Bringing Live Theatre to McHenry County Since 1967

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You Are Theatre 121!

Theatre 121 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating powerful, community-driven theatre. While many of our positions are volunteer-based, we do offer stipends for key roles on each production. Below are our currently available positions.

Open Positions:

To apply for any of the positions listed below, please submit the following materials:

  • A current resume outlining relevant experience
  • References who can speak to your work in theatre or related fields
    • Director positions require at least 2
    • Optional but recommended for other positions
  • Show proposal sharing your vision and ideas for the show; include budget considerations
  • For positions involving children, such as “Jr.” shows experience working with youth

Theatre 121 reserves the right to refuse any application

Season 7 Show Dates:

  • Annie: November 13-29, 2026
  • Spring Musical: March 5-21, 2027
  • A Chorus Line: June 11-27, 2027

Provides live piano accompaniment for vocal auditions, supporting performers through cuts and helping create a welcoming, professional audition environment. Strong sight-reading and adaptability to varying musical theatre styles are preferred.

Season 7 Stipend: $50 per night

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line

Designs and teaches all dance and movement for the production, collaborating with the director and music team to bring the show’s physical storytelling to life.

Season 7 Stipend: $500

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line
  • Hired
    • Annie

Designs, sources, or creates costumes that reflect character, era, and concept, ensuring visual cohesion and functionality for the stage.

Season 7 Stipend: $1000 for Annie; $600 for Spring Musical & A Chorus Line

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line
  • Hired:
    • Annie

Oversees the creative vision and execution of the production, guiding actors and collaborating with designers to bring the story to life.

Season 7 Stipend: $500

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line
  • Hired
    • Annie

Designs, styles, and oversees wigs and hair looks that support the characters, time period, and overall visual style of the production.

Season 7 Stipend: $100

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical

Develops a lighting plan that supports the production’s mood, time of day, and dramatic focus, working closely with the director and tech team.

Season 7 Stipend: $400

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line

Leads the construction and installation of scenic elements based on the director & scenic designer’s plans, ensuring safety and functionality on stage.

Season 7 Stipend: $600; ($400 A Chorus Line)

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line

Designs and oversees the makeup looks for the production, helping bring characters to life while supporting the show’s overall visual style. May include character makeup, aging effects, specialty looks, and coordinating application processes for performers.

Season 7 Stipend: $100

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Spring Musical

Rehearses and leads the pit orchestra during performances, ensuring musical coordination between musicians, vocalists, and stage action.

Season 7 Stipend: $650

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line

Play live music during the show, attending rehearsals as needed and performing with precision and consistency under the conductor’s direction.

Season 7 Stipend: $45 per performance

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line

Coordinates production logistics, budgeting, scheduling, and staffing to ensure a smooth process from auditions to closing night.

Season 7 Stipend: $400

  • Hired:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical
    • Chorus Line

Sources, organizes, and manages all hand props and set decor, ensuring everything is functional, show-ready, and period-appropriate.

Season 7 Stipend: $350

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line

Provides live piano accompaniment during music rehearsals, assisting the vocal director and cast throughout the rehearsal process. Strong sight-reading skills, flexibility, and familiarity with musical theatre styles are preferred.

Season 7 Stipend: $450

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line

Paints and textures scenic elements according to the designer’s vision, contributing detail and visual impact to the set.

Season 7 Stipend: $250

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical

Creates the physical environment of the show through models, sketches, and plans, balancing artistic vision with practical needs.

Season 7 Stipend: $350

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line
 

Designs and coordinates all sound effects and audio playback cues used throughout the production. 

Season 7 Stipend: $100

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line

Captures and edits behind-the-scenes photos, videos, and social media content to promote the production and engage our online audience.

Season 7 Stipend: $200

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line

Serves as the communication hub for the production, calling cues during performances and maintaining organization throughout rehearsals and tech.

Season 7 Stipend: $400

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line
  • Hired
    • Annie

Oversees all technical aspects of the show, including lights, sound, set, video wall, and rigging, to ensure safety, quality, and successful execution.

Season 7 Stipend: $450

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line

Designs and programs LED video wall content to enhance the production’s visual storytelling. Must be proficient with QLab and able to collaborate closely with the director and scenic designer to integrate multimedia elements seamlessly.

Season 7 Stipend: $400

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line

Teaches music to the cast, runs vocal rehearsals, and works closely with the orchestra conductor to ensure a polished musical performance.

Season 7 Stipend: $450

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Spring Musical
    • A Chorus Line
  • Hired:
    • Annie

Works with dogs participating in the production, helping manage rehearsals, backstage care, entrances/exits, and performer safety involving the animals. 

Season 7 Stipend: $150

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical

Works with the director and performers to safely choreograph staged combat and/or intimate moments in a way that supports storytelling while prioritizing consent, communication, and performer safety. Experience with theatrical fight choreography, intimacy direction, or related training is strongly preferred.

Season 7 Stipend: $150

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Spring Musical

Supervises and supports young performers during rehearsals and performances, helping ensure a safe, organized, and positive environment backstage. Responsibilities may include attendance, communication with families, cueing performers, and assisting with behavior and transitions.

Season 7 Stipend: $250

  • Currently Accepting Resumes:
    • Annie
    • Spring Musical

Interested in Future Opportunities?

Don’t see your ideal role listed right now? We’re always looking to connect with talented individuals for future productions. Submit your info today, and we’ll keep your materials on file for upcoming opportunities!

Apply to Assist or Shadow:

Want to learn more about theatre production but don’t yet have the experience for a paid role? We’d love to support your growth! Apply below to be considered for an unpaid assistant role or shadowing opportunity in an area you’re passionate about.

Volunteer Backstage Crew Positions

Theatre 121 is always looking for crew to serve behind the scenes before and during our productions. Volunteer positions include:

  • Backstage crew for moving set pieces and props on and off the stage
  • Costume quick-changers
  • Set painters
  • Set construction assistants

Check out our Facebook page for specific show requests or contact us online to inquire!

Want to do more for Theatre 121? Each spring we announce open Board of Director positions that you can apply for. Become a Theatre 121 Member and then watch for announcements to apply!