Programming Assistant - Shubert Theatre, New Haven, CT

CAPA-Columbus Association for the Performing Arts; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

CAPA is seeking a Programming Assistant to support the Programming Team in scheduling and coordinating live performances. The role offers up to two days per week, totaling 8–10 hours, with additional hours per show as needed.

The candidate will help manage calendars, show files in Prism, and track contracts and box office data. Ideal applicants are organized, detail-oriented, and eager to learn about programming, venue operations, and contracts within a not-for-profit arts organization.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret contracts and event riders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).
• Understanding budgeting and the ability to read and analyze basic budgets.
• Self-Starter and organized with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assist with regular programming responsibilities, including calendar upkeep and maintenance.
• Update Show File within Prism and track programming data.
• Update deal status and contract status notes as deals progress.
• Conduct programming research (comparable venues, prospective shows, competitive venues).
• Assist in office administrative tasks (filing, agent communications, notetaking).
• Support event setup, execution, or teardown as requested.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Microsoft Office

Budgeting

Contract reading

Self-Starter

Physical lift up to 50 pounds

Education

Bachelor's degree in Theatre/Arts Administration or related field

Tools

Prism

Job description

The Company

The historic Shubert Theatre is a not-for profit arts, education, and community institution serving the people of Connecticut, and particularly the City of New Haven. As a public resource, Shubert presents a wide array of programs to a diverse community. The theater itself is the crown jewel of downtown New Haven. Opened in 1914 before "talkies," television, or rock concerts, Shubert Theatre was built for the live theater experience: intimate, personal and immediate. While it now has a large lobby and comfortable new seats, it is a real Broadway house, where the magic of theater, music and dance come alive. The Shubert, New Haven is owned and operated by CAPA, a Connecticut Not‑For‑Profit Organization.

The Company

The historic Shubert Theatre is a not-for profit arts, education, and community institution serving the people of Connecticut, and particularly the City of New Haven. As a public resource, Shubert presents a wide array of programs to a diverse community. The theater itself is the crown jewel of downtown New Haven. Opened in 1914 before "talkies," television, or rock concerts, Shubert Theatre was built for the live theater experience: intimate, personal and immediate. While it now has a large lobby and comfortable new seats, it is a real Broadway house, where the magic of theater, music and dance come alive. The Shubert, New Haven is owned and operated by CAPA, a Connecticut Not‑For‑Profit Organization.

The Opportunity

Role

This role is perfect for someone who wants to explore the performing arts, is highly organized, curious, and eager to learn, a role that offers a unique opportunity to support CAPA's Programming Team and gain exposure to the business, planning, and operational aspects of presenting exceptional live entertainment experiences. Successful candidates should be excited by these questions:

• Are you passionate about live entertainment and eager to gain hands‑on experience in the programming and booking side of the performing arts industry?
• Do you thrive in an organized, detail‑oriented environment where your work helps bring world‑class performances and events to the community?
• Are you a self‑starter who enjoys research, tracking details, managing information, and supporting the many moving parts that contribute to a successful event season?
• Do you enjoy working with data, contracts, calendars, and administrative processes while learning how shows progress from initial discussions to the stage?
• Are you looking for an opportunity to build relationships with agents, artists, and industry professionals while developing valuable arts administration and venue operations experience?

Primary Function

The Programming Assistant, a member of CAPA's Programming Team, reporting to the General Manager, works on regular programming responsibilities. The Programming Assistant will work up to two days a week for a total of 8-10 hours per week. Additional hours may be available on a per-show basis.

Duties, Responsibilities, And Key Performance Objectives

• Assist with regular programming responsibilities, including:
• Assist with Calendar upkeep/maintenance
• Show File updating within Prism
• Update programming tracking documents with box office data
• Update deal status and contract status notes as deals progress
• Assist in programming research, including:
• Comparable venue research
• Prospective show research
• Competitive venue tracking
• Assist in office administrative tasks, including:
• Filing
• Agent communication
• Programming notetaking
• Assist in event set up, execution, or tear down as requested.
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain an exhaustive listing of duties, responsibilities, and key performance objectives that are expected of the employee. These items may change, or new job‑related items may be assigned from time to time.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret contracts and event riders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, etc.) with the ability to learn other technology systems that support CAPA’s operations including building systems (security, HVAC, etc.).
• Understanding budgeting and the ability to read and analyze basic budgets.
• Self‑Starter.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders, bend and kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Credentials And Experience

• Preferred bachelor's degree in Theatre, Arts Administration, Stage/Production Management or a related field or currently enrolled in a program, and/or equivalent work experience.
• 1‑3 Years in Theatre, Arts, or similar fields.
• Base pay for this role is $17/hour.

Special Requirements

• Successful background check.
• The majority of CAPA’s public events take place at night and weekends. This position requires occasional presence on‑site during nights and weekends.