Hiring FAQs
Hired (Staff) vs. Elected (Board) Positions
Hired positions are those selected by the board. These include General Manager, Technical Director, Treasurer, Marketer, Front of House Manager, and more. Some of these positions also have hired assistants, depending on the year. Staff members can hold their position until they graduate or choose to leave the board.
Elected positions are filled by our four year representatives. Year reps are voted in by their cohort (for example, first-years vote in the first-year rep). Elected positions are volunteer, but since they are elected, they have the most decision-making power in some scenarios; for example, year reps get two votes during season selection, and hired board members get only one. Once elected, year reps can hold their position for up to two years before they must run again.
Internal Hiring vs. External Hiring
When a position on the staff or board becomes available, we go through the process of internal hiring. This means that any member (hired or elected) may apply for the open position. Their application will be considered by the rest of the company and voted on. If more than one person applies, the rest of the company votes for the most eligible candidate.
If no members apply for the open position or no applicants are deemed suitable, we will hire externally. This means we put out an open call, and any student can apply for the position. From there, the company will select the most eligible candidate.
Why do you do internal hiring?
Most staff positions are best suited for someone with at least one season of experience on the team. Since SATCo seasons happen at the start of the semester, it’s difficult, though not impossible, to learn the inner workings of the company as you’re trying to perform your job. But don’t worry. It’s not unusual for us to hire externally. There are also frequent opportunities to make your way onto the board as a year rep, from which you can move up.
Do you hire your friends for board positions?
Nope! The SATCo board is made up of a variety of folks from different years, focus areas, and social groups. We do our best to maintain a casual, friendly attitude at meetings and events. However, we hire based solely on applications and interviews if applicable.
Who attends board meetings?
All hired and elected company members attend weekly meetings in addition to their individual duties.
If I’m hired or elected, can I still participate in SATCo shows?
Yes, in any capacity! You can submit plays, because our season selection is anonymous, and therefore the rest of the company won’t know you are one of the playwrights. You can audition or apply to direct, stage manage, design, or otherwise work on shows. If you are chosen to work on a show, SATCo will adapt your duties to avoid conflicts of time and conflicts of interest.
Does SATCo choose who works on shows?
This is a really common misconception! The staff and board are not responsible for casting shows or assembling creative teams. The playwright chooses a director, and the director is responsible for choosing a creative team and casting the show. The company facilitates this process by collecting applications and passing them on to the appropriate person. Company members also go through this same process if they wish to work on a show.