Employment Opportunities
Founded in 1926, The Count Basie Center for the Arts is New Jersey’s premier center for the cultural arts, and its commitment to being a diverse, equitable and inclusive (DEI) performing arts organization is at the core of our mission to Inspire, Educate and Entertain.
As part of that commitment, the Count Basie Center has established a staff DEI task force as well as a board DEI committee. Our purpose is to intentionally embrace and amplify positive change toward diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in every area of our organization, including programming, education, staffing, board recruitment, and community engagement.
The Count Basie Center is determined to provide an inclusive environment in which all who walk through our doors can do so as their most authentic selves. We firmly believe that everyone of all backgrounds and identities deserves access to experience the enrichment that the arts contribute to a full life.
Please note:
- All candidates must be authorized to work full-time in the United States.
- All candidates must apply online by clicking the job application link included with each description.
Open Positions:
Costume designer / Costumer
Scenic Carpenters
Private Instructors / Teaching Artists
Usher (Part Time)
Box Office Representative (Part Time)
Costume Designer / Costumer – Phoenix Productions
Phoenix Productions is the community theatre company of the Count Basie Center for the Arts. For 35 years, Phoenix’s presentations at the Count Basie Center have offered actors and audiences alike the opportunity to showcase and experience the finest community theatre in the region.
Phoenix Productions is looking for a creative, energetic, and organized costume designer who can design, build and procure costumes for our upcoming production of Ragtime: The Musical.
Show dates are March 1 – 3, 2024 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank, NJ
Responsibilities:
- Develop the plan for every costume work on stage including but not limited to: wigs, garments, hairpieces, jewelry, and accessories, while maintaining the Director’s vision for the production while adhering to the approved budget. Produce a costume plot that covers all costumes for all actors.
- Determine the best resources for bringing the Director’s vision for the production, and for publicity photos, including but not limited to: Phoenix’s costume stock, rental houses, borrowing from other organizations, or building bespoke garments, while ensuring the cost of obtaining the necessary costumes is within budget.
- Ensure that all costumes are appropriate for the production and suitable to the individual cast member’s body type and movement requirements.
- Measure actors and conduct all fittings with cast members ensuring that this task is executed according to the schedule.
- Train and oversee any costume shop volunteers to prepare the costumes.
- Attend weekly production meetings to report the status on the construction/obtaining of the costumes and the current and projected spending.
- Be present at any dress rehearsals and also available to be consulted for the rest of tech week.
- Maintain the costumes during the run of the show including any needed repairs and laundering and oversee the costume strike process.
- Return all costume pieces to their respective points of origin and restore the costume shop.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Costume Design or related real-life experience
- Experience designing shows at the community theater, college or professional level for a cast size of 36+
- Experience with costume construction and rentals
- Strong sewing, communication, problem-solving and organizational skills
Scenic Carpenters – Phoenix Productions
Phoenix Productions is the community theatre company of the Count Basie Center for the Arts. For more than three decades, Phoenix’s presentations at the Count Basie Center have offered actors and audiences alike the opportunity to showcase and experience the finest community theatre in the region.
Phoenix is currently looking for creative and resourceful people who can take a hands-on approach in a fast paced, community theatre scenic construction shop. We’re seeking dynamic, self-sufficient scenic carpenters; team members who are simultaneous problem solvers, and always ready to jump in to help build, install and strike themed scenery. This is an opportunity to use your carpentry skill set to entertain thousands of people!
Required Skills:
- Safe operation and knowledge of hand and power tools as well as typical woodshop equipment
- Work with wood, metals, plastics and other materials to build and/or repair scenic elements
- Ability to read shop and construction drawings
- Knowledge of various panel materials such as pvc, aluminum, acrylic, etc a plus
- Demonstrate high quality, precision work with clean finish results consistently
- Experience with CNC machine and theatrical rigging a huge plus
Qualifications:
- High school degree or equivalent
- Two (2) years Carpentry experience
- Two (2) years work experience, preferably in scenic, set, theatre or finish carpentry
- Positive, hardworking attitude
- Team oriented
- Ability to problem solve
Flexible work hours available (5-20 hours a week) – can work days, evenings and/or weekends.
Box Office Sales Representative (Part Time)
The Count Basie Center for the Arts is seeking a motivated, professional, customer service oriented box office sales representative. A box office sales representative is on the front lines for the Count Basie Center — a resource of knowledge for upcoming performances, programs, special events, and an expert in customer service. This is a part-time position and hours will vary based on the venue’s schedule. Box office representatives must be able to work days, evenings, and weekends.
Qualifications:
Excellent communication and customer service skills, computer knowledge, and a pleasant phone manner. Previous box office or ticketing software experience is a plus. This is a part time, hourly position.
Private Instructors / Teaching Artists
The Count Basie Center Academy and Monmouth Conservatory of Music are currently seeking qualified instructors and / or teaching artists for private lessons and group classes. Priority needs are in in the following disciplines:
- Violin / Viola
- Piano
- Vocals
Ideal candidates are responsible for teaching private lessons and group classes to students of all ages and abilities. The ability to teach beginning students is also necessary. Teaching artists and Private Instructors must show organizational skills and an ability to effectively communicate with students, parents and staff.
Qualifications:
- Degree in your art form(s), education, or relevant experience
- At least 2 years of teaching artist experience within a diverse age group and educational and/or studio settings
- Exceptional knowledge of content in your arts genre
- Strong communication skills
- Classroom management skills
- The ideal candidate is someone who has a passion for arts education and can commit to a consistent schedule
- Bilingual a plus
This is a part-time, hourly position. Pay is $40 – $60/hr
Candidates must furnish a complete resume, along with a cover letter summarizing their desire to work for the Basie and the Basie’s Monmouth Conservatory. These materials should describe previous teaching and performing experiences in all art forms, ages and levels, in private or public studios or schools. Candidates should also list experience with bilingual learners and / or students with disabilities.
We require that all employees submit to and clear a fingerprint and background check. All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.