensembles. See below for performance times.

STAR-BELLIED SNEECHES
• Donya Kashani
• Carlina McDonald
• Maya Oderberg
• Hannah Cornejo
• Rachael Cornejo
• Maya Ezekiel
• Oryah Rose Chittick
• Milo Fielding Bailey
• Caroline Hall
• Althea White

Star-bellied Sneeches perform

July 9, 2pm
July 10, 5pm
July 22, 9:45am
July 22, 7pm
July 23, 2pm
July 23, 7pm
July 24, 12pm
July 24, 5pm
August 4, 7pm
August 5, 5pm
August 6, 2pm
August 6, 7pm
August 7, noon
August 7, 5pm
August 13, 11am
August 14, 5pm

LORAXES
• Yuki Koch
• Grant Konkel
• Hannah Konkel
• Caleb Meyers
• Averil Lough
• Yates Lough
• Laura Pierson
• Julia Prager
• Eli Nichols

Loraxes perform

July 9, 7pm
July 10, noon
July 14, 7pm
July 15, 7pm
July 16, 2pm
July 16, 7pm
July 17, noon
July 17, 5pm
July 27, 7pm
July 30, 2pm
July 30, 7pm
July 31, noon
July 31, 5pm
August 11, 7pm
August 13, 4pm
August 14, noon

Berkeley Playhouse is committed to producing relevant, intelligent, soul-stirring plays that speak to the hearts and minds of people of all ages.  Most of our shows include children as actors, and all of our shows have messages that appeal to many different age groups.

Because each child audience member is unique, Berkeley Playhouse is reluctant to set an absolute age recommendation for most of its shows. However, Born and Raised is an exception. Because this work contains subject matter more suited to mature audiences, we are recommending it for children 12 and above.  This guide will help you understand our recommendation and decide whether Born and Raised is right for your child.
About the Show:
Born and Raised is a new musical by the award-winning and critically-acclaimed Bay Area playwright and director Jon Tracy and gifted local composer Scott DeTurk. The production discusses LGBT families, marriage equality, homophobia, bullying, and suicide in very frank and realistic ways. If your child is prepared to engage with these important, deeply emotional topics, your family will love Born and Raised and find its complex, intelligent, frank engagement with important contemporary social issues a wonderful way to begin or deepen discussion with your child.
The Story:
Born and Raised weaves together several stories and time periods. We see Connor as a young boy with his best friend, Jesse, deal with homophobia and bullying by escaping into a fantasy world of superheroes, until a tragic suicide irrevocably changes everything. Lila is a young girl whose honor student and LGBT activist sister, Elena, is the victim of a brutal gay bashing. Elena’s parents struggle with accepting her, even in the aftermath. As an adult, Connor is now a successful comic book artist and Lila is a journalist covering the marriage equality battle in San Francisco. We see how their past experiences have affected their lives as adults, and we see them both struggle to come to terms with their parents, with homophobia, and with their difficult past experiences. Born and Raised’s beautiful, uplifting ending is heartfelt and inspirational.
Violence:
Violence is an integral part of the story, but no violence is depicted onstage. Both suicide and gay bashing are discussed openly.
LGBT Issues:
Born and Raised is a Bay Area story about LGBT families, homophobia, bullying, suicide, and marriage equality. It is a very LGBT-positive show.  These issues are presented in an intelligent, complex manner reflecting the reality of life in the San Francisco Bay Area.  There are no depictions or discussions of sexual activity in the show.

EDUCATION ASSOCIATE

BERKELEY PLAYHOUSE CONSERVATORY:  The Education Associate is a full-time position whose main responsibility is to assist with the implementation of the policies, vision and curriculum of the Berkeley Playhouse Founding Artistic Director and Education Director (Executive Director). The position is an exciting mix of administration, working with students, assisting teachers, and learning the inner workings of a dynamic music theatre education program. Most importantly, it is a customer service position, and a critical link between parents (our most important stakeholders) and the company.  The position is supervised by the Executive Director/Director of Education.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate enrollment process for terms; do set-up of registrar system for each term – including skills-based classes, youth performance programs, and professional show ensemble (internships) programs.
• Coordinate booking classroom, studio and theatre space (including some occasional off-site venues).
• In conjunction with Artistic Director and Education Director, assist with writing course descriptions and learning outcomes for each course/program offered in the Conservatory.
• Coordinate the master schedule for each term, plugging in teachers and space assignments to the curriculum plan for the term
• Assist with disseminating public information regarding class offerings; work with Marketing Manager and Education Director on implementing strategies – which may include site visits to local schools.
• Coordinate the Need-Based Financial Aid awards to families; work with Education Director to approve requests and follow-up on arrangements made with families regarding payments.
• Prepare, distribute and collect Teaching Artist contracts as negotiated and offered by Education Director.
• Assist with Teaching Artist orientations/trainings each term.
• Be available to drop in to classes and check-in with Teaching Artists and Show Directors (and other youth teaching/directing staff) to ensure communication is flowing from contracted staff to the management in a positive way.
• Return general phone calls and email inquiries about programs and registration.
• Be visible at some professional shows to answer questions and promote programs.
• Be visible at all youth performances to support directors, teachers, students; as well as to answer questions about programs.
• Attend auditions for all youth performance programs – including the professional show programs (interns).
• Attend first classes of each term to greet parents, students and Teaching Artists.
• Attend final showings of classes to greet parents and support Teaching Artists and students, as well as to ensure the quality of the programs.
• Process Teaching Artist reimbursement requests.
• Serve as one of two main on-call contacts (with Director of Education) for weekend and evening class issues, including substitute teaching when necessary.

Position Hours:

This is a full-time position, with some flexibility, with hours divided between regular office/business hours and hours when education/youth programs are happening on-site.  It is crucial that the Education Associate be available at the following events:

• Auditions for Youth performance programs (Kids, Youth & Teens) – These will occur during after school & evening hours, three times per year.
• First rehearsals for all Youth programs, which will include a parent meeting.  This includes youth program in all professional shows – which means possible Saturday or Sunday first rehearsals.
• Attendance at all first classes of each term to welcome teachers, students, and parents. This includes weekend classes.
• Attendance at final showings of each class to announce new programs, welcome parents and congratulate students.
• Attendance at 75% or more of the youth mainstage performances  to help with parent volunteer coordination, be a public face for Berkeley Playhouse programs, and assist directors with last minute logistics, as needed.
• All office staff are expected to volunteer as ambassadors for Berkeley Playhouse a minimum of 2-3 performances of the professional shows.  The Education Associate may also be called on to do a limited number of pre-curtain speeches for each professional show run.  This is a great opportunity to interact with patrons and parents, and answer questions about education programs.
• Available to substitute teach for any classes where there is an emergency or unexpected need.
• It should be expected that there will be a minimum of one or two Saturday or weekend commitments a month (sometimes more).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• College degree; preferably in theatre or performing arts – or degree in-process and experience equivalent
• Passion for theatre and theatre education
• Experience working with kids
• Impeccable communication and customer service skills, as this position is largely focused on being the  principle communication link between parents/public and the organization
• Reliable, timely, available on flexible schedule – including a fair amount of evenings and weekends over the course of the year.
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to walk, stand, sit, lift up to 25 pounds, climb stairs
• Must have good references from professional or academic references (or comparable)
• Must be willing to undergo a criminal background check

COMPENSATION:
Competitive, based on experience and education.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
For more information about this position, please contact us at: jobs@berkeleyplayhouse.org / No phone calls, please.  To find out about Berkeley Playhouse, visit:  www.berkeleyplayhouse.org