Author Archives: cptonline

CAN Academy: Winter 2025–2026 Enrollment Open Now!

Cleveland Public Theatre’s CAN Academy to be led by multidisciplinary artist, Cassandra Miller.  

Cleveland Act Now (CAN) Academy is a free performing arts program for younger teens and youth from Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods ages 11-14, held on-site at the theatre. Young artists engage in rigorous (and fun!) theatre training, learning acting fundamentals, script analysis, storytelling techniques, and play creation.  

The Winter Session runs Jan. 20 to Mar. 12, 2026. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at Cleveland Public Theatre from 4:30pm-6:00pm.

To register, click the link here! 

For more information, please reach out to Cassandra Miller: 216.631.2727, x201 (Office) 

216.903.4526 (Mobile), Email: cmiller@cptonline.org 

Cassandra Miller Bio: Cassandra is a theatre artist, educator, and birth worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. Although raised in Florida, the Cleveland community has played a huge part in nurturing her into the creative she is. Graduating from Cleveland State University with a BA in theatre and a minor in dance, Cassandra also holds a certificate in arts management. Cassandra founded The Black Leading Arts Cultural Club while on the CSU campus. Through the student organization, she produced Take the Stage, an artist showcase for three consecutive semesters. Cassandra is a three-year company member of Blakk Jakk Dance Collective and also does costuming for the dance company. As an actress, Cassandra is an Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship (Lincoln Center) nominee and finalist for her work as Vera in By the Way, Meet Vera Stark. She has performed regionally with Karamu House, Mamaí Theatre, Cain Park, and in Playhouse Square’s Allen, Helen, and Outcalt theatres. Cassandra has worked in the early childhood capacity for over seven years, aiding in the development of babies and youth from birth to age 14. As a teaching artist, Cassandra has choreographed Jungle Book Kids and Frozen Jr. at Near West Theatre. Cassandra has also helped develop a variety of devised performances during the ’22 and ’23 summers at CPT before joining full-time. Cassandra is a birth and postpartum doula and a board member of The Black Birth Collective. Cassandra is immensely grateful to be a part of such a nurturing community that supports all her passions. 

 

CPT SEEKS SEASONAL FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME PANDEMONIUM PRODUCTION & TECHNICAL STAFF

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is hiring seasonal FULL-TIME and PART-TIME Pandemonium Production and Technical Staff. These roles are integral to the creation & implementation of all artistic & technical components for CPT’s annual fundraiser gala, Pandemonium! Positions can begin as early as July 5th and can last through October 15th. The hourly rate for full and part-time work ranges from $19-$23. CPT will be accepting applications on an ongoing, first-come, first-served basis.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Every September, Cleveland Public Theatre hosts its one and only fundraising spectacular: Pandemonium which takes place this year on Saturday, September 6th. It takes over six months to plan; hosts over 1,400 guests; while 300 artists and 150 volunteers donate their time for the event which raises between $300,000 and $400,000 annually for our programming. The Pandemonium Production Staff members are an integral part of the success of this event as they transform the CPT campus into an explosion of art & color creating indoor & outdoor performance spaces & art installations that cover the entire space of the event. During the event, the staff acts as a go-to team of stagehands & technicians, fixing any issues that should arise & helping the stage/area managers as needed. In the weeks following the event, the production staff will strike & restore the campus to prepare for the 2025/26 season!

Compensation: $19-23/hour

Anticipated Start & End Dates: We will add team members as the summer goes on July 1, August 1, and August 15th. Employment may end early to accommodate schedules but ideally between September 15th and October 15th
*Must be available ALL DAY on September 5 th  and  6th and daytime on 7 th

Hours: Full-Time Staff will work 35-40 hours a week in July and increase hours including overtime with overtime pay in the last few weeks before pan (not to exceed 60 hours a week)

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

BASE SKILLS

  • Positive attitude and ability to collaborate and be a team player
  • Technical skills in at least one of the following areas:
    • Sound
    • Lighting
    • Scenic Construction
    • Rigging
    • Visual Art
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs

QUALITIES & PERSONALITY

  • Ability to work efficiently and calmly in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to shift and change with process
  • Highly organized and self-motivated
  • Energetic, enthusiastic, and sees projects to completion

Review of candidates will begin immediately, and continue until all available positions are filled. To apply, send an email to careers@cptonline.org. Subject line should read: [LAST NAME], PAN Production Staff. The email should include two attachments: a resume, and a one-page cover letter describing your history, passion, why you are interested in this position, and what you have to offer. Candidates may be asked to provide additional materials after the original application.

ABOUT CPT

CPT is a nationally recognized center for contemporary performance. Its mission is to raise consciousness and nurture compassion through groundbreaking theatre and life-changing education programs. CPT implements this mission through its annual theatrical season, featuring between eight to ten adventurous professional productions and a robust series of new play development programs that support writers and devisers at multiple points in the creative process. CPT’s acclaimed education programs engage communities in devising new works that speak to contemporary issues and empower participants to work for positive change in our community. CPT is home to resident community ensembles Teatro Público de Cleveland and Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi, and CPT annually presents Station Hope, a large-scale community arts festival. CPT’s annual budget is around $1.8 million a year. CPT has 23 full-time staff members.

Cleveland Public Theatre is hiring an Associate General Manager

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is hiring an Associate General Manager (AGM) which is a core part of the CPT staff and will make a meaningful contribution to life at CPT and its success.

Review of candidates will begin immediately. To apply for the position, send an email to Marguerite Hannah, general manager, at careers@cptonline.org by end of day Friday, November 15th. Subject line should read: YOUR LAST NAME, Associate General Manager. Your email should include two attachments: a resume and a two-page cover letter giving examples of work that illustrates the experience required in the job description and an explanation of why you are interested in this position. No phone calls or emails please.

Associate General Manager Job Description

CPT’s Associate General Manager (AGM) role is focused on supporting the day-to-day work of the General Manager and reports directly to the role. The AGM role requires flexibility, initiative, and curiosity about how things work. This role has day-to-day responsibility for payroll and Human Resource logistics including hiring and on-boarding process of new employees. The AGM is also responsible for assisting with office management & equipment. Equally important, the role provides day-to-day support to the GM at their direction and includes project-based assignments.

As an operational role, this position will interact and provide support to all staff members and should have a strong “customer service” attitude and communication skills. Candidates should be excited about solving problems with limited direction, self-teaching new skills, conducting research and communicating the results, and recommending courses of action. Constant re-prioritizing is a key skill.

CPT is primarily interested in candidates with 2 to 4 years of theatre administration experience but will consider applications from candidates with professional stage management, front of house, or production experience who are interested in making a career change. CPT will also consider exceptional early career candidates who may be well-positioned to make a leap forward.

Salary range is $43k to $50k based on work experience. Benefits include:

  • 50% contribution to medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401K plan.
  • 29 days of Paid Time Off (including 9 holidays).
  • 100% contribution to Short-term and Long-term disability and Life insurance.
  • Free tickets to Pandemonium, CPT’s annual fundraiser.
  • Free tickets and reimbursements for tickets to other local theatres.
  • An inspiring view of Lake Erie from our rooftop deck!

Associate General Manager Responsibilities

Areas of Responsibility

  • Payroll Management
  • Hiring & On-Boarding Processes and other Human Resource Management
  • Oversee office operations
  • Assist in facilities management
  • Act as liaison with outside I.T. vendor
  • Assist the General Manager on routine tasks and special projects

Payroll and Human Resources

  • Manage and execute weekly & twice monthly payroll disbursement through Paychex
  • Prepare and process letters of employment and all employment paperwork for new hires
  • Assist in the management and assessment of employee benefits
  • Assist in management of on-boarding scheduling and hiring

Other Duties

  • Assist in the management of staff meeting and staff events
  • Act as the GM’s representative as required
  • A commitment to centering anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices in their work
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

Skills

  • Strong writing and communication skills, especially around email correspondence and follow-up
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
  • Microsoft Windows “Power-User”
  • Comfort with a range of standard office equipment
  • Paper and electronic filing skills
  • Formal training in theatre arts management, theatre production, communications field, or a writing discipline is not required, but preferred.

Experience (Your cover letter should speak to experience in these areas.)

  • Demonstrated project management or project management-like experience: For example, coordinating schedules and deadlines between people, assigning tasks, maintaining task lists, following up with people on assignment progress and holding them accountable, assessing project completion.
  • Experience moving between different types of projects and tasks in the course of a day.
  • Notable and demonstratable experience in at least two of the following three areas:
    • Facilities management or home maintenance and repair
    • Information Technology (that is, computer and network use and management)
    • Office operations oversite
  • Experience assessing and negotiating with outside vendors
  • Theatre administration experience will be given special consideration

Qualities and Personality

  • Curiosity about how things work and ability to self-teach
  • Attention to detail and accuracy while working on multiple projects and tasks
  • Able to work efficiently and calmly in a fast-paced environment
  • Able to re-prioritize tasks as they arise
  • Genuine interest in the arts and knowledge of live theatre
  • Highly organized and self-motivated
  • Energetic, enthusiastic, and always willing to see projects to completion

Remote Work Policy

Staff are required to work in-office at least 32 hours per week. On average there would be an additional 5-10 hours of work per week, with the option to work from home when the needs of the position allow.

About the CPT Staff

CPT employs a full-time staff of 25 people and nearly 100 temporary positions. Staff cares passionately about reflecting our community and pursuing diversity at all levels of the organization. We value hard work, and strive to center courage, humanity, integrity, representation, respect, and joy while challenging each other to do and be our collective best. CPT has undertaken work to accelerate and formalize its growth to becoming a fully anti-racist organization, engaging all staff, board, and artists in that work.

For applicants considering relocation to Cleveland: our city is an excellent community to live in with top-notch arts and culture, a vibrant theatre scene, beautiful public parks, a great lake, and affordable housing.

About Cleveland Public Theatre

CPT is a nationally recognized center for contemporary performance, the theatre’s mission is to raise consciousness and nurture compassion through groundbreaking theatre and life-changing education programs. CPT implements this mission through its annual theatrical season, featuring between 6-12 adventurous professional productions and a robust series of new play development programs that support writers and devisers at multiple points in the creative process. Historically, many plays produced at CPT are by BIPOC artists and women. CPT’s acclaimed education programs engage communities in devising new works that speak to contemporary issues and empower participants to work for positive change in our community. CPT is home to community ensembles Teatro Público de Cleveland and Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi; and CPT presents Station Hope, an annual large-scale community arts festival. CPT’s annual budget is around $2.5 million a year.

 

Cleveland Public Theatre’s “Cultivate” 2024/2025 Season

Cleveland, OH – Cleveland Public Theatre’s (CPT) Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan is proud to announce the 2024/2025 Season aptly named “Cultivate.”

The theme is a nod to the theatre’s ongoing dedication to the expansion of new work partly supported by a generous grant from Mellon Foundation as part of the Future of American Theatre Cohort that was announced earlier this year.

“This is an incredible time of reinvention and of planting new seeds and appreciating the fruition of some projects we have been working on for years! CPT is one of the few theatres in the country to produce seasons of virtually all brand new plays, and we are thrilled to continue this work, while also looking for reinvention across the field and nurturing great local and national talent.”

―Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan

Highlights this year include the World Premiere of the non-profit workplace comedy not-for-profit (or the equity, diversity and inclusion play) by francisa da ilveira (can I touch it?)*, the return of Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi’s The Outstretched Hand, the world premiere of Jeanne Madison’s Showin’ Up Black, and three holidays shows!  Also, cultivating this season, is the launch of a brand-new play development program called Soft Launch.

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CPT Offers Cuyahoga Artists Awards!

Cleveland Public Theatre is excited to announce the recipients of two new artistic initiatives for Cuyahoga County artists that were announced earlier this year―The Individual Artist Fund and the Premiere Fellowship.Both awards are generously funded by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture in partnership with Assembly for the Arts .

The grantees were selected by accomplished artists and producers with ties to the theatre including India Nicole Burton, Eric Coble, Jaiie Dayo Aliya, David Hansen, Mindy Herman, and Sheffia Randall-Nickerson. 


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CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE IS LOOKING FOR A DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is hiring a Digital Strategy Manager with at least two years of experience who will be an integral part of the Audience Engagement team which includes the Director of Audience Engagement & Marketing (DAEM) and a Graphic Designer. The DSM will work with the DAEM to create digital marketing campaigns, create and deploy weekly eblasts, update the website, create social media posts and other duties as assigned while exemplifying CPT’s brand and mission.

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CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF not-for-profit (or the equity, diversity, and inclusion play) 

not-for-profit (or the equity, diversity, and inclusion play) 

A dark comedy by francisca da silveira 

Directed by Jeannine Gaskin 


LOOKING TO CAST THE FOLLOWING ROLES…

Lisa early 50s Black She/Her
title: Interim CEO
lunch: does she eat because honestly she’s always in a meeting but is also always carrying an uneaten apple

*Other roles in this play will be cast from an earlier audition pool.


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CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE IS LOOKING FOR A TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is hiring a Technical Director who is a core part of CPT’s leadership team and makes a meaningful contribution to life at CPT and its success. CPT is accepting applications for this position until the role is filled. 

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Production Associate – Temporary Full-Time

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is hiring a Production Associate (PA) for a seasonal full-time position. Position begins as early as July 1 (no later than July 31) and ends ideally September 20, 2023 (could be part time between September 9 and 20). Deadline to apply is June 7, 2024. Salary range is $750-850/week based on experience and range of skills. This role reports to the Associate Producer. To apply, send resume and cover letter to Paige Conway, associate producer at pconway@cptonline.org. Read More ›

Meet Playwright Rachel Bublitz, author of Funny, Like An Abortion

CPT: What are some of your other interests when you’re not writing?

Rachel Bublitz: My kids are 14 and 16 years old, so it’s a nice age. I was thinking, man, they both do a lot of sports, so a lot of my job is taking them from one activity to another activity. My son swims and so recently I just became a swim official.

CPT: When did you start writing plays and what made you start writing them?

RB: My dad took me to the opera, and I started as an actor and directing in high school. I always thought I would try writing eventually since I was about 9 or 10. I’ve kept journals and I’m pretty dedicated to filling them, so I just thought, “oh, this can’t be that hard” and then it was very hard, but it was hard in a way that was really fulfilling and now I’ve been writing for over 10 Years

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