Jobsite Theater | Ensemble Program

The Jobsite Ensemble Program

Jobsite Theater has been dedicated to the cultivation of area talent and to the development of a true artistic home in Tampa for artists of all disciplines for the past nine years. In 2005, Jobsite began an Ensemble Program. Jobsite continues to redefine and develop this program from season to season with the goal of providing opportunity, experience and a professional laboratory for performing artists.

Jobsite Producing Artistic Director David M. Jenkins hopes in addition to helping cultivate area talent that the Ensemble Program will give local artists another reason to want to stay in Tampa.

(L-R) Summer Bohnenkamp-Jenkins, Katrina Stevenson and Careena Cornette perform an original piece "Desperate Housecats" at the opening of the 2005 Gala Corina, a collaboration with local artist P$YNNER.

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"There isn't as much work in the area for local artists as there could be. Once we get this program off the ground it will benefit the entire community. We already have a lot of talent in this area. We just need to keep them here."

Jenkins sees a cycle at work. "If we continue to give artists a satisfying outlet, their talent will only continue to grow. As they grow, the ticket-buying public will continue to respond to that. The more folks we have attending productions, the more we can do for our artists. The more we can do, the less reason the artists have to leave."

Jobsite is continually looking for ways to help artists as they also raise their profile across the region. During the 0405 season, Jobsite also began touring some of their most transportable hit shows to venues across the state. "We're very excited. Our artists can make more in one weekend remounting a show like Girl's Guide at a larger venue like the Broward Center as they did in the entire initial run in the Shimberg for a fraction of the time investment," Jenkins adds.

Jobsite hopes state-wide touring continues to factor in to upcoming seasons, another way he hopes to keep quality artists in town. In 2008, Jobsite will partner with a new local arts group, Asian Pacific American Scene Inc. (APASI), in order to help them launch their first performance.

The Jobsite Theater Ensemble

The Jobsite Theater is committed to ensemble collaboration and artistic risk through our work with a permanent ensemble, guest artists, collaborating area organizations and the greater Tampa Bay community. Jobsite hopes to help change the landscape of theatrical production by developing a new great generation of dedicated and gifted artists.

Founded in 1998 as an ensemble of five directors, actors and technicians - Jobsite has grown into a respected company of artists between ten and thirty strong at any given time whose talents include acting, directing, playwriting, filmmaking, and all aspects of technical theater. In the tradition of other great ensemble companies like the Chicago 's Steppenwolf, The Berliner Ensemble and Italy 's Fo-Rame company - Jobsite hopes to become a company of national esteem and a point of pride for the city of Tampa.

A jobsite is a place of work. Jobsite Theater is a professional laboratory run by artists for artists as a place to come together and create innovative theater. No pretense, trappings or delusions - just a down and dirty construction zone for creation. Dust and all, it's ours.

Jobsite firmly believes in the enterprising spirit of Bay area artists. Jobsite believes that given the opportunity and resources, the level of talent and dedication in this region is greater than we are able to see at present. We find that what most artists need is a safe environment to experiment and an established apparatus to make that experimentation possible.

Jobsite is determined to seek out committed artists who are willing to work for the advancement of their skills, the improvement of the cultural community at large, and the development of a mighty artistic home.

How it will work

The Jobsite Theater holds annual season auditions that are open to the public. Artists who are not performers are to mail in resumes, portfolios and letters of intent.
After the auditions, the pool of directors and the Artistic Director will meet to address the needs for that season.
After reviewing the needs and the pool of talent available, Jobsite will make nominations for Ensemble membership in addition to any cast/crew considerations pending for the season. Placement within the season does not necessarily include Ensemble membership.
After the nomination process, offers will be made to the artists.
Ensemble Members and/or the Artistic Director may re-evaluate Ensemble membership annually.

Ensemble Member Benefits

All artists in the Ensemble are considered an Ensemble Apprentice for one season. Should the artist and Jobsite agree to continue the relationship, the artist will be considered an Ensemble Member thereafter.
All Ensemble Members must have a direct active involvement in at least one production per season.
Ensemble Members are encouraged to audition for all open roles beyond pre-cast roles and will typically be given the opportunity to audition prior to the general public.
Ensemble Members have the ability to take any Jobsite Ensemble workshop free of charge and apply to the Artistic Director to offer their own workshop.
Ensemble Members are eligible for free and discounted tickets to Jobsite shows, as well as other area events and attractions as they become available.
Ensemble Members will be given first consideration through the season should a casting consideration present itself.
Ensemble Members may apply for membership to the Play Reading Committee, which will offer plays up for production consideration for future Jobsite seasons.
Ensemble Members may take advantage of and are given priority in other Jobsite production opportunities apart from their specific designation.
Ensemble Members may utilize the Ensemble network to announce other projects they may be working on.
Ensemble Members may petition the Artistic Director for company support of staged readings, additional workshops or showcases for Ensemble Members. Jobsite will make every reasonable effort to accommodate an Ensemble Member's projects, including assisting with any necessary rights, rehearsal and performance space, and publicity.
Jobsite will help Ensemble Members in their professional pursuit of their careers in whatever way they can. Jobsite is and will always be an artist's company.

Ensemble Member Responsibilities

Act as a community ambassador for Jobsite.
Attend all Ensemble Meetings/Workshops, which will typically take place the first Monday of the month, unless excused by notifying the Artistic Director. Two consecutive unexcused absences may be grounds for loss of Ensemble Membership.
Ensemble Members are expected to actively participate in at least one Jobsite mainstage production per season.
Ensemble Members are required to participate in strike for each production in which they are participating as a cast or crew member.
Ensemble Members are encouraged to publicize and attend every production. In addition to any comp tickets offered, special complimentary or reduced price tickets may be issued to Ensemble Members in order to publicize productions and promote audience development.
Ensemble Members are expected to maintain an exemplary level of professionalism within the context of any Jobsite function and must obey the policies set forth in any company handbook or set of rules and regulations provided.
Ensemble Members are in no way restricted from working with another company, provided there is no conflict with contracted Ensemble duties.

The Jobsite Theater is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer.