SEATTLE REP is seeking a resourceful and talented Literary Manager to join the Artistic Team. The Literary Manager is a critical member of the Artistic department and provides support seeking out new work, maintaining a literary office, and providing dramaturgical support.

ABOUT US

Seattle Rep is committed to producing the highest quality programming, and we believe that our ability to contribute to excellence in the arts depends on building a community whose members come from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.

We are part of a growing movement in theater to ensure inclusion of those who have been excluded historically; focusing particularly on racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities and women, ensuring they are at the decision-making table, reflected in our community.

Mission

Seattle Rep collaborates with extraordinary artists to create productions and programs that reflect and elevate the diverse cultures, perspectives, and life experiences of our region.

Vision

Theater at the heart of public life

Values

Artistic Vitality, Sustainability, Generous and Inclusive Practices

ABOUT THE POSITION

The primary responsibilities of the Literary Manager are to seek out new plays and new voices for Seattle Rep, coordinate the process of receiving, reviewing, and responding to new plays submitted to the theater, manage script filing systems, and maintain communication with and contact information for playwrights and agents. Additionally, the Literary Manager provides dramaturgical support to select productions and workshops and writes features and content for Seattle Rep publications.

Typical Duties Include:

Artistic Relations

• Read and evaluate new plays
• Actively communicate and build relationships with playwrights, agents, dramaturgs, and literary managers around the country
• Track new plays nationally and contribute to the national conversation about new work
• Attend productions, locally and nationally, as a representative of SRT

Literary Management

• Coordinate the process of receiving, responding to, and tracking new plays submitted to the theater
• Facilitate the process of evaluating plays and maintain the highest standards of responsiveness to playwrights and agents
• Manage and maintain script filing systems and processes
• Maintain current contact information for playwrights and agents
• Manage the Literary Reading group

New Play Development

• Advise the Associate Artistic Producer on playwrights and projects to be considered for the Other Season
• Maintain regular communication with playwrights under commission and support them in research and other dramaturgical needs
• Serve as a dramaturg and provide support to playwrights in workshops and readings, as needed or as assigned

Season Planning

• Serve on a cross-departmental season planning committee
• Advocate plays for production and development, and suggest playwrights to be commissioned
• Study and compare different translations of plays, advise on the quality of existing translations, and (if needed) propose commissioning new translations/adaptations

Production

• Serve as a dramaturg and provide support to playwrights in rehearsal, as needed or assigned
• Write letters, articles, and conduct interviews for Seattle Rep publications, as needed or assigned
• Attend selected run-throughs, tech/dress rehearsals, and previews of Seattle Rep productions, and provide feedback as needed and appropriate
• Maintain up-to-date production scripts and internal systems for communication when updated script drafts arrive

Administrative

• Provide guidance and direction to the Literary/Directing Apprentice in the performance of administrative literary tasks
• Assist with archival efforts to ensure useful record-keeping of dramaturgical materials
• Add actively and constructively to the EDI (equity, diversity & inclusion) work of the organization, including attending all-staff training sessions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA degree or equivalent experience
• Two years of experience working in a theater literary department reading and evaluating new plays and serving as production dramaturg
• Commitment to racial equity and social justice.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of American playwrights and literary agents
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to create and maintain filing systems
• Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure work is completed in a timely manner
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel, as necessary
• Ability to exercise professional discretion and confidentiality
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft 365, including but not limited to MS Word, Excel, Teams and SharePoint
• Motivated, responsible, self-starter with a great sense of humor.

TO BE CONSIDERED

1. Submit a resume detailing related experience and education.
2. Attach a cover letter that outlines how your related experience and education qualifies you for the position.
3. Applicants are reviewed the day after the position closes.

Seattle Rep has a mandatory vaccination policy for all employees, with accommodations for medical and religious exemptions only.

Contact hr@seattlerep.org with any questions regarding the application process.