Jobs and Auditions at The Pear…

Opening for ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

The Pear Theatre is seeking an Artistic Director to set and fulfill the artistic and operational vision of the theatre. The focus of the Artistic Director will be to build upon the excellence of the Pear’s artistic achievements and to continue raising the high production standards of the theatre in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. In addition, the Artistic Director will explore ways to increase the number of patrons and subscribers and to raise funds.

EXPERTISE

  • Artistic ability.

  • Production skills.

  • Budget development capability.

  • Capacity for collaboration within the organization and with outside organizations and artists.

  • Ability to focus on Pear’s stated mission.

  • Leadership.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Season Planning and Artistic Vision

  • Curate a compelling theatrical season with a mix of shows aligning with the theatre’s mission and audience interests.

  • Obtain production rights for copyrighted plays.

  • Work with the Pear Playwrights’ Guild on new play development.

  • Work with the selection committees to select new plays.

  • Coordinate with the Board on the planning and implementation of Core Community events and educational programming, as resources allow.

  • Stay informed about current theatrical trends and best practices.

  • Develop a long-term artistic vision for the theatre’s identity.

  • Represent the theatre at industry events and community gatherings.

Supervise productions

  • Oversee integration and management of production elements: hire production staff; assist each play’s Director with auditioning cast members; participate in production meetings; provide feedback at the designer run rehearsal and at least one technical rehearsal.

  • Work with Production Manager on issues related to the production and the budget.

  • Work with Marketing Director to coordinate and approve all theatre publicity, including printed marketing materials, website content and email blasts.

  • Oversee audience engagement initiatives (talkbacks, workshops, etc.).

  • Attend all opening galas.

  • Participate, without additional compensation, in at least one production in the season, as a theatre artist, such as director, actor, or designer.

Work with Board of Directors

  • Attend all Board meetings, and Board committee meetings when requested by Board.

  • Work with the Board to set budgets for the season.

  • Solicit Board approval of all production expenses.

  • Work with the Board to plan and execute fundraising campaigns and events for each season.

Work with Staff

  • Communicate and work closely with the existing staff and volunteers to ensure the continued smooth running of the theater.

  • Hire, supervise, and evaluate staff across all departments (artistic, administrative, box office, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or equivalent required. BA degree in a discipline related to theatre, drama, or arts administration preferred. Candidates must also possess experience in acting, directing, stage management, theatre production, and/or theatre administration.

COMPENSATION
Annual salary: $42,000-$47,000 (negotiable). No benefits.

Start date: January 1, 2025

The Pear Theater does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please send a cover letter and resume by October 1, 2024 to pearreads@gmail.com. Selected candidates will be invited to interview on a rolling basis. During interviews, we ask that candidates be prepared to pitch a prospective season of shows at the Pear.


Thank you to everyone who attended our Season 23 General Auditions!

Directors will hold either virtual or in-person callbacks for individual shows based on these general auditions. Should you be called back, directors will reach out individually to you via email or phone.

Welcome to Season 23 at The Pear: where audiences will Be Transported and have unique theatrical experiences unlike anywhere else in the South Bay. Learn more about Season 23 and subscribe, here.

The Pear always has a goal of hiring 60% of our artists from historically excluded backgrounds. We don't believe in "colorblind" or "traditional" casting. We are committed to making sure the backgrounds and affinities of our performers enlighten and inspire the interpretations of our show selections. We encourage EVERYONE to submit for ANY role.

NON-AEA in-person Season 23 General Auditions were held on Saturday, April 27 from 9 am – 1 pm, Sunday, April 28 from 9 am – 1 pm and 6 pm - 10 pm, at The Pear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida, Suite A, Mountain View, CA 94043.

  • Actors were requested to prepare and present two contrasting monologues, a total of 3 minutes. Singers were requested to present two contrasting monologues, a total of 3 minutes, and 32 bars of a song. Musical auditions were held on Saturday, April 27 and from 6 - 9 pm (only) on Sunday, April 28.

All performers at The Pear are volunteers and will be paid a stipend for their work.


If you were unable to attend in-person auditions, you may submit your audition virtually. You will need to submit your headshot, resume, and a link to a video of you performing up to 3 minutes of monologues. We encourage two 90-second monologues of contrasting style - but feel free to make your best judgment. We just want to see your best version!

Please make sure your video is accessible and that directors will not need to “request access” to view it.


Once on This Island

A Tony-award winning musical about love, faith, grief, and hope.
Performing September 13 - October 13, 2024
Role breakdown: 6 women, non-white, ages 17-65.
5 men, non-white, ages 17-65.
4 ensemble, any ethnicity, any gender, any age.

The Agitators

A powerful drama starring two of the most famous activists in history.
Performing November 22 - December 22, 2024
Role breakdown: 1 woman, white, age range 30s-40s.
1 man, black, age range 30s-40s.

The Gods of Comedy | Everybody

A comedy about Greek gods and college professors in repertory with a powerful retelling of a medieval morality tale.
Performing February 21 - March 16, 2025
Role breakdown: 3 women, 4 men, any ethnicity, any age.

Henry V | She Who Dared, a new immersive experience

One of Shakespeare’s most potent histories in repertory with a new historical immersive adventure.
Performing April 18 - May 18, 2025
Role breakdown: 9 performers (multiple characters), any ethnicity, all genders, ages 21+.

constellations

A multidimensional love story told in a new and unique fashion.
Performing June 27 - July 20, 2025
Role breakdown: 3 men, 3 women, all ethnicities, 20s-40s.