Seasonal Casting Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department: Artistic / Production

Reports to: Director of Production

Classification: Full–Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000

Location: 100% In-Person, 3515 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

The Washington Ballet's Company Manager is the primary liaison for all matters concerning artists working with the ballet. This position works closely with the Artistic and Production Departments to facilitate all administrative and logistical issues related to schedule, travel, and health for all dancers, choreographers, designers, and other ad hoc artists. The Company Manager is a direct contributor to the culture of TWB and expected to be an active participant in furthering the TWB's core values.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Dancer Management

• Work with Artistic Staff to create and distribute Dancer daily schedules to include rehearsals, performances, fittings, special events, marketing needs, etc. Ensure that schedules comply with company policies and CBAs.
• Act as key liaison between dancers, Studio Company and management, including the Artistic Director, and ensures compliance with the AGMA CBA. Serves as the primary liaison between TWB and AGMA, and as a management representative at AGMA Joint Committee meetings. Act as a resource to the executive staff in the research, preparation, and documentation of collective bargaining negotiations.
• Ensure Artistic Department is informed of any dancer health related concerns in a timely and confidential manner. Facilitates the Dancer time off and guesting request process.
• Facilitate dancer health and wellness by working as a member of the dancer health management team (company physician, physical therapy, massage, etc) to ensure dancers receive timely and needed services. Facilitate workers compensation claims in conjunction with Human Resources and process all OSHA reporting requirements.
• Facilitate and track payroll for dancers, Studio Company and guest artists of TWB ensuring that all penalties and out of the ordinary pay situations are processed in a timely manner
• In coordination with Human Resources and Payroll, processes and maintains, in a complete and timely manner, necessary employment authorization documents for non-US citizens artistic personnel employed by The Washington Ballet. Assists employees with paperwork as needed.
• Manages all aspects of Visa procurement for incoming foreign dancers and choreographers, as well as ensuring the continued Visa compliance of current dance company members

Artistic Department Support

• Coordinate and communicate all travel arrangements (transportation, lodging, per diems, etc.) for artistic and production company members and guests.
• Seek out and maintain relationships for guest housing/accommodations
• Create and maintain dancer and artist guides, manuals, and other information packets
• Responsible for adherence to assigned Artistic budget lines through tracking, forecasting, and communication. Maintains up to date expense records for all artistic related expenses.
• Work with local presenters and theatres to manage all matters pertaining to the welfare of the Company, resolving problems in a diplomatic and resourceful manner that respects contractual agreements.
• Organize and manage Company and Studio Company auditions, including traveling to audition sites when needed, to ensure smooth operation and excellent communication with auditionees. Work with Marketing to facilitate announcement and marketing of audition dates.
• Ensure that Artistic Director's calendar and schedules are kept up to date without conflicts and proactively solve of any potential conflicts. Schedule meetings as requested. Keep Artistic Director aware of upcoming deadlines.
• Work in conjunction with the Artistic staff in managing casting documents and distribution
• Ensure Marketing has all needed artistic information for playbills including bios, headshots, and casting and that all information is correct
• Add and maintain performance casting on TWB's website
• Update and maintain the "Dancer Portal" on the TWB website

Production Department Support

• Assist with the creation and execution of contracts for artistic and production personnel
• Coordinate catering and hospitality for dancers and production staff as needed
• Assist in the planning and executing of special events as needed
• Maintain digital files and office organization for all artistic related materials
• Be onsite at theatres and other venues as needed for department and dancer support
• Act as an Assistant Stage Manager for productions where needed and capacity allows

General Company

• Assist TWB in combating seasonal and global health issues through maintenance and distribution of information, tools, and other preventative measures.
• Contribute to the overall success of TWB by maintaining productive and professional relationship with staff, company members, guest artists and the public
• Take part in maintaining a clean, healthy, and safe work environment.
• Actively participate in creating a work culture that embodies the core values of TWB; Creativity, Commitment, Communication, Collaboration, Compassion, and Community.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Director of Production or Artistic Director

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• At least 3 years of Company Management experience for a similar size performing arts organization. Touring experience is a plus
• Comfortable managing and adhering to a budget
• Experience working with union CBAs including AGMA, IATSE, USA, AFM
• Experience with contract preparation, negotiation, execution, and Visa processing
• Excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, tact, and discretion
• Excellent verbal and written communication with artists, staff, and others in a manner that ensures clear and mutual understanding of information and that fosters ongoing positive relationships
• Excellent organizational skills
• Understanding of artist needs and challenges
• Ability to multitask and work successfully to bring projects to completion both independently and collaboratively
• High professional standards with acute attention to detail
• Knowledge of theatre operations. Experience with Ballet/Dance company operations a plus
• Confident in a wide variety of software including Office365 products, file sharing systems, and database programs. Able to learn new programs quickly.
• Comfortable working with non-native English-speaking team members

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND SCHEDULE:

This is a fully on-site position requiring general mobility in office and theatre environments as well as various off-site locations. Must be able to navigate stairs and operate computers and other office equipment. General office hours are Monday through Friday 9:30am to 6pm, but evenings, weekends, and travel are required. Must be present during Company Dancer working hours.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The Washington Ballet is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment in all aspects of its work, from artistic performances and ballet education to community engagement and workplace culture. We prioritize presenting artists and perspectives that reflect the dynamism of DC. Through our community partnerships and campus locations, we intentionally bring opportunities to communities throughout the DMV, ensuring fairness in hiring and employment practices.

BENEFITS

• Employer-paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability and Life Insurance fully paid by TWB
• 403b Retirement Plan Option for Employee's Pre-tax & Roth Contributions
• Two weeks annual leave +10 holidays + 2 personal days+ floating holiday
• Six sick days annually
• Free ballet classes
• Access to free or discounted tickets to performances
• Professional development opportunities

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references. We encourage all interested applicants to apply even if they do not feel they meet 100% of the qualifications. We are dedicated to considering a wide array of candidates including those with non-traditional background and experience. Please use your cover letter to elaborate on what you hope to bring to this role and how your prior experience has prepared you for this opportunity.

ABOUT THE WASHINGTON BALLET

Founded more than 80 years ago, The Washington Ballet grew out of the success of The Washington School of Ballet, founded and directed for years by legendary dance pioneer Mary Day. Today, The Washington Ballet's mission is threefold: To bring the joy and artistry of dance to the nation's capital and the world's stage through the professional presentation of the best in classic and contemporary ballet; To provide the highest caliber of dance training through a preeminent school of ballet; and To serve and involve the entire community through extensive dance education and community engagement programs.