FAQ
What type of theater are you? Are you union?
Jobsite is a professional theater company. We pay our artists and engage professional contracts with playwrights and publishers. We have one full-time paid employee with the need for several more, contract part-time help as needed, and we’re always working towards a living wage.
Artist contracts are typically based upon a flat fee versus a percentage of sales once a show has broken even on expenses. This ranges from $15 an hour to $400 a week with 2% – 10% of overages. We work with Actors Equity Association members in the Shimberg Playhouse but cannot offer travel, housing, or per diem. We do not engage AEA contracts for shows in the Jaeb. We also contract designers who are members of United Scenic Artists and IATSE technicians. Our goal is to pay a living wage, regardless of affiliation. Florida is a right to work state and we intend to remain available to all artists despite union status (or lack thereof).
Are you run by the Straz Center?
No. Jobsite is an independent, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization. We’re the resident theater company of Straz, but are a completely separate entity from it. They are a great partner. We are not unique, you can find partnerships like this between venues and theater companies across the country.
What's this whole Jobsite ensemble thing about?
Jobsite is an artists’ company. Part of our mission is to create an artistic home. The ensemble is a way for us to recognize the valuable artistic contributions given to us that are not always adequately financially recognized. Ensemble members are given special access to tickets, workshops, and opportunities and may propose side projects that we will consider during the course of the season. Ensemble members are bypassed through general annual auditions and brought directly into callbacks.
How much experience do I need to audition?
Honestly, we’re more interested in the talent and ability you bring to the table. This isn’t to say experience doesn’t help. Experience goes a long way. However, every season we feature actors who’ve never worked with us before. In fact, the guy writing the answer to this question has performed for Jobsite for close to 20 seasons, and all he had when he first auditioned was an English degree and some work doing sketch comedy. We’re always looking for new talent.
How do you choose your plays?
Once upon a time, Jobsite’s Play Selection committee comprised of Jobsite’s Artistic Associates and chaired by the Producing Artistic Director did this work. Since the pandemic and the incredible struggles we have all faced, the Producing Artistic Director has been solely choosing the season. The democratic process was halted, in all transparency, due to economic factors that have forced us to be risk-averse if we want to keep our doors open. Want us to take more chances? Help us increase our base of season ticket support and fundraising efforts!
How do I get my script considered?
We do not consider unsolicited scripts at this time. We recommend contacting LAB Theater here in Tampa, who are dedicated to new work. Please do not send us scripts.
What's the best way to find out about Jobsite events?
Ah, that’s our second favorite question, next to “who do I write the check to?” There are a few ways. We send a newsletter once a week.
You may view our full schedule at our events calendar. There’s also high-tech info on that page if you want to auto-sync our calendar into yours.
And if you want up-to-the minute news and other fun stuff, there’s the blog.
Who do I write the check to?
Jobsite Theater. You’ll want to check out our Donate page as well.
Still have questions?
If you don’t see your question here, contact us. We will do our best to answer it, and if we think it’s a pretty common question, we may even post it on this page.
