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Audience Engagement Manager

About Steep Theatre
Over the past 25 years, Steep has established itself as one of Chicago’s iconic ensemble-based storefront theatres. Called “the most fearless theater in town” by the Chicago Tribune, Steep has produced over 80 plays with remarkable critical and commercial success. The company’s artistic accomplishments have been matched at every step by organizational growth. Steep opened its first theater in 2003 and quickly outgrew its space, prompting a move to a new artistic home in 2008 where it produced for 12 years. In 2022, Steep bought a building to create a long-term artistic home and theater which is scheduled to open in late 2026. As it navigates new opportunities and new challenges, Steep is focused on core values that have driven and guided the ensemble: prioritizing artistic risk; engaging in responsible financial planning; nurturing connections between artists, audience members, and the community; and creating a welcoming and supportive place to share stories and conversations.

Job Summary
The Audience Engagement Manager is responsible for shaping and managing the full patron experience at Steep Theatre. Reporting to the Operations Director, this role oversees box office and front-of-house operations ensuring efficient ticketing systems, accurate data management, and responsive communication with subscribers and single-ticket buyers. They also serve as Steep’s access coordinator, advancing accessibility across all productions by managing accessible performances, coordinating accommodations, and training front-of-house staff in inclusive practices. Grounded in Steep’s mission and ensemble-driven values, this position plays a key role in cultivating an inclusive and welcoming audience community.

This part-time position (25-30 hrs/wk) has an annual salary of $22,000 - $25,000..

Responsibilities
General Operations:

  • Uphold the Mission and Values of Steep Theatre; be responsive to the priorities and artistic vision of the Ensemble.

  • Report to the Operations Director.

  • Support strategic planning as set forth by the Artistic Director, the Board of Directors, and the Ensemble.

Production:

  • Oversee performance ticketing and box office operations; manage all front-of-house operations for performances and special events; coordinate with stage management and production staff.

  • Coordinate schedule for front of house staff and volunteers throughout a production run.

  • Open and prepare the venue for performances and other events. Oversee closing procedures, including tidying the lobby and audience seating areas.

  • Maintain Steep’s ticketing database to ensure accurate and complete data entry as well as manage performance ticketing settings.

  • Timely communication with subscribers and Steep Passholders about ticket reservations, subscription renewal, cancellations, and refunds.

  • Timely management of comp ticket requests, and coordination with third-party ticketing partnerships.

Accessibility:

  • Serve as access coordinator to ensure all audiences and visitors can experience productions; coordinate the scheduling of accessible performances.

  • Act as the first point of contact for patrons regarding accessibility requests, seating needs, and concerns.

  • Coding/creating captioning for shows.

  • Coordinating rental equipment for access performances, as needed.

  • Contracting audio describers and other consultants, and serve as main point of contact.

  • Briefing front-of-house staff on disability etiquette and emergency evacuation procedures for mobility-impaired guests.

Miscellaneous Responsibilities:

  • Provide administrative support for artistic programming, development initiatives, and special projects, as needed.

  • Support specialized fundraising and events, as needed.

  • Assist with managing Steep’s inventory of supplies and materials in collaboration with production managers and designers.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in audience services, box office, or front-of-house operations, ideally in a nonprofit or storefront theatre environment.

  • Strong data management, written and verbal communication skills.

  • Strong problem-solving skills, especially in live event settings.

  • Demonstrated commitment to accessibility and inclusive audience practices. Experience with captioning tools, audio description coordination, or other accessibility technologies a plus.

  • Ability to work evenings and weekends in alignment with performance schedules; estimate working 3-4 performances per week during production runs.


Steep Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

We acknowledge that the American theater sector has historically operated within systems of privilege and exclusion, and these biases have disproportionately marginalized underrepresented groups. Steep is an antiracist organization actively working to dismantle these systemic barriers in our hiring and administrative practices. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume to info@steeptheatre.com Priority application deadline is December 6, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.