FAQ
What type of theater are you? Are you union?
Jobsite is a professional theater company. We pay our artists and engage professional contracts with playwrights and publishers. We have one full-time paid employee with the need for several more, contract part-time help as needed, and we’re working towards paying artists a living wage.
Every artist contract that we work out is typically based upon a flat fee versus a percentage of sales once a show has broken even on expenses. This ranges from $15 an hour to $425 a week with 2% – 10% of overages. We work with Actors Equity association members on Special Appearance in the Shimberg Playhouse but cannot offer travel, housing, or per diem. We do not engage Guest Artist contracts for shows in the Jaeb. We also contract designers who are members of United Scenic Artists and IATSE technicians. Our goal is to pay a living wage, regardless of union affiliation.
Union membership is not and should never be what dictates the distinction between a professional artist from a non-professional. Florida is a right to work state and we intend to remain available to all artists despite affiliation (or lack thereof).
Are you run by the Straz Center?
No. Jobsite is an independent, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization. We’re the resident theater company of Straz, but are a completely separate entity from it. They are a great partner. We are not unique, you can find partnerships like this between venues and theater companies across the country.
What's this whole Jobsite ensemble thing about?
Jobsite is an artists’ company. Part of our mission is to create an artistic home. The ensemble is a way for us to recognize the valuable artistic contributions given to us that are not always adequately financially recognized. Ensemble members are given special access to tickets, workshops, and other special opportunities and they may propose side projects that we will consider for production during the course of the season. Ensemble members are also bypassed through general annual auditions and are brought directly into callbacks for individual shows.
How do I audition?
We hold ensemble auditions annually over the summer as part of the Theatre Tampa Bay Unified Auditions. If you’ve never worked for us before, that’s when you want to audition. Our most current information is always on our Auditions page.
While we are always accepting resumes, you will be pre-screened before being offered an appointment. Jobsite pre-screens applicants for many reasons: we do not offer audition appointments to artists who have no-call no-showed at prior auditions; we want to ensure the artist has relevant experience or other intangible qualifiers; and we also may choose to bypass certain candidates directly to callbacks.
How much experience do I need to audition?
Honestly, we’re more interested in the talent and ability you bring to the table. This isn’t to say experience doesn’t help. Experience goes a long way. However, every season we feature actors who’ve never worked with us before. In fact, the guy writing the answer to this question has performed for Jobsite for close to 20 seasons, and all he had when he first auditioned was an English degree and some work doing sketch comedy. We’re always looking for new talent.
How do you choose your plays?
Once upon a time, Jobsite’s Play Selection committee comprised of Jobsite’s Artistic Associates and chaired by the Producing Artistic Director did this work. Since the pandemic and the incredible struggles we have all faced, the Producing Artistic Director has been solely choosing the season with input from the AAs. The democratic process was halted, in all transparency, due to economic factors that have forced us to be risk-averse if we want to keep our doors open. Want us to take more chances? Help us increase our base of season ticket support and fundraising efforts!
How do I get my script considered?
We do not consider unsolicited scripts at this time. We recommend contacting LAB Theater here in Tampa, who are dedicated to new work.
What's the best way to find out about Jobsite events?
Ah, that’s our second favorite question, next to “who do I write the check to?” There are a few ways. We send a newsletter once a week.
You may view our full schedule at our events calendar. There’s also high-tech info on that page if you want to auto-sync our calendar into yours.
And if you want up-to-the minute news and other fun stuff, there’s the blog.
Who do I write the check to?
Jobsite Theater. You’ll want to check out our Donate page as well.
Still have questions?
If you don’t see your question here, contact us. We will do our best to answer it, and if we think it’s a pretty common question, we may even post it on this page.
