People

At Williamstown Theatre Festival we’ve set an ambitious goal: to redesign the artist and audience experience, and plant new seeds for how theatre gets made.

Our Ambition for this Season

Though we’re proud of our history, we realize that to not only survive as a theatre company, but break new ground in a challenged and competitive industry, we must think anew our approach to the medium, artists, and audiences. We must expand into new artistic arenas, and we must raise both the level of artistic achievement and the level of professionalism in how we work and collaborate. This season, we are ready to strive towards this new vision and extend our reach beyond our traditional boundaries, building a best- in-class organization for the future. You are a part of that journey and effort.

We are asking you to come together with your Festival colleagues to create a singularly supportive, consistent, trusting, and collaborative culture and to enable the best possible work environment for everyone, at every level.

What Is Culture?

To start, let’s be clear about what culture is and why it is so important to the Festival.

Culture is what people see, feel, and experience every day in any community or organization.

At the Festival, it is the product of the work processes and routines our artists, staff, and production professionals undertake, the beliefs they hold about the Festival, and the actions and behaviors they demonstrate themselves and witness in others.

Our Culture: One Team—The Best Work

At the Festival, we’re aiming to build a culture where we set clear expectations for how we are all expected to work and behave together.

To achieve this vision, we’ve created an intentional company culture focused on high standards for creative excellence, innovation, and professionalism, and an environment where talented people can grow, thrive, and take risks – elevating the art, our audiences, and each other.

This section is about that culture, which is based on five core values we expect from everyone working and participating in the Festival:

Operate as one team
Work hard the right way
Grow through creative collaboration
Move the art form forward
Create magic

While we may not always live up to these values in every moment, they are our expectation for how each of us enters the space and the work. Most people joining the Festival are pleasantly surprised by how these values emerge in their colleagues, in their interactions, and in how we embrace and empower our artists, staff, partners, and audiences.

As the Festival continues to change, grow, and evolve, our culture will, too. What won’t change is our focus on excellence, and our determination to build an environment that fosters the innovative collaboration that sparks connection and growth.

Our Values and Behaviors

Values

Our values are both a call to action and an ambition for ourselves. They are the deeply ingrained principles and beliefs that guide our actions while we are all here at the Festival. More than words on a page, our values inform how we engage, how we work, and how we make decisions.

Behaviors

Each value is defined by a set of behaviors – tangible actions that bring the values to life. Our behaviors set clear expectations around what we want people to say and do – from our Board of Trustees, to our newest team members– to implement our vision and operate our Festival effectively. Unlike values, behaviors will differ for every role and every level, but when we’re all working through these values and behaviors, we unlock innovation and achieve collective success.

Value 1: Operate as one team

Embrace a shared vision and purpose
Act as a responsible co-owner – of the work, the festival and the community
Contribute passion and energy
Welcome and engage others as you would want to be

Value 2: Work hard the right way

Practice discipline and professionalism
Care and take care of the work
Bring positive energy and a positive attitude to the room
Know what’s expected of you; ask if you don’t
Speak up and prioritize safety

Value 3: Grow through creative collaboration

Be a reliable, trusted partner
Set clear intentions and practice reciprocity
Listen for, and anticipate the needs of our partners
Act with empathy first
Learn, adapt and improve swiftly

Value 4: Move the art form forward

Embrace diverse voices and perspectives
Strive for a creative excellence that equals our shared creative ambition
Push work forward by actively seeking constructive criticism
Take risks, embrace mistakes, give feedback – but do it respectfully
Be brave, be audacious, exceed expectations

Value 5: Create magic

Take joy in the process, the collaboration, and the community
Learn from the art as much as you give to it
Be generous of yourself and in your interactions
Seek always to delight and surprise – your colleagues, our audiences, the community

Values and behaviors together represent a mutual agreement for how employees across the Festival will show up—and they are the foundation for how everyone agrees to act and behave in support of our vision and the art we’re here to co-create.

Departments

Descriptions

Executive

Williamstown Theatre Festival is led by two Managing Directors, working directly with the Board, guiding the staff, overseeing the execution and production of the Festival, overseeing all operations of the year-round organization and building the strategy and growth for the future.
The Managing Director, Strategy & Transformation (Raphael Picciarelli) focuses on strategic planning and transforming the organization into a more sustainable entity, collaborating with Creative Development & Producing on the current season, overseeing the Festival experience, new business development, strategic partnerships, marketing and communications, and overall organizational culture. The Managing Director, Operations & Advancement (Kit Ingui) provides leadership and oversight in the areas of Festival operations (including production), fundraising and board relations, budgeting and financial management, HR, and hiring of key senior staff.

Creative, Experience, and Production

The Creative Development Manager supports Creative Development activities for the Festival, coordinating and managing the creative development pipeline including reading, workshops, residencies and the L. Arnold Weissberger New Play Award, supporting season planning, and coordination of the Creative Collective.
The Producer is the coordinating force behind creating the Festival. On a basic level, the Producer ensures that all departments are talking to one another and working toward the goal of making WTF’s summer season a reality. Once in Williamstown, the Producer collaborates with the Line Producer and Producing Assistant and with various departments to make sure each production is realized in line with the artists’ vision while adhering to the budget set at the beginning of the season.
The Scenery, Costumes, Props, Lighting, and Sound departments are the creative and technical force behind our productions. The artistic excellence that the Williamstown Theatre Festival is known for is partially credited to the individual talent within each of the production departments. Operating with meticulous attention to detail, they oversee the execution of each production’s artistic vision, from concept to stage, adhering to high standards of safe working practices to bring productions to life.
Production department assistants are assigned to design one of the festival’s main productions, showcasing their creative vision and contributing to the artistic excellence that defines Williamstown. The production staff is a separate team of technicians with a wide variety of skills that support the individual needs of each production department.
Meanwhile, the Production Management and Stage Management departments serve as the logistical backbone of the festival, creating a foundation for all company members to thrive throughout the summer. Together, these departments combine their understanding of artistic goals with operational efficiency to uphold Williamstown’s reputation as a premier destination for theatergoers and industry professionals alike.
The Audience Engagement Team is responsible for the overall patron experience, from selling tickets and answering questions over the phone to greeting patrons as they arrive and making them feel safe and welcome. They pride themselves on the unparalleled customer service each of our guests receive whenever they interact with the Festival—often making that important, indelible first impression!
The Company Management office is full of administrative artists. They are responsible for many behind-the-scenes elements of living and working at the Festival. Under a broad framework, Company Management arranges travel and housing for Festival artists, maintains the Festival’s relationship with our hosts at Williams College, and provides a welcoming face for all. Company Management exists to make sure all other components of the Festival can focus on making our work the best we have to offer. The Company Management door is always open and they encourage you to stop by Greylock A and say hello!

Advancement

The Advancement department is responsible for generating revenue—primarily from charitable contributions and ticket sales—to support Williamstown Theatre Festival’s mission. They do this by making personal connections and producing materials that tell a compelling institutional story, firmly aligned with the Festival’s core values and its 70-year legacy of excellence.

Marketing & Communications

The Marketing & Communications department is responsible for shaping and sharing Williamstown Theatre Festival’s story to inspire engagement and support for its mission. They do this by crafting compelling messaging and designing materials that reflect the Festival’s core values.

Finance & Administration

The Business Office is based in Williamstown, with a year-round office on Spring Street and a summer office in Greylock D. The Finance Director is responsible for the daily financial operations and overall financial health of the Festival as well as maintaining the company budget, payroll, account reconciliation, audit and tax paperwork, any and all insurance claims, and much more! Over the summer, the department expands to include two Business Assistants and works closely with Production Management to handle the large volume of seasonal production purchasing.
This department also includes the General Manager, whose work focuses on directing artist contracting in support of the producing process, managing our human resources function, and supporting general operations of the company such as insurance, capital improvements, and IT.

Department Locations

Advancement

Upper Greylock

Audience Engagement

Box Office in front of the ‘62 Center for Theatre & Dance

Business

Greylock D

Company Management

Greylock A

Creative Development, HR/General Management, & Producing

Greylock C

Marketing & Communications

Upper Greylock

Production

Greylock D

Costumes

Costume Shop in the back of the ‘62 Center for Theatre & Dance

Lighting

Greylock Make Peace

Props & Scenic

Scene Shop behind the MainStage in the ‘62 Center for Theatre & Dance

Sound

G12 in the basement of the ‘62 Center for Theatre & Dance

Stage Management

AMT Dressing Room

Department Schedule (Day Off, coverage, etc)

Advancement*

Now-July 5: 10am-6pm, off Monday the 23rd, Sat-Sun the 28th and 29th
July 7-August 9: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm or show close, off Mondays
*Adjustments for Events & Special Projects
- This schedule will shift as needed to support special events, cultivation dinners, and performances. We’ll provide as much advance notice as possible to ensure clear coverage and coordination.

Audience Engagement

Now-July 5: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm, off Sundays & Mondays
July 8-August 9: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm or show close, off Mondays

Business

Now-August 10: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-6pm, off Mondays (half-day Sundays for team)

Company Management

Now-August 10: Open 7 days a week; each staff member will have a designated day off

Creative Development & Producing

Now-July 6: Fridays off (plus Juneteenth)
Week of July 7: likely staggered days off for show schedules
Week of July 14: likely Monday off
Subsequent weeks, potentially returning to Fridays off

Marketing

Working calendar

Production- SUBJECT TO CHANGE

PM-OPs 7 days a week with rotating day off
Now-July 5: Tuesday-Sunday 8am start, Off 6/15, 6/18, 6/23, 6/30, 7/4 (SMC/PAs off Fridays)
July 6-Aug 10: Tuesday-Sunday 9am start, Off Mondays (Staggered Days Off 7/28-7/29, 8/4-8/5)

Company Guide

Housing Rules and Protocols

Personal Space vs Shared Space

The Festival's Housing Units are actively monitored by the Facilities staff from Williams College. Williams College facilities and contractors may need to enter housing units to fulfill any maintenance needs throughout your stay. That said, we want to clarify the difference between your Personal and Shared spaces.

Personal space is the room where your bed and personal belongings are stored. Williams College staff will not enter those spaces unannounced; if entering is necessary, due to maintenance, it will be scheduled. Company Management will communicate this directly to you.

There are some bathrooms that only have access through a private room that will need to be entered once a week. Company Management will do their best to communicate when that will occur. This applies to those housed in the following buildings: Chadbourne, Doughty, Parsons, Sewall, Spencer, and Woodbridge.

Shared space includes every other area in the housing units (Hallways, Kitchen, Living Room, etc.).

This space may require visits from Williams College Facilities, Maintenance, and Housekeeping staff. As such, you may see members from the College in shared housing spaces, and we do not want you to be alarmed. In addition, to respect everyone's level of privacy, we want to remind everyone to dress in the shared spaces in a manner that you wouldn't mind being seen by others. If there is extensive maintenance work that needs to be completed by Facilities, Company Management will communicate this to the entire dorm.

Main lounges, kitchens, and bathrooms in dormitories will be cleaned daily Monday through Friday. Trash in wastebaskets will be removed from common rooms and bathrooms each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. All showers are cleaned once a week. Bathrooms that need to be accessed through a private room will be cleaned once per week, generally on Tuesdays. Custodians will not remove trash from bedrooms. Public areas and rehearsal spaces will be cleaned daily.

Laundry

- Each Co-Op and dorm location offers shared access to a washing machine and dryer at no cost. Please plan to bring (or purchase during a grocery run) your preferred laundry detergent and fabric softeners.

Prohibited Items

- Below is a list of items prohibited by Williams College. Violations of these policies may result in fines and immediate removal of the items. Please support us in respecting our Williams College hosts by leaving the following items at home:
  - Weapons
  - Drugs
  - Personal microwaves and refrigerators (only college-provided units are allowed)
  - Any appliance with a heating element not specifically listed as permitted here.
  - All stovetops and electric griddles (electric, gas, etc.)
  - Gas, electric, or charcoal grills (must be used outside, at least 25 feet from buildings)
  - Butane torches (anything larger than a personal lighter or standard refill)
  - Heating lamps
  - Air fryers & Oil fryers
  - Pressure cookers
  - Space heaters
  - Air conditioners (unless approved by the Accessible Education Office for medical purposes)
  - Camp Stoves
  - Halogen lamps (60 watts or more)
  - Candles
  - Fireworks
  - Plug-in light bulb type wax heaters
  - Live trees and wreaths
  - Lava lamps
  - Propane or Butane cylinders (all sizes)
  - Flammable liquids and gases in quantities larger than 4 fl. oz. (118 mL)
  - Animals (excluding service animals, unless approved by the Accessible Education Office)
  - Smoke machines and smoke bombs

Lockout Phone

- If you are locked out of on-campus housing after hours, or experience a housing-related emergency, please contact Company Management at 413.458.1100.

Guide to the Local Area

Grocery Stores

The closest large grocery store is the North Adams Stop & Shop, located at 876 State Road (Main Street/Route 2 turns into State Road)—a 10-minute drive from campus and not within walking distance. Instacart and Stop & Shop online ordering/delivery are both available for this store location if you are not planning to bring a car with you. There is also a local bus route that drops you right in front of the Stop & Shop and continues into North Adams; the schedule can be found online here. For a great selection of organic and locally sourced food, visit Wild Oats Market at 320 Main Street in Williamstown. Company Management will also schedule grocery runs throughout the summer for those who don't have a vehicle. Details will be provided upon arrival.

Restaurants

Spring Street is home to several great eateries: Pappa Charlie’s Deli is well-known for its delicious sandwiches named after celebrities who have eaten there before—many WTF alumni included. Other options include Spring Street Market & Café, Crust, The Log by Ramunto’s, Tony’s Sombrero, and the Purple Pub, plus the Water Street Grill on nearby Water Street. In the mood for charcuterie and wine? Check out our friends at Provisions Williamstown on Water Street (if you see Antonello’s husband Stephen, say hi and introduce yourself). Need dessert? Our favorite local ice cream can be found at Lickety Split at the base of Spring Street.
Spring Street is also home to Blue Mango’s Thai/Japanese cuisine, Spice Root’s Indian cuisine, and Plates Bistro’s Mediterranean cuisine. Friends and family in town? Check out The Barn in The Williams Inn on Spring Street, Coyote Flaco and Mezze Bistro + Bar, both on Route 7. Local menus can all be found at www.berkshiremenus.com.

Local Businesses

In addition to restaurants, there are a handful of small retail shops on Spring Street, including Amy’s Cottage, Nature’s Closet, and Where'd You Get That!?. Buy something for yourself or for loved ones! Need something printed or a passport photo, check out The Print Shop… they are like your own personal Etsy shop on Spring Street!
In addition, you’ll find a Walgreens at 212 Main Street in Williamstown Plaza, as well as a pharmacy inside the Stop & Shop. For anything else you might need, there is a Walmart at 1415 Curran Hwy in North Adams. If you need a Target, never fear—there's a location at the old Berkshire Mall off Route 7 in Lanesborough, MA. Need rejuvenating? Visit the fine folks at In Touch Day Spa or Tsubo Massage on Water Street.

Area Attractions

Don't forget to visit our many arts and cultural neighbors in the Berkshires this summer! Williamstown is home to the internationally renowned art museum, The Clark Art Institute. In downtown North Adams, make sure to stop by the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) for a mix of contemporary visual and performing art. Other nearby summer performing arts offerings include Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in Becket, Tanglewood and Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, as well as Barrington Stage Company and the Berkshire Theatre Group in Pittsfield.
Movie buff? Don’t pass up the non-profit movie theater Images Cinema on Spring Street, which shows a wide variety of independent and foreign films. Into the outdoors? There are many fantastic hiking trails and swimming holes in the area too.

Link to destinationwilliamstown.org [2xCHK]

Company Seating & House Seats

If YOU want to see a show:

Beginning June 24, visit the Box Office or call 413.458.3253 to place your name on the Company List. Only Company Members can join the Company List. Friends and family must purchase tickets (subject to availability). Each performance will have a cut-off in terms of the number of company members that can be placed on the list. Please only sign up for one performance for each production and discuss with your department supervisor before doing so. We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to see the shows. When people sign up and then don’t show up, it takes the opportunity away from someone else that could. Be mindful.

The list is first-come, first-served. There is no guarantee that you will be able to see a specific performance or production, as space can be limited. The Audience Engagement team will make every effort to get you into the show (even if it means standing room only), but please know they may have to turn you away and you’ll need to sign up for another date.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to curtain (not earlier or later) with your Festival ID and check in with the Audience Engagement team member holding a clipboard. Right before curtain, the House Manager will come out, call names as space allows, and escort you to any available seating or standing room location. If you are not present, you forfeit your spot. If you do not make it into the performance, you may sign up for another time at the Box Office. Please do not visit the Box Office one hour prior to performances as there is a high volume of patrons during that time.

Please remember that our primary concern is the safety and seating of our patrons. Your patience, grace, and understanding will be appreciated, and we will make every effort to assign all company members a seat or standing room spot. If you require a special accommodation, please let the Box Office know when adding yourself to the Company List.

If FAMILY/AGENTS/FRIENDS want to see a show:

Each seasonal staff member receives two complimentary tickets to use in the season. Fill out this Staff Comp Request Form. Seats will be assigned in best available seats (for non-general admission houses); requests will be filled based on availability.

For any additional requests, tickets can be purchased either online at wtfestival.org, via phone at 413.458.3253, or in person at the ‘62 Center Box Office. For the best seats in the house, you can fill out a House Seat Request Form. At the beginning of the season, you will be given access to an online form through which you can make these types of ticket requests. Please note: house seats for each performance are limited and subject to availability.

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