Work With Us

We invite you to join us in creating a welcoming, inclusive community space around the shared experience of unforgettable live performances.

McCarter is one of the country's flagship theatres, a vibrant center for community and for the performing arts, and a key cultural anchor for Central New Jersey. Located on the campus of Princeton University and incorporated as an independent, charitable nonprofit, the company is a nationally renowned, multi-disciplinary creative hub of arts and ideas, offering theatre, music, dance, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages. 
 
A two-time Tony Award winner, McCarter’s legacy of artistic excellence traces back to the theatre’s first performances in 1930. A home for new play development and world premieres, the company has launched numerous works that have gone on to tens of thousands of performances reaching millions of audience members around the world. 
 
Among the 100,000 community members who directly participate in the company’s work every year, more than 7,500 are students taking part in McCarter’s robust arts-in-education offerings. The company offers more than 20 annual in-school residencies in classrooms in Princeton and Trenton, hosts schools from throughout the region for student matinee performances, and offers need-based scholarships to every one of its dozens of educational after-school and summer programs each year. Co-led by Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen and Executive Director Martin Miller, McCarter leads with values of “justice and joy, and beauty in belonging,” creating stories and experiences that enliven minds, expand imaginations, and engage communities.

McCarter is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring, supporting, and promoting a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. As such, McCarter seeks team members who: contribute to a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to support an expansive artistic vision; are committed to engaging in ongoing anti-racism and anti-oppression work collectively and individually; value collaboration, curiosity, flexibility, and an openness to continuous personal and professional growth. 

We welcome you to explore our current job openings below and apply through our Career Center. If you don’t see a position that matches your skills right now, we encourage you to join our "Work With Us" community to stay connected and be the first to hear about future opportunities.

McCarter Theatre Center is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in the application and hiring process for individuals with disabilities if needed and requested. To request disability accommodation, please contact Human Resources at (609) 258-6500.

Open Positions

Full Time

  • POSITION: Presented Programming Manager
    DEPARTMENT: Artistic
    REPORTS TO: Director of Presented Programming
    PAY: $70,000 - $80,000; Annual, Full-time; Salaried; Exempt (not eligible for overtime)
    BENEFITS INCLUDE: Medical, vision, and dental insurance; paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and holiday time; flexible spending and health savings accounts; employer-sponsored life, long-term, and short-term disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution and match, access to free parking, and various other perks.
    LOCATION & SCHEDULE: This is an in-person position reporting to our administrative offices located at 91 University Place in Princeton, NJ with a schedule largely based on the performance calendar and other departmental needs. This may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, as scheduled in advance.
    START DATE: This position is preferred to start on or around May 12, 2025.

    POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
    McCarter Theatre Center is seeking a Presented Programming Manager to support the Director of Presenting Programming (DPP)’s overall artistic vision for the Presented Series while overseeing contracting, payments, and logistical execution for approximately 50 performances annually as part of the Presented Events Series at McCarter. A capable project manager, and eager problem solver, this individual will serve as a key liaison between artists’ representatives and McCarter’s departments to communicate information, coordinate plans, and ensure all contractual obligations are properly executed. If you thrive in a dynamic setting and enjoy supporting and elevating the work of a wide array of artists across disciplines, we’d love to hear from you!

    Essential Functions & Duties:
    Artist Contracting:
    • Collaborate with the DPP to draft offer letters and budgets for prospective performances. 
    • Review and amend artist contracts and riders, working closely with Production, Marketing, Front of House & Patron Services teams. 
    • Track all bonding documents related to performances, ensuring timely completion of contracts and riders. 
    • Collect and process payment documents (e.g., deposits, balances, bonuses, buyouts), ensuring prompt completion of all payments; issue invoices and/or agreements and ensure timely payments from partners. 
    • Prepare and issue settlement sheets for performances in collaboration with the Finance team. 
    • Support international artists with work visa applications and related foreign entity tax withholding details in concert with the Finance team when necessary. 

    Partnership Management: 
    • Collaborate with internal departments to plan and execute ancillary events (e.g., Artist VIP engagements, pre-show talks, photo ops etc.). 
    • Oversee artists’ external engagements in coordination with other departments (e.g., school visits, Princeton University talks, workshops). 
    • Promptly disseminate engagement information to partners and departments to ensure that all parties are informed and aligned. 
    • Serve as the primary coordinator for artist relations at internal and external ancillary events. 

    Artist Relations: 
    • Support Stage Operations, Company Management and Front of House teams on liaising with artists’ teams and address questions related to pre-negotiated terms as needed. 
    • Liaise with Patron Services and Company Management teams to arrange artists’ ticket requests as needed. 
    • Gather and distribute upcoming performance details weekly to internal departments, as well as ‘Ticket Count and Sales Reports’ to artists when needed, with support from IT. 
    • Maintain and update artist contact information for distribution across departments. 

    Marketing & Ticketing Coordination: 
    • Collaborate with IT on “ticket build”, gathering all information needed for event creation in Tessitura, including seating configurations upon rider review and in communication with Production, Patron Services, IT & Marketing. 
    • Coordinate artist & VIP pre-sales in collaboration with Production, Patron Services, IT & Marketing, ensuring all parties have the information and pre-sales are executed seamlessly. 
    • Coordinate artist pre-sales on platforms such as Seated.com in connection with other departments. 
    • Conduct ticket prices research to assist the DPP and Marketing team in projecting ticket sales for prospect bookings. 
    • Connect artist representatives with Marketing and support in gathering promotional assets and program information when needed; distribute McCarter promotional materials to artists. 
    • Review and proofread promotional content related to the Presented Series. 

    General Responsibilities: 
    • Maintain a comprehensive event overview for each Presented Series performance, ensuring all gaps and details are thoroughly addressed. 
    • Foster and sustain professional relationships with artists, agents, and managers, in collaboration with DDP. 
    • Support DPP with potential negotiation with external promoters. 
    • Assist the DPP in providing narratives and budget information for grant applications and reporting. 
    • Execute quarterly music licensing reporting for Presented Events. 
    • Respond to general programming inquiries via email and phone. 
    • Support the DPP on various projects and tasks as needed. 
    • Prioritize safe working practices while embodying McCarter's safety and community expectations policies to maintain a secure environment for all staff, patrons and guest artists. 
    • Engage in the ongoing work of fostering an equitable and inclusive environment at McCarter. Actively seek ways to improve work practices to ensure greater accessibility, representation, and belonging for all, while upholding and exhibiting our stated values of “justice and joy, beauty and belonging.” 

    Qualifications: 
    • Passion for event production with problem-solving and quick decision-making mindset. 
    • Proven track record of excellence in project and contract management. 
    • Relevant experience in a professional non-profit arts or music industry organization. 
    • Natural team player who excels in cross-departmental collaboration, anticipating needs, and fostering a cooperative work environment. 
    • Exceptional organizational, fiscal, and time management skills, and thorough attention to detail. 
    • Ability to manage current and future projects at the same time, keeping information across-fiscal years organized. 
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly in Outlook and Excel. 
    • Proficiency and/or ability to learn different work platforms such as ArtsVision, Tessitura, Wrike and Financial Edge. 
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fostering positive working relationships with colleagues and artists, across various departments. 
    • A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work harmoniously with individuals from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and work styles, always approaching challenges with optimism, civility, and a solutions-oriented approach. 
    • Exhibit a critical consciousness and genuine interest in promoting equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace values and practices while working with individuals of diverse needs, personalities, and work styles, and employing an optimistic and solution-oriented mindset towards fostering inclusivity and support within the team environment. 
    • Final candidates must successfully complete a background check. 

    Preferred Qualifications: 
    • The ideal candidate will embody an enthusiasm for live performing arts, with particular interest in supporting and elevating the work of global artists across many disciplines. 

    Work Environment: 
    • Led by our core values, McCarter fosters and expects a culture of care and respect for the wellbeing of our staff. We seek individuals who share our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace, where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. 
    • Work will primarily be completed in a shared office space in our administrative office spaces, subject to HVAC cooling and heating. 
    • Availability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, and to travel locally as needed to attend performances for scouting purposes. 
    • This position entails extended periods of sitting, manual dexterity for operating office equipment, and the ability to read and interpret documents, engaging in repetitive tasks, standing, walking, bending, and reaching within the office environment. 
    • Employees may be asked to use a personal cell phone in order to access authenticator apps and related software necessary for work credentials/multi-factor authentication (MFA). Employees should be comfortable using their personal devices for these purposes as part of their job responsibilities, as workarounds cannot be guaranteed in order to access certain platforms. 

    This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of McCarter. 

    TO APPLY
    Please visit our Career Center page to apply for this position. Please include a resume and a cover letter. We look forward to learning more about you! 

  • POSITION: Electrician 
    DEPARTMENT: Production / Stage Operations 
    REPORTS TO: Head Electrician 
    PAY: $28/hr; Seasonal, Full-time; Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime) 
    BENEFITS INCLUDE: Medical, vision, and dental insurance; paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and holiday time; paid parental leave; flexible spending and health savings accounts; employer-sponsored life, supplemental, long-term and short-term disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution and match, access to free parking, and various other perks. 
    LOCATION & SCHEDULE: This is an in-person position reporting to our production office located at 91 University Place in Princeton, NJ with a schedule largely based on the performance calendar and other departmental needs. This may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, as scheduled in advance. 
    START DATE: This position is preferred to start on or around August 4th, 2025.

    POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
    McCarter Theatre Center is seeking an Electrician to work under the direction of the Head Electrician and Stage Supervisor to maintain and operate lighting systems and equipment across our theaters, rehearsal spaces, and public areas. As one of two on-staff electricians, this is a hands-on opportunity to contribute to the behind-the-scenes work that makes every performance possible. Join the team that helps bring McCarter’s productions to life; we’d love to hear from you!  

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES & FUNCTIONS 
    • Assist in the load-in, focus, and programming of the lights for mainstage productions. 
    • As assigned by the Head Electrician and/or Stage Supervisor: o Implement the lighting for presented performances, serving as house lighting director for some presented events. 
    o Receive light plots and designs for Princeton University productions and implement the design to designer’s specifications. 
    o Oversee the load-in, focus, and programming of the lights for all Princeton University productions in the Berlind Theatre. 
    • Organize and maintain the electrics department storage rooms. 
    • Work load-in, strike, and run crew for produced and presented shows as scheduled. 
    • Assist the Head Electrician in completing any other electrics department tasks. 
    • Assist on other Stage Operations projects as time permits. 
    • Stay informed of and prioritize health and safety issues regarding materials, equipment, and working environment. 
    • Engage in the ongoing work of fostering an equitable and inclusive environment at McCarter. Actively seek ways to improve work practices to ensure greater accessibility, representation, and belonging for all, while upholding and exhibiting our stated values of “justice and joy, beauty and belonging.” 

    QUALIFICATIONS 
    • Skilled at programming electronic theatre controls (ETC) lighting consoles. 
    • Demonstrated proficiency in industry-standard computer programs, including Microsoft Office, Vector Works, and LightWright. 
    • Strong knowledge of theatrical lighting equipment, including both moving fixtures and LED fixtures. 
    • Ability to read and understand technical ground plans, sections, lighting, and sound plots. 
    • Ability to maintain safe work practices in physically challenging environments, including heights and confined spaces. 
    • Ability to regularly lift and move heavy materials as part of daily responsibilities. 
    • A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work harmoniously with individuals from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and work styles, always approaching challenges with optimism, civility, and a solutions-oriented approach. 
    • Final candidates must successfully complete a background screening with motor vehicle record check. 

    WORK ENVIORNMENT 
    • Led by our core values, McCarter fosters and expects a culture of care and respect for the wellbeing of our staff. We seek individuals who share our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace, where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. 
    • Work will primarily be completed in our theaters and production office spaces located at 91 University Place, subject to HVAC cooling and heating. 
    • This position entails extended periods of standing and sitting, manual dexterity for operating equipment and the ability to read and interpret documents, while requiring lifting, pushing and carrying objects up to 70 pounds, repeatedly, either alone or with a partner; engaging in repetitive tasks, walking, bending and reaching within various work environments, including stairs and climbing and working on ladders up to 35 feet. Employees should be comfortable with these physical demands and able to maintain productivity and focus throughout the workday. 
    • Ability to work in various levels and colors of lighting and brightness/visibility, as well as exposure to dust and theatrical haze or fog. 
    • Potential for moderate to high noise environments depending on production and performance elements; ability to hear and speak clearly in areas with significant background noise. 
    • Availability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends. 
    • Employees may be asked to occasionally use a personal cell phone in order to access authenticator apps and related software necessary for work credentials/multi-factor authentication (MFA). Applicants should be comfortable using their personal devices for these purposes as part of their job responsibilities, as workarounds cannot be guaranteed in order to access certain platforms. 

    This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of McCarter. 

    TO APPLY
    Please visit our Career Center page to apply for this position. While resumes and cover letters are optional, we welcome any additional context you would like to share about your experience and interest in this role. We look forward to learning more about you! 

  • POSITION: First Hand 
    DEPARTMENT: Production / Costumes 
    REPORTS TO: Costume Supervisor 
    PAY: $28/hr; Seasonal, Full-time; Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime) 
    BENEFITS INCLUDE: Medical, vision, and dental insurance; paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and holiday time; paid parental leave; flexible spending and health savings accounts; employer-sponsored life, supplemental, long-term and short-term disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution and match, access to free parking, and various other perks. 
    LOCATION & SCHEDULE: This is an in-person position generally reporting to our production shops located at 755 Alexander Rd. in Princeton, NJ, with occasional work on site at our theaters located at 91 University Pl; work schedule is largely based on the production calendar and other departmental needs and may include nights, holidays, and weekends, as scheduled in advance. 
    START DATE: This position is preferred to start on or around July 14th, 2025. 

    POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
    McCarter Theatre Center is seeking a First Hand to assist with the construction and alteration of costumes under the guidance of the Draper and Tailor. This position provides guidance to the Stitcher(s) and operates, with minimum instruction, at a high level of excellence. As a member of our on-staff costumes team, this is a hands-on opportunity to contribute to the behind-the-scenes work that makes every performance possible. Join the team that helps bring McCarter’s productions to life; we’d love to hear from you! 

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES & FUNCTIONS 
    • Assist the Draper and Tailor, as needed, including help with pattern development and fabric cutting. 
    • Gain familiarity with the script, time period and costume design for each production. 
    • Work on costume builds, alterations and costume crafts as assigned. 
    • Provide guidance to on-staff Stitchers. 
    • Pull items from stock and prepares rehearsal costume pieces as requested. 
    • Attend costume fittings, taking notes and assisting, as requested. 
    • Assist with the load-in of costumes to the theater for technical rehearsals. 
    • Attend technical rehearsals and complete notes as scheduled and/or assigned. 
    • Maintain organization and cleanliness in the costume shop, costume stock, storage spaces, wardrobe rooms, dressing rooms and laundry areas. 
    • Stay informed of and prioritize health and safety issues regarding materials, equipment, and working environment. 
    • Engage in the ongoing work of fostering an equitable and inclusive environment at McCarter. Actively seek ways to improve work practices to ensure greater accessibility, representation, and belonging for all, while upholding and exhibiting our stated values of “justice and joy, beauty and belonging.”

    QUALIFICATIONS 
    • Experience in patternmaking and fabric cutting. 
    • Strong hand and machine sewing skills. 
    • Working knowledge of costume industry machinery, including sewing machines, irons and cutting tools. 
    • Experience in multiple aspects of theatrical costuming, such as cutting fabric and other materials used for garment construction, craft work, fabric modification, millinery and leather work. 
    • Willingness to learn new methods of construction, skills and equipment. 
    • Demonstrated ability to provide clear guidance, training, and constructive feedback to team members in a respectful, inclusive, and encouraging manner.  
    • Experience in patternmaking and fabric cutting. 
    • Strong hand and machine sewing skills. 
    • Working knowledge of costume industry machinery, including sewing machines, irons and cutting tools. 
    • Experience in multiple aspects of theatrical costuming, such as cutting fabric and other materials used for garment construction, craft work, fabric modification, millinery and leather work. 
    • Willingness to learn new methods of construction, skills and equipment. 
    • Demonstrated ability to provide clear guidance, training, and constructive feedback to team members in a respectful, inclusive, and encouraging manner. 
    • A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work harmoniously with individuals from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and work styles, always approaching challenges with optimism, civility, and a solutions-oriented approach. 
    • Final candidates must successfully complete a background screening. 

    WORK ENVIRONMENT 
    • Led by our core values, McCarter fosters and expects a culture of care and respect for the wellbeing of our staff. We seek individuals who share our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace, where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. 
    • Work will primarily be completed indoors at our production shops spaces, with some work at our theater spaces, subject to HVAC cooling and heating. 
    • This position entails extended periods of standing and sitting, while performing detailed handwork such as stitching, pinning, or cutting fabric, manual dexterity for operating equipment with frequent use of hands and fingers to manipulate small tools (e.g., scissors, needles, sewing machines, irons); visual acuity sufficient for fine detail work, including hand sewing and pattern adjustments, and the ability to read and interpret documents; occasional lifting, pushing and carrying objects up to 40 pounds, repeatedly, either alone or with a partner; engaging in repetitive tasks, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing stairs within various work environments; opportunity for exposure to chemicals (e.g. hair products, glues, dyes, and paints). Employees should be comfortable with these physical demands and able to maintain productivity and focus throughout the workday. 
    • Ability to work and maintain personal items in a shared workspace with moderate noise and movement, and to remain focused and organized in a deadline-driven environment. 
    • May be required to work backstage with potential for moderate to high noise environments depending on production and performance elements; ability to hear and speak clearly in areas with significant background noise. 
    • Employees may be asked to occasionally use a personal cell phone in order to access authenticator apps and related software necessary for work credentials/multi-factor authentication (MFA). Applicants should be comfortable using their personal devices for these purposes as part of their job responsibilities, as workarounds cannot be guaranteed in order to access certain platforms. 

    TO APPLY
    Please visit our Career Center page to apply for this position. Please include a portfolio/examples of work to your application; resumes are optional. We welcome any additional context you would like to share about your experience and interest in this role. We look forward to learning more about you! 

Part Time

  • McCarter is hiring and we want to meet you.

    The pay for an entry-level position within McCarter’s Production Department begins at $25 / hour and goes up from there depending on skills and experience.

    We are looking for curious, open-minded, and process-oriented people in all sections of the Production Department:

    • Costumes

    • Electrics

    • Paints

    • Projection

    • Properties

    • Rigging

    • Run Crew

    • Scenery

    • Sound

    • Stage Management

    • Wardrobe

    If you are interested in supporting McCarter’s artistic vision, we would love to hear from you. Please email jobs@mccarter.org with “Production Casual Staff” in the subject line to introduce yourself.  Let us know what areas you would like to be considered for and outline your skills and experience. You do not need to submit a formal resume, although they are welcome.