ABOUT MILWAUKEE REP

Milwaukee Rep is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin in terms of audiences served and one of the largest professional theaters in the country. Each year we welcome nearly 300,000 people at 700 performances of 12 to 15 productions across 3 unique stages ranging from Broadway musicals to Shakespeare to American Classics and New Works that are entertaining, inclusive, and impactful. Every season requires a talented and diverse team of people on and off stage. Come join us at Milwaukee Rep where we value inclusion, innovation, and quality and where you will have an impact in helping us to fulfill our mission to ignite positive change in the community. It is important that our hiring practices reflect our ongoing commitment to diversity and anti-racism and we strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. We are further committed to considering applicants who are well-rounded but do not fulfill every qualification.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Literary Manager is responsible for managing the literary needs of the Artistic Department and supporting the season planning process. This position reports to the Associate Artistic Director. The Literary Manager will oversee most Literary and NPD administration, including but not limited to acquiring and processing scripts, maintaining databases, and coordinating readings and workshops. They will also support the season planning process, acquire research materials for projects in development, and serve as dramaturgical liaison with Assistant Directors of extant productions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Work to uphold the mission and core values of the theater, with a raised consciousness towards equity, diversity and inclusion efforts.
• Participate in and support the season planning process to ensure artistic programming aligns with the mission, institutional goals and fiscal priorities.
• Reach out to agents/licensors to do interest and availability checks on scripts. Facilitate conversations between agents/licensors and administration, as needed.
• Apply for licensing
• Read and evaluate work for season planning purposes and take part in season planning conversations and strategic planning.
• Organize outside readers as necessary to cover scripts.
• Work with Associate Artistic Director to determine extant production dramaturgy needs for the season and connect with directors to outline dramaturgical plan.
• Create and cultivate long term relationships with playwrights and creative artists to enhance our programming
• Lead on administration for the New Play Development Program, including:

o Creating timelines and deliverables for commissions

o Coordinating readings/workshops

o Acquiring and processing scripts

o Co-line producing new works within our season.

• Participate in or lead Talk Backs when necessary and appropriate.
• Act as support for the Curtain Call Ball and other fundraising efforts as required.
• Other creative, managerial, or administrative duties as mutually agreed upon with the Associate Artistic Director.
• This position also has the potential to dramaturg up to one NPD project per season.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• 2+ years of experience in theatrical literary management or development, or equivalent experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in navigating conversations with playwrights, directors and other creative personnel.
• Experience in dramaturgy and play development.
• Experience producing and/or managing a workshopping process from page to stage.
• Ability to navigate interdepartmental priorities and diverse personalities in a high-functioning and fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to successfully adjust writing style based on a wide range of potential audiences and recipients.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work respectfully within a diverse group of colleagues and artists, all while exhibiting grace and good humor under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines independently with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Good sense of judgement and discretion in the face of challenging and/or sensitive situations.

COVID Policy:

• Milwaukee Rep has a mandated vaccine policy and requires all employees to submit proof of vaccination for COVID-19 OR documentation for a medical or religious exemption before the first day of work.

Additional Requirements:

• A willingness to commit to the mission, vision, and values of the theater.
• A valid U.S Drivers License and access to a personal vehicle is necessary.
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends, on occasion.
• Physical requirements include: Ability to read and watch plays and performances, and communicate in person and on the telephone.
• Ability to pass a background check in accordance with state and/or federal laws.

Milwaukee Rep Values Employees Who:

• Communicate well with a diverse group of colleagues.
• Demonstrate an aptitude and eagerness to learn new skills and processes when necessary.
• Solve problems and engage in creative thinking about challenges individually and in a group environment.
• Are able to accept and incorporate feedback.
• Have excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and diplomacy skills and ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
• Demonstrates an understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre and/or a willingness to commit to learning and to the mission, vision, and values of the theater in areas of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts both in the workplace and in our community.

BENEFITS OFFERED

Employee Benefits

Health & Dental Insurance – Employee contribution to premium

Health Savings Account & Health Reimbursement Account

Flexible Spending Account

403(b) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off Package including Vacation, Personal, Sick Leave, Holidays, Parental Leave, Medical Leave