Opportunities
As an equal opportunity employer, Northlight Theatre hires outstanding individuals into every position in the company. People who work with us have a high degree of engagement, a commitment to working effectively in teams, and a passion for the company’s mission. We place the highest value on creating a safe environment where our employees can grow and contribute, and refuse to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious belief, sex, age, disability, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Reflecting our commitment to be an inclusive and accessible employer, we welcome applications for all open positions from a diverse applicant pool that reflects our community and programming.
Administrative
Grants Manager
Reporting to the Director of Advancement, the Grants Manager is responsible for supporting the grants program at Northlight, developing corporate, foundation, and government support. This includes maintaining a master calendar of all reporting and filing deadlines; researching new grant opportunities; and the completion of new and renewed grant proposals and applications. The Grants Manager completes LOIs and reports and participates as part of the Advancement team.
A full job description is available here.
Job Hours & Location: This position is expected to work a hybrid schedule of 24 hours per week year-round, including a minimum of one day per week onsite at Northlight Theatre, 820 Church St in Evanston. An exact onsite/remote work schedule will be determined based on department needs and staff member preference.
Compensation: Compensation range is $30 to $35 per hour, competitive with prevailing compensation for similar positions within the non-profit performing arts industry, and commensurate with qualifications and experience of the applicant. Collaborative environment with flexible work hours and close involvement with the art and artists.
How to Apply: As an equal opportunity employer, Northlight Theatre hires outstanding individuals into every position in the company. People who work with us have a high degree of engagement, a commitment to working effectively in teams, and a passion for the company’s mission. We place the highest value on creating a safe environment where our employees can grow and contribute, and refuse to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious belief, sex, age, disability, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Reflecting our commitment to be an inclusive and accessible employer, we welcome applications for all open positions from a diverse applicant pool that reflects our community and programming.
Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume with relevant experience and three listed references via email to humanresources@northlight.org. No phone calls please. Applications requested by April 25, 2026, though they will be accepted until the job is filled.
Casting
Northlight is currently seeking Equity actors for roles in Northlight Theatre’s 2026-2027 Season, with EPA audition dates 4/20/26 and 4/21/26 at Actor’s Equity Association, 557 W Randolph, Chicago.
This EPA will service all shows for our 2026-27 season. Scripts will be available at Northlight Administrative Offices.
NOTES: Northlight Theatre is interested in seeing all actors at this EPA: actors of any race, gender, age and ability are encouraged to audition, regardless of the character descriptions for the plays in our upcoming season.
It is the intention of Northlight Theatre to understudy all Equity roles with non-union actors.
Designers and Technicians
Northlight welcomes resumes from designers and technicians. For positions not specifically listed above, please send resumes to:
humanresources@northlight.org
Human Resources
Northlight Theatre
9501 Skokie Blvd.
Skokie, IL 60077
As an equal opportunity employer, Northlight Theatre hires outstanding individuals into every position in the company. People who work with us have a high degree of engagement, a commitment to working effectively in teams, and a passion for the company’s mission. We place the highest value on creating a safe environment where our employees can grow and contribute, and refuse to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious belief, sex, age, disability, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Reflecting our commitment to be an inclusive and accessible employer, we welcome applications for all open positions from a diverse applicant pool that reflects our community and programming.
Floor Manager
Northlight Theatre is seeking a Floor Manager for hourly employment for all of our 5-show season or on a show-by-show basis, September 2026 through July 2027. Working under the supervision of the Production Manager and Stage Manager, the Floor Manager is responsible for the general maintenance and organization of all Northlight backstage areas, for functioning as run crew on each show in a variety of capacities, and completing light maintenance tasks in carpentry, properties, and paint at the Theatre and Scene Shop as requested.
A full job description can be found here.
Qualifications: Previous run crew and stage carpentry experience required. Rigging experience is a plus.
Compensation: $22 per hour, with eligibility for overtime pay and earned paid time off.
How to Apply: As an equal opportunity employer, Northlight Theatre hires outstanding individuals into every position in the company. People who work with us have a high degree of engagement, a commitment to working effectively in teams, and a passion for the company’s mission. We place the highest value on creating a safe environment where our employees can grow and contribute, and refuse to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious belief, sex, age, disability, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Reflecting our commitment to be an inclusive and accessible employer, we welcome applications for all open positions from a diverse applicant pool that reflects our community and programming.
Accepting resumes, immediately. Send resume to Production Manager, Emily Kneer,via email humanresources@northlight.org. No phone calls please.
Wardrobe
Northlight Theatre is seeking Wardrobe Run Crew for hourly employment for all of our 5-show season or on a show-by-show basis, September 2026 through July 2027. Working under the supervision of the Production Manager, Costume Supervisor, and Stage Manager, Wardrobe is responsible for running all costume shifts, quick changes, and handoffs during each performance. This person is responsible for doing all show laundry at the facility, and maintains all wardrobe pieces throughout the run, in coordination with the Costume
Supervisor.
A full job description can be found here.
Qualifications: Previous experience required. Wig maintenance experience is a plus.
Compensation: Compensation is hourly at $22 per hour, with eligibility for overtime pay and earned paid leave.
How to Apply: As an equal opportunity employer, Northlight Theatre hires outstanding individuals into every position in the company. People who work with us have a high degree of engagement, a commitment to working effectively in teams, and a passion for the company’s mission. We place the highest value on creating a safe environment where our employees can grow and contribute, and refuse to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious belief, sex, age, disability, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Reflecting our commitment to be an inclusive and accessible employer, we welcome applications for all open positions from a diverse applicant pool that reflects our community and programming.
Accepting applications immediately. Please send your resume to Northlight’s Costume Supervisor, Hannah Compton, via email at humanresources@northlight.org. No phone calls, please.
Production Assistant
mission. We place the highest value on creating a safe environment where our employees can grow and contribute, and refuse to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious belief, sex, age, disability, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Reflecting our commitment to be an inclusive and accessible employer, we welcome applications for all open positions from a diverse applicant pool that reflects our community and programming.
Scenic Carpenters and Electricians
Northlight Theatre is continuously seeking theatrical carpenters and electricians for inclusion in our overhire pool. Pay commensurate with experience and local norms. Please send resume to Emily Kneer, Production Manager via email production@northlight.org. No calls please.
The Northlight Youth Council, or NLYC, is a free program at Northlight Theatre for passionate Chicagoland teens in grades 9 through 12 who are looking for professional experiences and a chance to explore their creativity.
NLYC engages young adults in a variety of student-driven opportunities. This program allows for members to attend Northlight Theatre performances, performances at other theaters, analyze and discuss the plays they see, meet professional working artists, participate in theatremaking workshops, and engage with their peers. NLYC members will not have to pay anything to participate in any of these activities.
Each summer, Northlight Theatre offers high school students a paid opportunity to get first hand experience at working in a professional theater office environment. Students will work with staff and better understand the day-to-day and back-end operations.
Please note that this is not a performance opportunity. Students might be able to observe some rehearsal and attend a performance, but the scope of this opportunity does not include any actual acting.
Click here to fill out our 2026 application!
Youth Associates Sample Schedule 2026
July 6, 2026 – August 18, 2026
approx. 10-16 hours per week (Hours may fluctuate based on weekly projects assigned)
$16/hour
For any questions, please contact Education & Community Manager Lee Peters at lpeters@northlight.org.
Northlight Theatre does not accept unsolicited scripts. However, in an effort to support the local artistic community, we do accept unsolicited ten-page samples exclusively from writers living in Illinois. Before submitting material, we strongly encourage you to read our mission statement, research our production history, and/or see a production here in order to acquire a sense of Northlight’s interests and aesthetic.
To be considered, please send a letter of inquiry, a synopsis of your play, and a ten-page sample. All material must be submitted electronically to the following e-mail address: submissions@northlight.org. You will receive an automatic electronic confirmation that we received your submission. If we would like to request the full script, we will contact you again. Thank you for your interest in Northlight Theatre.