Roundabout Youth Ensemble

Join Roundabout Youth Ensemble this summer!

Roundabout Youth Ensemble (RYE) is an after-school and summer program for NYC public high school students. This summer RYE will produce a full-scale original production in Roundabout’s Black Box Theatre. Student leaders and participants are responsible for every artistic and managerial decision for the world premiere production. 

Seeking creative young artists for the following paid leadership positions: 

• Director 
• Production Manager 
• Stage Manager 
• Sound Design Leader 
• Lighting Design Leader 
• Set Design Leader 
• Costume Design Leader 
• Marketing Director 

Full descriptions for each position can be found below. You are an ideal candidate to become a leader if you are passionate about making art, want to expand your collaboration skills, and are excited to contribute to a team effort. 

Applications are now open! Submit by end of day Thursday, May 19. 

RYE Leaders will need to commit to the following dates and times:

Leadership Role Descriptions

DIRECTOR 

The director is responsible for collaborating with the playwright to create a unified vision for the play and collaborates with actors and designers to ensure that vision is communicated with the audience. During rehearsals, the director builds ensemble, shapes the blocking, plans the rehearsal schedule with the stage manager, guides actors through the rehearsal process, and maintains communication with designers and staff to effectively convey the vision of the play. A Roundabout Teaching Artist mentors the director through the audition, rehearsal and tech process. 

PRODUCTION MANAGER 

The production manager coordinates all the logistics of the production outside of the rehearsal room.  This includes overseeing the production schedule, production budget, purchasing protocols, monitoring team progress, and maintaining a safe working environment. The RYE Coordinator/Producer mentors the production manager through the process. 

STAGE MANAGER

The stage manager provides practical and organizational support to the director, actors, designers, stage crew, and technicians throughout the production process; maintains the rehearsal schedule, schedules and facilitates production meetings, and coordinates communication between all the parties.  The stage manager supervises the stage crew, leads technical rehearsals, and calls cues for performances. A Roundabout Teaching Artist mentors the stage manager through the audition, rehearsal and tech process. 

SOUND DESIGN LEADER

The sound design leader will be the main point of contact for the sound design team. The sound design team is responsible for all sound components of the production. This task includes securing a sound system, music playback, and creating any sound effects. The leader will relay any artistic questions and ideas to the stage manager, communicate with the General Manager regarding budget and expenses, and represent the team at production meetings. They will also decide the production roles of the sound team in tech and performances. Important to note, while this position will lead the sound design team, it is not solely responsible nor will be given solo credit for the sound design of the final production. A Roundabout Teaching Artist mentors the sound design leader through pre-production, rehearsal and tech processes. 

LIGHTING DESIGN LEADER

The lighting design leader will be the main point of contact for the lighting design team. The lighting design team is responsible for the production’s theatrical and practical lighting. This task will include securing and positioning equipment, creating cues, and running equipment. The leader will relay any artistic questions and ideas to the stage manager, communicate with the General Manager regarding budget and expenses, and represent the team at production meetings. They will also decide the production roles of the lighting team in tech and performances. Important to note, while this position will lead the lighting design team, it is not solely responsible nor will be given solo credit for the lighting design of the final production. A Roundabout Teaching Artist mentors the lighting design leader through pre-production, rehearsal and tech processes. 

SET DESIGN LEADER

The set design leader will be the main point of contact for the set design team. The set design team is responsible for all the scenery and props of the production. This task includes creating needed backdrops, furniture, and handheld items. The leader will relay any artistic questions and ideas to the stage manager and communicate with the General Manager regarding budget, expenses, and ordering supplies. They will also represent the team at production meetings and decide the run crew roles of the set team in tech and performances. Important to note, while this position will lead the set design team, it is not solely responsible nor will be given solo credit for the set design of the final production. A Roundabout Teaching Artist mentors the set design leader through pre-production, rehearsal and tech processes.

COSTUME DESIGN LEADER
 The costume design leader will be the main point of contact for the costume design team. The costume design team is in charge of all clothing, footwear, and accessories worn by the actors. The leader will relay any artistic questions and ideas to the stage manager and communicate with the General Manager regarding budget, expenses, and ordering supplies. They will also represent the team at production meetings and decide the run crew roles of the costume team in tech and performances. Important to note, while this position will lead the costume design team, it is not solely responsible nor will be given solo credit for the costume design of the final production. A Roundabout Teaching Artist mentors the costume design leader through pre-production, rehearsal and tech processes. 

MARKETING DIRECTOR

The marketing director will create marketing content to advertise the show throughout the summer such as key art and social media promotion. The marketing director will also oversee all ticketing procedures in collaboration with Roundabout staff. A Roundabout Teaching Artist mentors the marketing director through the process.  

If you have any questions, email us at rye@roundabouttheatre.org.

Education programs at Roundabout are supported, in part, by public funds for the New York City Department Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New Youth State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.