Company Description
Ravinia® is both North America’s longest-running not-for-profit music festival and its most artistically diverse. Over 100 different events by a mix of classical, rock, pop, jazz, R&B, indie, and country performers make up a typical summer season on our two open-air and two indoor stages. Each year the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is featured in six weeks of concerts, many with Chief Conductor Marin Alsop. During the same summer months, Ravinia’s Steans Institute provides young professional classical and jazz musicians with career-advancing training and concert settings.
Offstage and year-round, Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play education programs engage 50,000 children and adults—in schools with little to no music curriculum, in our Chicagoland communities, and at our 36-acre park—in our mission to make music equitably accessible to all.
Dates of Employment
Late-May through Early-September 2025 (with some flexibility)
Applications are accepted through May 4, 2025. Early applications are encouraged and appreciated! Applications with resumes and cover letters are preferred.
Job Description
The Production Assistants report to the Production Operations Manager and work alongside various members of the Production and Artistic departments. The Production Assistants help perform the daily backstage operations of the Production department. These positions are highly coveted and past employees have gone on to obtain full-time employment within major arts organizations across the country. Please note that there are no technical/on-stage aspects to this position.
Responsibilities
- Provide ground transportation for artists, crew, and guests using Ravinia’s fleet of vehicles
- Shop for and organize hospitality items for rehearsals and performances
- Ensure dressing rooms are clean, well-organized, and stocked prior to artists’ arrival
- Organize and reset dressing rooms after artists’ departure
- Restock and organize the Production department’s general inventory
- Act as main receptionist / dispatch for the Production department, as needed
- Set up, sell, and tear down artist merchandise, as needed
- Act as a Production Runner for various artists’ teams, as needed
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Ability to work well as part of a team and independently
- Strong communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills
- Creative problem-solving and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable driving full size SUVs and large passenger vans
- Consistent source of transportation at any time of day or night and a reliable cell phone
- Clean driving record**
- Driving Record Requirements to Operate Ravinia Fleet Vehicles
- Drivers must be age 19+
- Record must be free of any violation for speeding in excess of 19mph over the speed limit within the last three years
- Record must be free of multiple speeding violations (of any severity) within the last three years
- Record must be free of any at-fault accident violations within the last five years
Ravinia reserves the right to extend driving record requirements beyond those noted above.
Ideal candidates will also offer some of the following skills/experience:
- Customer service or hospitality industry experience
- Knowledge of performing arts
- Knowledge of Chicagoland area attractions, roadways, and public transportation
- Foreign language speakers are encouraged to apply
All hiring is contingent upon receipt of an approved background and driving record check. All employees are required to sign an employment agreement and a confidentiality agreement.
Work Environment
This is a full-time seasonal position based in Highland Park, IL. This position requires the ability to work outside of normal business hours (early mornings, late nights, and weekends). Prolonged periods of standing, the pushing/pulling of carts, and lifting/carrying various supplies are required.
Compensation And Benefits
Salary: $16.75/hour; 30 to 40 hours per week. This position is eligible for overtime pay when working more than 40 hours in one week. Ravinia's work week begins on Saturday and ends on Friday. This position is paid bi-weekly.
Benefits: Some meals provided. Free parking at the venue. Monthly cell phone stipend. Internship credit is available. Eligible for Illinois Paid Leave plan.
Ravinia is an Equal Opportunity Employer
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Ravinia strongly believes that diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our success. We strive to create and sustain an equitable and inclusive environment for all our employees. Ravinia does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. We encourage individuals of all identities and abilities to apply.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
