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.
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