Working at Bell Shakespeare

Staff at Bell Shakespeare enjoy a creative and supportive workplace, that encourages collaboration and inspiration.
 

As part of the Bell Shakespeare team, you will:

  • Receive complimentary tickets to all Bell Shakespeare productions
  • Receive ongoing professional development
  • Be based in a spectacular location at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
  • Have the opportunity to work with major performing arts venues, including Sydney Opera House, Arts Centre Melbourne and Canberra Theatre Centre
  • have access to special opportunities and discounts within the arts, as they arise.

Unless otherwise stated in a job description, all staff are based at our headquarters in Sydney, NSW.

Bell Shakespeare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with a disability, mature age workers, and LGBTQIA+ people are encouraged to apply for this position. We believe that Shakespeare is for all.

Current Vacancies

The Players 2026 Audition Brief

Bell Shakespeare is holding auditions for The Players 

THE ENGAGEMENT

  • The Players are Bell Shakespeare’s touring Education ensemble and a core part of the Company.
  • There will be a one-week workshop, prior to rehearsal, from 1 – 6 December 2025. This will be a week of intensive training, focusing on text, voice, ensemble-building, knowledge of Shakespeare and script reads and workshopping.
  • The full engagement dates are 9 March – 4 October 2026. Please note, this is a continuous period of employment.
  • Rehearsal will take place over the following dates: 9 March – 20 April 2026.
  • The tour will run from 21 April – 4 October 2026.  A debrief will take place at Bell Shakespeare headquarters in w/c 5 October 2026.
  • The ensemble will be based in Sydney and will tour to all states and territories of Australia including metropolitan and regional areas.

THE DETAIL

  • We are looking for actors who are passionate about working with young people, passionate about Shakespeare, and interested in sharing that passion with students.
  • The ensemble of six actors will work as two teams of three, driving together to schools and delivering Bell Shakespeare’s In-Schools Performance program. While on tour The Players will be a self-contained unit interacting with teachers and schools, setting up staging and props and logging daily reports.
  • There are early starts, long days, and some Sundays where you may be travelling.
  • It is hard work, but immensely rewarding and satisfying. Being a member of The Players builds your stamina as a performer, hones your craft, and is an incredible training ground for an early career actor.
  • It is a health and safety regulation that all actors in this program MUST be able to drive. Please only submit if you have your FULL driver’s licences (i.e., not P plates) and no more than six (6) demerit points currently on your driving record.
  • Due to the nature of this engagement and the requirement to interact with young people, Bell Shakespeare reserves the right to conduct a pre-employment background check on all applicants.  
  • All actors in this program will be required to pass state- and territory-based working with children checks as relevant to the national Players' tour.

THE PERFORMANCES

  • In 2026 The Players will perform three 50-minute shows for school audiences across a range of age groups.  Two performances for secondary students (Years 7 – 12), and one performance for primary students (Years 2 – 6).
  • These shows are performed in school auditoriums, theatres, halls, and gyms up to three times a day as well as other community and theatre venues on occasion.
  • The Players also have the opportunity to work with Bell Shakespeare’s Artistic team during Creative Development week/s.

SUBMISSIONS

  • Submissions will open on Monday 8 September 2025 and be open for two weeks.
  • Please complete the submission form with all details requested by 5pm on Friday 19 September 2025. Forms that do not contain all requested materials cannot be considered.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/8626183ea6e64cf5af28f8f8eed670d8

  • In making our selection for auditions we will ideally adhere to the criteria of:
    • A demonstrated interest in Shakespeare
    • A desire to work with young people
    • Three years training at drama school or equivalent professional experience

Please understand that not everyone who submits will receive an audition. This is NOT a general audition for the company.

It takes diversity of thought, culture, background, and perspective to make Shakespeare accessible to all Australians. We strongly encourage actors with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to apply for The Players.

AUDITIONS

  • Should you be successful in securing a first-round audition, you will be sent a date and time along with materials to prepare by Friday 26 September at the latest.  
  • In-person first-round auditions will be held on Thursday 9, Friday 10, and Monday 13 October in Sydney. We have a strong preference to see everyone in person, however we understand that this is not always possible so will accept taped auditions for the first round only, and only if being seen in person is impossible. First round audition tapes will be due on Friday 10 October.
  • Call backs will be held on Wednesday 29 October. You must be available to attend in person in Sydney for the group call back otherwise you cannot be considered.
     

Venue Technical Supervisor

Bell Shakespeare is Australia’s national touring Shakespeare company. Headquartered in Sydney, the Company tours extensively throughout Australia each year, delivering a wide-reaching theatre and education program to audiences nationally.

We are seeking a skilled Venue Technical Supervisor to work with, and report to, the Venue and Operations Manager as a part of the Operations Department. The role supports all venue hire and production-related activity in the new, purpose-built premises at Pier 2/3 as part of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct.

The successful applicant will be a highly organised individual with a keen understanding of venue operations. They will ensure that crew, creative and event management teams are fully supported throughout rehearsals, performance, events and venue maintenance. In addition, the role supports the technical delivery of a suite of Company activity, including play readings, education and creative development workshops, functions, and special events as they occur each year. In working with the Venue and Operations Manager, the successful applicant will provide essential administrative and logistical support within the organisation, including maintaining working relationships with key stakeholders in Create NSW, Colliers, Australian Chamber Orchestra and Australian Theatre for Young People.

As part of the Bell Shakespeare team, you will

  • Work in an inclusive, supportive, and fun environment
  • Receive ongoing professional development and training
  • Receive complimentary tickets to all Bell Shakespeare productions
  • Receive 4 weeks annual leave

Essential skills/attributes:

  • Minimum of three years industry experience in mid- to large-scale live theatrical production
  • Industry experience managing a small to medium venue/creative premises or delivering theatre or events within a multi-purpose venue
  • Experience in the planning, installation, and operation of technical systems
  • Ability to create and interpret technical drawings using CAD software
  • Proven ability to manage competing projects and prioritise accordingly
  • Flexible attitude to duties and responsibilities
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Excellent computer skills, PC and Mac, with the ability to keep detailed written and electronic records
  • Knowledge of at least one technical console – lighting, audio and vision
  • Physical capability of lifting and moving heavy items safely and efficiently
  • Be an Australian Citizen or hold permanent residency
  • Current Driver’s Licence

Desirable skills/attributes:

  • Knowledge of IT systems
  • Experience with Office 365 suites (SharePoint, Excel, and Word)
  • Knowledge of theatre production methods
  • Knowledge of Workplace Health & Safety requirements and experience producing WH&S documentation, including Risk Assessments.
  • Ability to display resilience and courage in a team environment

Application:

If you are interested in the role, please send through your CV and a cover letter marked for the attention of Benjamin Howlett, Head of Production, to hr@bellshakespeare.com.au.

Download the position description here.

Bell Shakespeare is an Equal Opportunity employer and welcomes and encourages applications from First Nations peoples, people with a disability, LGBTQI+ people, and culturally and linguistically diverse applicants.

Applications will close at 10:00am on 7 October, 2026.

Stage Manager

Sydney Based- Seasonal

Bell Shakespeare is Australia’s National Shakespeare Company. We are seeking an experienced Stage Manager to join the Company in 2026 at one of the most exciting times in the Company’s history. The Stage Manager position is a 5-month contract, including touring the show to Canberra and Melbourne.  This position is responsible for managing rehearsals, participating in bump-ins and outs, calling the show, and being a supportive member of the 3-person stage management team.  The successful candidate will be an approachable, relaxed and friendly team player keen to join a professional team to undertake a challenging but rewarding show.

Contracted Dates will be the following on our First Mainstage Production;

  • Monday 19th January – Wednesday 13th May.

The Stage Manager will provide support to the Production Manager, Director, and the Stage Management team to run rehearsals, managing day-to-day activities, running the stage for technical rehearsals and performances throughout the season, and will provide support and guidance to the cast.  The Stage Manager will perform a leadership role and provide guidance to the Assistant Stage Managers and the show Dresser, with a focus on imparting knowledge and experience to the team.  As a key company representative, the Stage Manager should have a passion for working in a close-knit team, and feel comfortable leading.

About You:

The successful applicant will be an active participant in pre-production planning, rehearsal activity, bump in, season support, bump out. This includes co-ordination and delivery of production related resources, supervision and direction of venue crews, working closely with creative teams, and maintaining accurate records and documentation within the production environment.

As part of the Bell Shakespeare team, you will:

  • Work in an inclusive and supportive environment
  • Receive ongoing professional development and training
  • Receive complimentary tickets to Bell Shakespeare productions
  • Have the opportunity to work in Bell Shakespeare’s state-of-the-art performance venue The Neilson Nutshell, as well as the Art Centre Melbourne’s intimate Fairfax Studio.

To be considered as a successful applicant, we require:

Essential criteria

  • Minimum of five years of industry experience in theatrical production
  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in calling shows
  • Knowledge and experience in theatre production techniques
  • An understanding of the artistic process and the ability to work with creative teams
  • Proven ability to work in a team environment, whilst also able to work autonomously
  • Flexible attitude to duties, responsibilities and working hours within the skill set of the position
  • High-level computer skills, particularly using spreadsheets and word processing software
  • Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
  • Ability to keep detailed written and electronic records
  • Ability to tour for extended lengths of time
  • Must hold a current driver’s licence
  • Must be an Australian Citizen or hold permanent residency.

Desirable skills

  • Tertiary qualifications in arts, arts management and/or theatre technical and production fields
  • Knowledge of Workplace Health & Safety requirements in a production environment
  • A general understanding of Audio - not limited to set up and pack down, troubleshooting, programming and maintaining Qlab
  • General understanding of costumes and props, with the ability to maintain

Application:

If you are interested in the role, please send through your CV and a cover letter for the attention of:

Benjamin Howlett, Head of Production, hr@bellshakespeare.com.au

Download the position description here.

Bell Shakespeare is an Equal Opportunity employer.  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse applicants, and people with disability are encouraged to apply for this position.

Applications will close at 10am on 7th October, 2025. 
 

PLAYERS Deputy Stage Manager

Sydney Based – Seasonal Contract

Bell Shakespeare is Australia’s national theatre company, dedicated to the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. We are seeking an experienced Deputy Stage Manager to join the rehearsal period of our Players Program.
The Players are Bell Shakespeare’s touring ensemble of professional artists who bring Shakespeare to life in schools and communities across Australia.

About the Role
The Deputy Stage Manager will:

  • Support a team of three actors and collaborate with three directors across three 50-minute productions.
  • Assist in preparing actors for their in-school incursions ahead of touring nationally.
  • Provide day-to-day support and guidance during rehearsals, working closely with the Production Manager, Directors and creative teams.
  • Take an active role in pre-production planning, rehearsal coordination, and delivery of production resources.
  • Maintain accurate documentation, coordinate props and equipment, and ensure smooth rehearsal processes.
  • This is a two-month seasonal contract for the rehearsal period.
  • We’re looking for an approachable, friendly, and professional team player with a passion for theatre-making, education, and adapted work.

What You’ll Bring
Essential Criteria:

  • Minimum five years’ experience in theatrical production.
  •  Strong knowledge of prop sourcing.
  • Proven experience with theatre production techniques.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with creative teams while working independently when required.
  • Flexible and adaptable approach to responsibilities and working hours.
  • High-level computer skills (spreadsheets and word processing).
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
  • Ability to maintain detailed written and electronic records.
  • Australian citizenship or permanent residency.

Desirable Skills:

  • Tertiary qualifications in arts, arts management, or theatre technical/production fields.
  • Knowledge of Workplace Health & Safety requirements in a production environment.

Why Join Bell Shakespeare?
As part of our team, you’ll benefit from:

  • An inclusive and supportive working environment.
  • Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

Application Process

Please submit your CV and cover letter addressed to Benjamin Howlett, Head of Production at hr@bellshakespeare.com.au

View the Position Description here.

Applications close: 10am, 29 September 2025

Bell Shakespeare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
 

Casual Crew

Are you a dedicated individual with a deep passion for the performing arts? Do you thrive in a behind-the-scenes role, helping to create unforgettable theatrical and event experiences? If so, we want to hear from you!

Bell Shakespeare is currently seeking expressions of interest from talented individuals to join our casual crew. We are looking for individuals with various skills; ranging from Lighting, Audio, General Mechanist and General production support. If you have a love for theatre and a desire to contribute to the creative process, this is the opportunity for you.

Bell Shakespeare is Australia's premier theatre company dedicated to producing and promoting the work of William Shakespeare. With a focus on innovative productions, national tours, education programs and engaging with diverse audiences, Bell Shakespeare aims to bring the genius of Shakespeare to life and make it accessible to all.

Now residing in our state-of-the-art headquarters at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Bell Shakespeare offers a wide range of projects and experiences for theatre crew.

Bell Shakespeare is an Equal Opportunity employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse applicants are encouraged to apply for these positions.

How to Apply

If you are interested in crewing at Bell Shakespeare’s headquarters on various shows and events, please complete this form.

One application per person, applicants can select multiple roles. For further information or questions please email hr@bellshakespeare.com.au