Full Time Employment
There are no open positions at this time.
Seasonal Employment
MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT
Under the direction of the Facilities Manager, the Facilities Assistant will interact with Big Top staff, Mt. Ashwabay staff, volunteers and additional personnel. Qualified candidates will have demonstrated experience working with tools, performing maintenance, and have a desire to support the image of Big Top Chautauqua.
Responsibilities:
Preferred Qualifications:
Dates & Hours of Employment:
Compensation & Benefits:
Candidates should send a resume and references to Joe Van Der Puy to joe@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure the delivery of Facilities Management services to a high standard while identifying opportunities that will continuously improve all aspects of operations.
- Assist with maintaining the property to optimal condition, utilizing the approved cleaning, grounds and waste services, and security contractors respectively.
- Ensure that the site is always fully operational.
- Under the direction of Facilities Manager, ensure grounds are cleaned and maintained daily.
- Carry out event ground checks daily, ensuring any issues are dealt with in a prompt and efficient manner.
- Assist Production Manager and Volunteer Coordinator with projects as needed.
- Under the direction of Facilities Manager, assist with Big Top office projects as needed.
- Assist with the general health and safety duties of the grounds including risk assessments and other statutory and non-statutory site requirements.
- Proactively work towards promoting a sense of pride in the facility department and Big Top Chautauqua.
- Ensure that all procedures are adhered to in relation to purchase requisitions and invoices within Facilities.
- Ensure signage on site is always appropriate and current.
- Assist in event setups and tear downs as needed.
- Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Well organized with excellent attention to detail/accuracy/prioritization.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and communication style that allows for positive and open dialogue with clients, and venue personnel.
- Respect for the privacy of artists and the ability to work discreetly and unobtrusively.
- The ability to work well under pressure and to multi-task effectively to prioritize workload.
- An ability to anticipate expectations and resolve issues.
- The drive to work proactively independently and as part of a team.
- Smart and professional appearance with a polite, courteous, and professional manner.
- A good understanding of the business would be an advantage.
Dates & Hours of Employment:
- Position starts ideally around May 8th and runs until late September to early October.
- The position is part time, and the hours will vary approx. 32hrs. per week.
- Weekend and evening work required.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Hourly compensation is $15 based on experience and availability.
- Season Guest Pass for 2.
- Discounts on venue merchandise.
- Discount on Mt. Ashwabay concessions.
Candidates should send a resume and references to Joe Van Der Puy to joe@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.
LIGHTING DESIGNER
The Lighting Designer is responsible for assisting in the hang and strike of the house rep plot; tour load-ins and loadouts, programming shows and operating console for each show as needed. This position reports to the Production Manager and Operations Director.
Responsibilities:
Preferred Qualifications:
Compensation & Benefits:
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and 2 academic and/or professional references to paul@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.
Responsibilities:
- Supervise all artistic decisions involving lighting.
- Program/Busk Avolite Titan console for shows as needed.
- Maintain lighting equipment, spotlights, hazers, etc.
- Climb lighting truss to refocus lighting instruments as needed.
- Maintain and update lighting cues in house show scripts; see that scripts are stored safely.
- Prepare for and participate in Blue Canvas Orchestra rehearsals according to schedule worked out with the Production Manager.
- Communicate with touring artists regarding show lighting needs. Be prepared to program looks, busk shows and call spot cues as needed.
- Assist stage crew in load-ins and loadouts of production equipment.
- Assist in production areas as needed including audio set up, video set up, stage set up, etc.
- Make arrangement for any needed equipment cleaning in coordination with Production Manager
- Alert Facilities Manager to any physical needs or safety concerns requiring maintenance including electrical or structural concerns backstage or in tent.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with and programming/busking an LED moving light rig for bands, theatrical performances, comedians, etc.
Experience programming an Avolite Titan console.
Experience climbing truss and being comfortable working at heights.
- May 28 through October 7
- Shift lengths may vary depending on show needs.
- Work may be 40+ hours per week.
- Weekend & evening work required.
- Call times will vary; a new schedule will be provided each week.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Contract: $14,500.
- Season Guest Pass for 2.
- Discounts on venue merchandise.
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and 2 academic and/or professional references to paul@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT (DAY CONTRACT)
Spend your summer working under the stars with local, national and internationally touring musicians and artists. Under the direction of the Stage Manager and Technical Staff, the Production Assistant will interact with Big Top Staff, touring personnel, artists, musicians, volunteers and patrons. Qualified candidates will have demonstrated experience working with live music and theater production.
Responsibilities:
Preferred Qualifications:
Dates & Hours of Employment:
Compensation & Benefits:
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and 2 academic and/or professional references to paul@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare tent, stage, backstage areas, and dressing rooms to host productions for the season.
- Load in Production Equipment at beginning of season.
- Set stage as indicated by stage plot for each production.
- Load in/load out touring production equipment per show.
- Load in/load out Blue Canvas Orchestra per show.
- Set-up/focus lighting, program/run console under direction of Lighting Designer as needed.
- Set-up mics, run cable, learn audio consoles, etc. under direction of Audio Engineers.
- Act as runner as needed by productions- always employ safe driving techniques.
- Always maintain cleanliness and organization of stage/backstage areas.
- Prepare Event Tent for sponsor gatherings as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A desire to produce high quality productions while enjoying your summer in beautiful surroundings.
- Punctuality and strong communication skills.
- Be courteous, considerate and respectful of all artists.
- Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to ever-changing conditions.
- Offer a high level of assistance to artists/touring personnel while maintaining a professional and discreet attitude.
- Ability to lift 50+ lbs.
- Employees are encouraged to have a personal vehicle.
Dates & Hours of Employment:
- Day contract.
- Weekend and evening work required.
- Shift lengths may vary depending on show needs.
- Call times will vary; a new schedule will be provided each week.
Compensation & Benefits:
- $125 per day.
- Season Guest Pass for 2.
- Discounts on venue merchandise.
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and 2 academic and/or professional references to paul@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.
STAGEHAND
Spend your summer working under the stars with local, national and internationally touring musicians and artists. Under the direction of the Stage Manager and Technical Staff, Stagehands will interact with Big Top Staff, touring personnel, artists, musicians, volunteers and patrons. Qualified candidates will have demonstrated experience working with live music and theater production.
Responsibilities:
Preferred Qualifications:
Dates & Hours of Employment:
Compensation & Benefits:
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and 2 academic and/or professional references to paul@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare tent, stage, backstage areas, and dressing rooms to host productions for the season.
- Load in Production Equipment at beginning of season.
- Set stage as indicated by stage plot for each production.
- Load in/load out touring production equipment per show.
- Load in/load out Blue Canvas Orchestra per show.
- Set-up/focus lighting, program/run console under direction of Lighting Designer as needed.
- Set-up mics, run cable, learn audio consoles, etc. under direction of Audio Engineers.
- Act as runner as needed by productions- always employ safe driving techniques.
- Always maintain cleanliness and organization of stage/backstage areas.
- Prepare Event Tent for sponsor gatherings as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A desire to produce high quality productions while enjoying your summer in beautiful surroundings.
- Punctuality and strong communication skills.
- Be courteous, considerate and respectful of all artists.
- Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to ever-changing conditions.
- Offer a high level of assistance to artists/touring personnel while maintaining a professional and discreet attitude.
- Ability to lift 50+ lbs.
- Employees are encouraged to have a personal vehicle.
Dates & Hours of Employment:
- June 1 to October 7.
- Weekend and evening work required.
- Shift lengths may vary depending on show needs.
- Call times will vary; a new schedule will be provided each week.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Hourly compensation of $12.50, up to 40 hours per week.
- Season Guest Pass for 2.
- Discounts on venue merchandise.
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and 2 academic and/or professional references to paul@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANT
As a Box Office Assistant, you will play an important role in the customer experience at the Box Office & Gift Shop location and the Backstage Event Center located in Bayfield. Under the supervision of the Box Office Manager, individuals in this role will be primarily responsible for selling tickets, providing excellent customer service, and serving as the first point of contact for patrons. Box Office staff work within a ticketing software program and perform credit card transactions and cash handling.
Responsibilities:
Preferred Qualifications:
Dates & Hours of Employment:
Compensation & Benefits:
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and 2 academic and/or professional references to info@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.
Responsibilities:
- Assist patrons in the purchase of tickets over the phone and in person.
- Help patrons with the navigation of the website and the online ticket purchasing process.
- Assist patrons with Gift Shop retail sales while operating a POS system.
- Answer customer questions and concerns while providing superior customer service.
- Relay information about performances, events, and Big Top.
- Maintain Gift Shop inventory and tidiness.
- Filing, copying and other basic office duties.
- Additional duties as requested.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of computers.
- Previous cash handling experience.
- Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Evening and weekend availability a plus.
- Prior relatable experience is a plus.
- Ability to lift +30 lbs. and work long hours, including nights and weekends.
Dates & Hours of Employment:
- This is a seasonal position beginning as early as March or April and running through mid-September to early October.
- Weekly schedules typically range from 20-40 hours per week.
- Includes daytime, evenings, and weekends.
- Shifts for this position range from 4 to 8 hours.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Hourly compensation dependent on experience and availability; $15/hour.
- Season Guest Pass for 2.
- Discounts on venue merchandise.
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and 2 academic and/or professional references to info@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.
TICKET GATE ATTENDANT
Ticket Gate Attendants play an important role in the customer experience at the Big Top Chautauqua Tent venue located south of Bayfield. Under the supervision of the Box Office Manager, individuals in this role will be responsible for selling tickets, providing excellent customer service, and serving as the first point of contact for patrons. Ticket Gate staff work within a ticketing software program and perform credit card transactions and cash handling.
Responsibilities:
Preferred Qualifications:
Dates & Hours of Employment:
Compensation & Benefits:
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and 2 academic and/or professional references to info@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.
Responsibilities:
- Sell tickets at the venue ticket gate.
- Answer customer questions and concerns while providing superior customer service.
- Relay information about performances, events, and Big Top.
- Balance end of day sale reports and handle cash flow.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of computers.
- Previous cash handling experience.
- Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Evening and weekend availability a plus.
- Prior relatable experience is a plus.
- Ability to lift +30 lbs. and work long hours, including nights and weekends.
Dates & Hours of Employment:
- This is a seasonal position beginning as early as March or April and running through mid-September to early October.
- Weekly schedules typically range from 20-40 hours per week.
- Includes daytime, evenings, and weekends.
- Shifts for this position range from 4 to 8 hours.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Hourly compensation dependent on experience and availability; $15/hour.
- Season Guest Pass for 2.
- Discounts on venue merchandise.
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and 2 academic and/or professional references to info@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.
VENUE MERCHANDISE SELLER
Venue Merchandise Sellers are responsible for the point of sale in the venue where venue and artist merchandise is sold. Prior to each event you will be responsible for taking inventory and preparing displays. After the event, you will be responsible for closing operations which includes end of day financial reports.
Responsibilities:
Preferred Qualifications:
Dates & Hours of Employment:
Compensation & Benefits:
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and 2 academic and/or professional references to info@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure an excellent experience for each customer by providing prompt and thorough customer service.
- Act as the lead salesperson while supervising volunteer merchandise associates.
- Maintain accurate cash handling while processing purchases with a POS system.
- Prepare displays prior to each event and tearing down displays after the event.
- Maintain inventory by counting in all items before and after the event, track stock levels of apparel & gift items, and restocking venue merchandise as needed.
- Manage the sales process of guest artist’s merchandise during events.
- Communicate with guest artist merchandise management via email, phone, and in person as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous cash handling experience.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to stand for long periods of time.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Must have evening and weekend availability.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Prior relatable experience is a plus.
Dates & Hours of Employment:
- This position begins as early as mid-May and runs through mid-September to early October.
- Shifts for this position typically range from 3:30 pm to closing, or 12:00 pm to closing during matinee performances.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Hourly compensation dependent on experience and availability; $15/hour.
- Season Guest Pass for 2.
- Discounts on venue merchandise.
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and 2 academic and/or professional references to info@bigtop.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.