Literary Manager

Shall See Theater; New York (NY); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A New York-based theater company is seeking a Literary Manager to join their artistic team. The role focuses on the evaluation, development, and curation of new works, aligning with the company's mission to promote East Asian narratives globally. Responsibilities include managing script submissions, collaborating on season planning, and providing dramaturgical support for commissioned works. The ideal candidate must be fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English, with experience in literary management and a commitment to cultural equity.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in literary management, dramaturgy, or related field.
• Strong understanding of new play development and commissioning processes.
• Commitment to cultural equity with interest in East Asian narratives.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and curate new works for the theater.
• Collaborate on season planning and development projects.
• Manage script submissions and coordinate the dramaturgical process.

Skills

Fluent in Mandarin Chinese

Fluent in English

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Detail-oriented

Highly organized

Deadline-driven

Collaborative

Education

BA or higher in English Literature, Chinese Literature, Theater Studies, Dramaturgy

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Literary Manager [ART300]

REPORTS TO: Artistic Director

COMPENSATION: Unpaid

START DATE: Immediately upon hire

Position Summary

The Literary Manager is a central member of Shall See Theater’s artistic team, responsible for the evaluation, development, and curation of new works and the selections and rewrites of published works. This position supports the company’s mission to bring East Asian narratives and aesthetics to a global audience by identifying exceptional new voices, supporting commissioned playwrights, and guiding scripts from submission to stage.

Key Responsibilities

• Script Review & Evaluation
  • Manage open and invited script submissions.
  • Supervise and coordinate the work of script readers.
  • Create and maintain detailed tracking systems and feedback archives.
  • Prepare concise, timely, and insightful coverage summaries for artistic and executive review.
• Season & Project Development
  • Collaborate with the Artistic Director on season planning.
  • Recommend works for readings, workshops, commissions, and full productions.
  • Research and network to solicit work from emerging and established playwrights aligned with our mission.
• Commissioning & Dramaturgical Oversight
  • Act as a point of contact for commissioned writers.
  • Provide dramaturgical support throughout the development process, and/or assign dramaturgs to each project.
  • Schedule and moderate developmental readings, feedback sessions, and script meetings.
  • Maintain author contact lists, relationships with agents, and literary networks.
  • Manage commissioning contracts and budgets in coordination with General Management.
• Community & Audience Engagement
  • Coordinate dramaturgical resources with Education and Community Engagement teams to enrich contextual programming.
  • Write copy for playbill materials, Upstage-Guide style content, and audience-facing narratives.
• Administrative Support & Reporting
  • Maintain literary databases, folders, and production documentation.
  • Track developmental milestones and report on metrics (readings, participants, commissions) to the Artistic and Managing Director.
  • Collaborate with Marketing and Development to support artistic communication and fundraising efforts.

Qualifications

• Native in Mandarin Chinese and fluent in English.
• BA or higher in English Literature, Chinese Literature, Theater Studies, Dramaturgy, or a related field of studies.
• 1-2 years of experience in literary management, dramaturgy, or related field in both Chinese and English (including educational experience).
• Strong understanding of new play development and commissioning processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Chinese and English.
• Commitment to cultural equity, with a specific interest in East Asian narratives and underrepresented voices.
• Familiarity with the New York theater landscape and contemporary playwrights.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, deadline-driven, and collaborative.

Please submit your resume and the following required materials using the application form linked below. Click the “Apply Now” button to begin. You are also welcome to include any additional materials that you feel help us better understand your skills, background, or passion—even if they are not specifically requested.

If you have any questions, please email us. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

Required Materials: Please submit one writing sample (5–10 pages) that demonstrates your critical thinking, dramaturgical insight, or curatorial voice.
(Optional) If you have creative writing samples, please submit a sample no longer than 10 pages.