Status: Part-time, Seasonal
Location: 1160 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615

Job Summary & Key Priorities:

Definition Theatre is seeking House Managers for our upcoming 2026 season.This role supports the smooth and welcoming operation of our front-of-house experience, working closely with the Audience Services Manager and Executive Director before, during, and after each performance. The House Managers help ensure every patron has a safe, accessible, and enjoyable visit by assisting with ticketing, check-in, and seating; supporting ushering; and responding to guest needs in real time. This part-time position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, and calls for a calm, customer-focused professional who can communicate clearly, troubleshoot effectively, and lead with care—even in high-pressure or emergency situations.

Performance days are Thursday-Sundays with off days Monday-Wednesday.

Black Cypress Bayou: 

• Previews: February 13 – 16th, 2026

• Opening: February 19th, 2026

• Production Run: February 20th, 2026- March 14th, 2026

• Closing: March 15, 2026

keerah:

• Previews: May 29th-June 1st, 2026

• Opening: June 4th, 2026

• Production Run: June 5th, 2026-June 27th, 2026

• Closing: June 28th, 2026

How We Got On: 

• Previews: September 11th 2026 - Sep 12, 2026

• Opening: Sep 13, 2026

• Production Run: September 18th-26th, 2026

• Closing: September 19th, 2026

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in front-of-house, box office, customer service, hospitality, or event operations

• Comfortable working in a live performance environment with large and diverse audiences

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to remain calm and welcoming under pressure

• Ability to manage multiple tasks at once, including ticketing, seating, and guest support

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick, sound decisions in real time

• Reliable and punctual with a high level of professionalism

• Ability to follow safety, accessibility, and emergency procedures and effectively direct patrons when needed

• Comfortable using ticketing systems, basic technology, and point-of-sale tools (or willing to learn quickly)

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and performance dates

Pay Rate: $18 per hour and engaged as a 1099 independent contractor

Background

Definition Theatre has been a vibrant force for over a decade, celebrating stories created with, inspired by, and intended for people and communities of color. Through the act of making, we expand perspectives, steward resources, and bridge the possibilities found at the intersection of art, innovation, and education. Known for bold and impactful productions, we’ve brought to life plays by Oscar-winner Tarell Alvin McCraney, Pulitzer Prize-winners James Ijames and Jackie Sibblies Drury, and Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.

We strive to promote equity, foster empathy, and enhance quality of life for our community by offering opportunities for creative, entrepreneurial, and cultural expression. Our work emphasizes collaboration in theater-making and highlights career pathways in the arts. In 2024, Definition leased and equipped a storefront space in Hyde Park, enabling us to engage artists and expand programming as we prepare for our permanent home in Woodlawn. This new theater, community center, and business incubator will amplify and preserve BIPOC voices, promote social justice, and empower the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

Job Summary and Key Priorities

Definition Theatre is seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Bookkeeper to manage day-to-day financial operations and support the organization’s financial health and compliance. This role is responsible for accurate data entry, payroll processing, bank reconciliations, preparation of internal financial statements, and coordination with the Executive Director and external Auditor. The Bookkeeper ensures timely, accurate, and transparent financial reporting to support organizational decision-making, grant compliance, and board oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing: Assist with payroll and payroll-related journal entries, ensuring proper classification, documentation, and accuracy.

• Bank Reconciliation: Reconcile checking and savings accounts monthly, investigating and resolving discrepancies promptly.

• Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly Profit & Loss by Class reports, review for accuracy, and coordinate with the Executive Director for follow-up.

• Bookkeeping & Financial Operations: Maintain chart of accounts and class tracking, post journal entries, monitor account balances, and flag discrepancies or concerns.

• Compliance & Year-End Support: Assist with year-end reporting, audits, and tax filings in coordination with the Outside Accountant.

Qualifications & Preferred Experience

Required:

• 3+ years of bookkeeping experience, preferably in a nonprofit or arts organization.

• Proficiency in QuickBooks and payroll platforms (e.g., Paylocity); strong Excel skills.

• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting, including fund accounting and grant tracking.

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to resolve discrepancies.

• Clear communication skills and ability to collaborate with leadership and external accountants.

• Professionalism, discretion, and ability to manage confidential financial information.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Commitment to Definition Theatre’s mission of equity, BIPOC representation, and community engagement.

Preferred:

• Experience in arts, theater, or nonprofit organizations.

• Handling multi-year grants and restricted fund accounting.

• Assisting with year-end audits, tax filings, and 1099 preparation.

• Preparing financial statements for leadership and board reporting.

• Coordinating financial operations with external accountants.

• Using financial reporting to support organizational decision-making.

• Exposure to payroll setup, reporting, and journal entry reconciliation.

• Participation in budgeting or forecasting processes.

Compensation

This position is compensated hourly at a rate of $50–$75 per hour, averaging approximately 7.5 hours per month.

Our Culture

Definition Theatre is a people-first, solution-based organization. We value diverse perspectives, radical authenticity, and a community-driven approach. We offer flexibility while maintaining a focus on achieving our mission. Our culture promotes work/life balance and supports remote work as appropriate.