Every year, Lighthouse Festival Theatre depends on the generosity of community members to support the theatre by opening their homes to our visiting artists and crew members. We are again looking to recruit local billets throughout the 2020 season.
What is a billet host?
Each summer, we have many artists – including actors, directors, and stage managers – who travel to Port Dover to entertain you on the Lighthouse stage. Our goal is to provide these artists with safe, secure, and conveniently located accommodations. Being a billet host is the perfect opportunity for empty-nesters or theatre lovers who are looking to support Lighthouse.
Who is an ideal billet host?
Ideally anyone local with private accommodations including a separate entrance, bathroom and living space, but a spare room with a private bathroom will do too! Many artists don’t have access to a vehicle, so they prefer accommodations within walking/cycling distance to the theatre. But those with a car don’t mind a short drive.
What does a billet host provide?
All we ask our hosts to provide is a clean bedroom, ideally a private bathroom, and access to a kitchen. You don’t need to entertain your guests, who won’t be home that often anyhow, since they’re most often at the rehearsal hall or the theatre. Our artists are consummate professionals who need no supervision and will respect your space and any house rules.
Do the artists pay rent?
Yes! As we are a non-profit professional theatre, our artists can offer you modest remuneration. We ask that single rooms cost no more than $100/week and no more than $200 for private apartments.
When are hosts needed?
You can rent a room out all season long to various artists from late April to the middle of September, or host one actor for a six-week period. Any length of time would be most appreciated. This summer, we need accommodation for 29 artists – including 18 actors, three directors, three stage managers, and five assistant stage managers – and several technicians.
Here’s a breakdown of our 2020 visiting artists by show:
Sugar Road
• Stage manager – arrives April 19, departs June 8
• Assistant stage manager – April 26 to June 8
• Actors (3) – April 26 to June 8
Halfway There
• Director – May 17 to June 12
• Assistant stage manager – May 17 to July 6
• Actors (5) – May 17 to July 6
The Cemetery Club
• Stage manager – June 7 to July 27
• Director – June 14 to July 10
• Assistant stage manager – June 14 to July 27
• Actors (4) – June 14 to July 27
Meet My Sister
• Stage manager – July 5 to August 24
• Director – July 12 to August 7
• Assistant stage manager – July 12 to August 24
• Actors (3) – July 12 to August 24
Murder at the Howard Johnson’s
• Assistant stage manager – August 2 to September 14
• Actors (3) –August 2 to September 14
For hosts interesting in having a longer-term guest, our technicians (head of props, head of wardrobe, etc) are in town from April 19 to August 30.
How do I become a billet host?
Have we piqued your interest? If you wish to become part of our accommodation roster, please contact Ariana Lauppe by email at ariana@lighthousetheatre.com.
Thank you for your support of Lighthouse Festival Theatre!