The Multimedia Content Creator is responsible for creating and managing high-quality photography, videography, and social media content to support the American Shakespeare Center’s (ASC) mission. This role ensures ASC’s storytelling reaches and resonates with audiences across platforms. The Multimedia Content Creator plays a key role in capturing the essence of ASC’s productions, programs, and mission while maintaining consistency with its visual and brand identity.
The Multimedia Content Creator reports to the Communications Manager and works closely with the Director of Marketing and Development and cross-departmentally with the Patron Loyalty, Artistic, Production, and Education Teams.
Key Responsibilities
Photography and Videography
- Capture professional-grade photos and videos of ASC activities—including productions, events, programs, and workshops—for promotional, archival, and internal use, ensuring high-quality visuals and sound.
- Work alongside multiple departments to coordinate and carry out photo and video shoots, including providing photo notices and informing staff accordingly.
- Conduct research on the production and play ahead of campaign planning to develop and share photo and video concepts in advance of content planning meetings.
- Create multimedia content such as long-form interview videos, short-form reels, video advertisements, and promotional trailers tailored to ASC’s goals and branding.
- Edit and reformat visual content across multiple platforms, ensuring professional quality and consistent messaging.
- Collaborate with the Education Team to produce content for ASC Camps, adult programs, and workshops, including instructional videos and event recaps, as well as Archival Video Recording of Performances at the Blackfriars Playhouse.
- Maintain a well-organized and accessible archive of photo and video assets for use by the marketing, development, and education teams.
- Stay updated on photography, videography, and social media trends to keep ASC’s content innovative and engaging.
- Capture the Blackfriars Playhouse atmosphere—its architecture, audience, merchandise, and behind-the-scenes moments—for ASC’s storytelling and promotions.
- Maintain a well-organized and accessible archive of all photo and video assets, ensuring proper backups and metadata for future use.
- Foster strong relationships with ASC’s creative and production teams—including directors, costume designers, props, and box office staff—as well as key stakeholders and volunteers.
Social Media Coordination
- Manage ASC’s social media platforms by creating, scheduling, and monitoring engaging content. Platforms include but are not limited to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Short-form Video Platforms.
- Develop and execute campaigns in collaboration with the Communications Manager and Director of Marketing and Development.
- Engage with ASC’s online community to strengthen existing relationships, expand reach to build new relationships, and drive engagement.
- Monitor social media performance metrics and provide regular reports to the Communications Manager, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Maintain and monitor a shared content calendar for social media campaigns to ensure alignment across teams.
Media and Press Support
- Serve as ASC’s point of contact for press and media representatives during events, providing b-roll footage, approved photos, and other media assets.
- Manage and update ASC’s SmugMug account with current images and captions in collaboration with the Communications Manager.
- Ensure all photography and video content complies with Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) guidelines, tracking approvals and releases as needed.
- Respond to media requests and maintain ASC’s photo galleries for press and partner use.
Professional Development and Resources
- ASC supports professional growth through access to training, workshops, and tools to enhance skills in multimedia production and digital engagement.
- ASC provides access to professional-grade photography and videography equipment, as well as editing software.
Qualifications
Required Skills and Experience
- Flexibility to work nights and weekends for performances, workshops, and events.
- Proficiency in photography and videography, including editing and retouching.
- Experience managing social media platforms, creating content, and analyzing performance metrics.
- Strong organizational, communication, creative thinking, and attention-to-detail skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in work completion.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Familiarity with or willingness to learn more about Shakespeare, theatre, or performing arts is highly desirable.
- Previous experience in non-profit or arts marketing is a plus.
- Familiarity with Canva and SmugMug.
- Strong project management skills with a proven ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and drive initiatives to completion.
Work Environment and Schedule
- Flexibility: This position requires availability on nights and weekends to cover performances, educational programs, and special events.
- Location: Based in Staunton, Virginia, with all responsibilities performed on-site.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position offering an annual salary of $36,000 for 40 hours per week, with a 90-day probationary period.
Benefits include:
- Subsidized health insurance.
- Paid leave.
- Access to vision, dental, and life insurance.
The American Shakespeare Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, veteran status, national origin, or disability.
The American Shakespeare Center values and supports collaboration, inclusion, and work/life balance. Our home in Staunton, Virginia, supports these values with a livable, walkable downtown; low cost of living; diverse arts opportunities; easy access to cities like Richmond, Charlottesville, and Washington, DC; and abundant outdoor activities in the surrounding Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Learn more about ASC’s beliefs and staging practices here.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by emailing a resume, cover letter, portfolio, and video project (details listed below) to Stephanie Cabacoy, Director of Marketing and Development, at stephanie.cabacoy@americanshakespearecenter.com.
Use the subject line: Application for Multimedia Content Creator. For immediate consideration, please submit materials by Midnight on February 2, 2025.
Multimedia Content Creator Application Video Project
As part of your application for the Multimedia Content Creator role, we invite you to showcase your creativity, storytelling, and technical skills through a short video project. This challenge will help us see how you can craft engaging, high-quality content that reflects the values and energy of the American Shakespeare Center.
Your Challenge: “12 Questions in 2 Minutes”
What to Create:
Produce a 1-2 minute video featuring 12 rapid-fire questions with a subject of your choice. The video should highlight your ability to tell a story through creative visuals, dynamic editing, and clear communication while meeting accessibility standards.
Here’s What to Do:
- Choose Your Subject:
- Interview a friend, colleague, or yourself. Alternatively, feature a creative professional or community member you admire.
- Plan Your Questions:
Use a mix of fun and insightful prompts, such as:
- “What inspires you most?”
- “If you could play any Shakespearean character, who would it be?”
- “What’s your favorite behind-the-scenes moment in theatre?”
- “What’s one thing people might not know about you?”
- Film the Video:
- Capture engaging visuals (e.g., interesting settings, multiple angles).
- Ensure clear audio and professional editing.
- Include captions for accessibility.
- Submit Your Work:
- Video format: MP4 or MOV.
- Length: 1-2 minutes.
- Include a short description (100 words) explaining your creative choices and how the video aligns with ASC’s mission to tell engaging stories.
What We’re Looking For:
We are evaluating the video on its creativity, storytelling, technical skills, and accessibility, not on the individual being interviewed, but on the creator’s ability to craft an engaging and polished piece that captures the audience’s attention.
- Creativity: Is the video fresh and engaging?
- Storytelling: Does the video effectively highlight the personality of the subject?
- Technical Skills: Are the visuals, audio, and edits polished?
- Accessibility: Does the video include captions and accommodate diverse audiences?
Time Expectation:
We estimate that this project should take no longer than 8 hours to complete. Our goal is to assess your creativity, storytelling, and technical skills without requiring an undue time commitment.
Why This Matters:
This challenge allows you to showcase your ability to create high-quality, shareable content that reflects ASC’s energy and engages audiences across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Short-form video platforms.
About the American Shakespeare Center
The American Shakespeare Center (ASC) is a nonprofit theatre company based in Staunton, Virginia, and home to the world’s first recreation of Shakespeare’s Blackfriars Playhouse. ASC is dedicated to engaging audiences with Shakespeare’s timeless works through performances, education, and community programs. Here’s what sets us apart:
- The Blackfriars Playhouse: Experience theatre in the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor playhouse, blending historical authenticity with modern storytelling.
- Educational Innovation: Our workshops, lectures, and interactive programs make Shakespeare’s works accessible and inspiring for learners of all ages and backgrounds.
- Community Impact: Through partnerships, outreach initiatives, and local events, ASC fosters connections and builds community in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.
- Dynamic Repertory Theatre: With year-round performances, ASC offers rotating productions, from Shakespearean classics to modern adaptations, showcasing the transformative power of live theatre.
Conveniently located in Staunton, Virginia—just 45 minutes from Charlottesville, 1.5 hours from Richmond, and 2.5 hours from Washington, DC—ASC provides unique opportunities to explore the arts in an inspiring setting.