Striving for Artistic Excellence
Our mission…
Believing in the power of theatre to startle the soul, ignite debate and embrace the diversity of the community in which it serves, Cygnet Theatre Company is fearlessly committed to the dissection, examination and celebration of the human story through the medium of live theatre.
Staying true to our mission
Since its founding in 2003, Cygnet Theatre has grown into one of San Diego’s leading theatre companies and is known for producing adventurous, entertaining and thought-provoking live professional theatre year round.
Cygnet first started producing high caliber work in 2003 in a 165-seat house located in San Diego’s Rolando area near SDSU. A high percentage all productions have been local premieres, as Cygnet believes strongly in bringing new voices to the community. These have been balanced with classics and musicals. The community response from the beginning was tremendous and Cygnet soon needed a larger venue. In 2008, Cygnet moved to the 246-seat Old Town Theatre in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where we reach over 40,000 people annually. Our next major milestone happens in September of this year (2025) when move into our new state-of-the-art-home in Arts District Liberty Station.
When Cygnet was more of an idea than a reality, we began contemplating what the name of our company would be. We were very small but ready to announce our presence. In Elizabethan England, the Swan Theatre was built in 1595. It was a contemporary theatre to William Shakespeare, known for his Globe Theatre. We had ambitions to rival San Diego’s Old Globe in quality and heart and decided that our “rival” theatre to theirs would be named after the Shakespearean rival, The Swan. Since we were so small at the time, we named ourselves after the young version of a swan, the cygnet. Thus: Cygnet Theatre. When Old Globe founder Craig Noel was told about the origin of our new name, he laughed fully and gave us his whole-hearted approval. It delighted him, he said, and thus a cygnet was born.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Cygnet Theatre’s mission is based upon creating conversations among our diverse artistic communities and audiences. It’s about creating theatre that helps us all hear and understand each other better and inspire empathy. We acknowledge that theatre culture locally and nationally has practiced racist and discriminatory behaviors that have resulted in the exclusion and mistreatment of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists. Although Cygnet Theatre has always strived to be inclusive, we acknowledge more can and must be done.
We re-commit to the data-driven self-evaluation of our work environment internally and externally through our programming, administration, marketing, philanthropy, and overall institutional practices to identify and implement equity and inclusion throughout our organization, both onstage and off.
We welcome this opportunity to identify and implement positive changes that can be made and affirm our responsibility as an organization that serves the public good to feed and inspire a more equitable society.
We have a lot of work to do. We will do better. To start, we will create visible and meaningful accountability measures to ensure the success of our work.
- To being UPstanders, rather than bystanders, as we actively disrupt inequity, systemic racism, and other forms of oppression in our community.
- To update our mission statement and core values statements to include our commitment to anti-oppression and anti-racism.
- To continue to invest in our staff and board members through regular EDI training and conversations.
- To recognize that theatre is the art form of democracy. Therefore, we will intentionally create policies and practices to increase the access BIPOC and other underrepresented staff, artists pool, and board of trustees have for advancement, promotions, and the ability to contribute their ideas and talents to the organization.
- To the just and equitable disbursement of resources for all employees including non-unionized artists that work for our company.
- To create the conditions for safety. Our task is to create and nurture spaces where safety is prioritized so that we can make the best art we are capable of.
- This includes hiring cultural consultants when relevant and appropriate to serve in the rehearsal room for communities of color, racially and ethnically diverse individuals, tribal communities, immigrant and refugee communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, and communities that have principal languages other than English. These practices will expand beyond the rehearsal room to include our staff, administration, board, and audiences.
- Community: We believe that artists, community partners, administration, staff, and board members with differing backgrounds and life experiences enhance our ability to succeed and create a richer experience for all.
- Balance: We believe that maintaining balance in our work and personal lives is crucial. Balance allows for the inspiration to create. It also contributes to a joyous work environment where team members can learn from one another and build meaningful personal connections.
- Diversity: We believe that diversity reflects a broad range of voices, points-of-view, histories, perspectives, and experiences. We recognize that some voices have been intentionally and systematically excluded and that society as a whole can grow when these voices are heard and included.
- Empathy: We believe that theatre is a place where art can be created, where one can explore what it is to be human and in turn foster a shared culture of empathy and understanding. Theatre is by its nature a unique art form that celebrates what it is to be alive and therefore must be created in a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment.
- Engaged in ongoing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging training for all of our staff with (R)EVOLVE Consulting beginning in July of 2021.
- Committed to a 5-day rehearsal week and 8-hour tech rehearsals to reflect our belief in balance.
- Increased BIPOC representation at all levels of the institution: actors, playwrights, staff, and board members.
- Hired an Education, Outreach and Inclusion manager.
- Posted our Land Acknowledgement in our theatre as well as a printed version in our programs recognizing that our theatre rests on occupied Kumeyaay territory.
- Intentionally worked to use and recognize pronouns.
- Implemented a practice of inclusive and color conscious casting for all productions.
- Created practices to ensure gender parity in hiring practices.
- Ensured that the majority of new play commissions are written by artists in the global majority.
Who we are
Cygnet Theatre Company produces a year-round season of professional Off-Broadway-style theatre as well as thought-provoking and engaging educational programming. Cygnet is committed to maintaining high standards of artistic and fiscal integrity, and serves more than 40,000 patrons annually from San Diego and beyond. Cygnet performs its mainstage productions at the state-of-the-art theatre in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. As it prepares to relocate to the Arts District Liberty Station in 2025, the organization remains committed to enriching the community through transformative theatrical experiences.
Jobs & Auditions
We are currently hiring for the following positions and auditioning for the show(s) below.
We hold show-specific auditions throughout the year. If you would like to join our audition mailing list, please fill out the form below. You will be sent an email whenever auditions are announced.
Cygnet Theatre in Old Town is now accepting resumes for part-time Concessions employees.
Cygnet Theatre is entering the final year of its $43.5M Capital Campaign to fund its new home at the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center in Liberty Station, Point Loma. The new theatre complex is set to open in September 2025. We are seeking a highly organized, theatre-passionate professional with at least two years of experience in a Development department to join our team as a Development Associate. This is an exciting time to join the team and gain experience working on a capital campaign.
The Development Associate plays a key administrative role in supporting the Development team and managing donor stewardship activities. This position offers the potential to grow into an Annual Giving Manager role over time.
Compensation:
- Full-time position
- Salary range $65,000 to $75,000 based on experience
- Benefits package, including 401(k) with matching
Essential Duties:
- Ensure proper donor recognition and benefits are provided.
- Coordinate and execute fundraising and cultivation events.
- Maintain and update reports on annual and capital giving.
- Keep current and prospective donors engaged through cultivation touches, regular communication, and group events.
- Prepare solicitation proposals, presentations, meeting arrangements, digital and print materials, and track donor data.
- Coordinate meetings and facilitate communication to ensure projects and initiatives stay on track.
- Manage the campaign donor/prospect database, performing data entry for gift tracking, event attendees, and donor research.
- Track pledges and handle bookkeeping related to the campaign.
- Provide general support to staff and volunteer leadership as needed.
Minimum Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):
- Minimum 2 years of experience in Fundraising.
- Administrative and project management experience preferred.
- Four-year college degree or equivalent.
- Strong interpersonal, oral and written communications skills.
- Ability to engage effectively with executive leadership, accounting, marketing, development teams, Board of Directors and diverse groups of donors and prospects.
- Proficiency in creating thoughtful donor correspondence, conducting research and managing database requirements.
- Strong organizational and strategic thinking skills: able to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
- Ability to prioritize a multitude of tasks and deadlines.
- Strong ethical conduct, with adherence to AFP Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice.
Personal Attributes Necessary for Job Performance:
- Flexibility, positivity, reliability and patience.
- Proactive and results-driven, able to work independently and within collaborative teams.
- Ability to professionally interact with all levels of staff, volunteers, donors, and the public, inspiring engagement and connection.
- Detail-oriented, with excellent communication skills via phone, email and in-person interactions.
- Active listening skills, with the ability to respond quickly and resolve donor and staff needs.
- Discretion and sensitivity when handling confidential information.
About Cygnet Theatre:
Cygnet Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusivity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status in accordance with applicable nondiscrimination laws.
Our work environment is creative, dynamic, and flexible, offering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. Cygnet Theatre produces a diverse range of 6-7 mainstage productions each year, from timeless classics to world premieres and Broadway-style musicals. We also provide outreach and educational programs for youth, emerging artists, and military communities across San Diego County.
Mission: Believing in the power of theatre to startle the soul, ignite debate and embrace the diversity of the community in which it serves, Cygnet Theatre is fearlessly committed to the dissection, examination and celebration of the human story through the medium of live theatre.
To Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to Cygnet Theatre’s Development Director, Marinda Peugh, at jobs@cygnettheatre.com
Cygnet Theatre in Old Town is now accepting resumes for part-time Patron Services Representatives.
Position: Patron Services Representative
Hours: 10-25 hours a week, must be available on weekends and evenings.
Pay: Starting at $17.25 an hour
Preferred Availability:
Monday thru Friday: Noon to 9pm
Saturday/Sunday: 11 am to 10pm
Ideal candidate must be available for a minimum of four shifts a week.
The primary responsibility of this position is to provide theatre patrons with excellent customer service at Cygnet Theatre by assisting them in purchasing and/or picking up tickets to Cygnet Theatre events, providing information on performances and special events, and assisting other front of house departments as needed to ensure a high-quality patron experience.
Responsibilities:
- Provide all guests a positive first impression of Cygnet Theatre by offering superior customer service.
- Operate the computerized ticketing system and all wireless technology devices.
- Provide information regarding Cygnet Theatre events via face-to-face, telephone and e-mail communication.
- Provide assistance to all company members with ticket reservation needs.
- Assist with front of house tasks as needed, including but not limited to assisting the house management team or with event set-up.
- Assist with miscellaneous box office projects as directed.
Requirements:
- Strong customer service skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to operate wireless technology devices (iPads, ticket scanners).
- Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment.
- Must be able to lift 30 lbs.
To Apply:
Please send work resumes only. NO acting resumes.
Email submissions to ecandia@cygnettheatre.com
We Believe in
Transparency
Cygnet Theatre, as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, annually files a Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide information to the public on the organization’s finances, public support, and activities. The IRS uses this form to evaluate the organization’s compliance with tax laws. As part of its commitment to transparency and accountability, Cygnet Theatre makes available its IRS Form 990s along with annual audited financial reports. Tax ID #57-1146474.
Contact Bill Schmidt at 619-574-0059 x114 or email bill@cygnettheatre.com if you have additional questions.
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