I really enjoyed my time at The Palace. I can only speak for myself and my experience, but I would highly recommend it. The production team was great; everything was very efficient and professional. They definitely value strong work-ethics and professionalism, which I could appreciate. One of the best-run non-union houses I've worked at so far. The production quality is great, the theatre itself is gorgeous. The schedule was fantastic, lots of days off. The pay is pretty decent for non-union. The housing is fine. I know it's new as of early-2024 and apparently it's better than the old housing. When I was there (at the new housing) everyone had their own room. Rooms are dorm-size (it used to be an old dorm building). There are two large shared bathrooms with multiple stalls and showers, and two single bathrooms with showers, so there are some privacy options. Nice kitchen (though no dishwasher) and nice common areas. The town itself has its ups and downs. Lots of cute coffee shops and restaurants/bars within walking distance, but the area does have a large unhoused population, so it does get a bit sketchy at night. It's not a far drive to Boston, MA, and Portland, ME, so there are options for day-trips. Lots of the cast went back to NYC during the days off so that's possible too. The only other thing worth mentioning is that members of the creative team do live in the cast house with you, so you just have to be aware of that. It was not a problem at all while I was there, it's just something to be aware of—you have to carry your professionalism with you, to a small extent, when you return home at the end of the day. Overall, I had a great time and would absolutely go back and recommend it. It also helps that I had a wonderful cast; always a better experience when it's a great group of people. Obviously this is all just my experience and I can't speak for anyone else's. Hope this helps!

The quality of the shows is incredible no doubt about it. The venues and production elements are fantastic. The problem is the people. Creative team clearly favors white and white passing BIPOC performers. Evident in their casting and who they choose to recast back to back. The theater fosters a very petty and gossip filled environment. The housing a bit spooky at night given the area is sketchy. They do provide housing, gym membership, travel stipend, and cast van which is way more than most theaters could say.

I had one of the my favorite summer contracts. Production quality is NUTS (like…so good), creative team was a joy to work with, and the cast house was solid. Each cast member had their own dressing room at the theatre and room at the cast house. Cast house was always stocked with sheets, comforters, pillows/pillowcases, towels, hand soap, and more. The kitchen was well stocked with utensils, pots, pans, paper towels, kitchen towels, an air fryer, toaster and coffee maker along with the obvious stove top, oven and microwave. There were also 4 refrigerators so everyone was insured at least a shelf. I felt that the show and rehearsal schedule was fair for the pay. We got essentially 2 1/2 days off a week which was incredibly kind and helpful on the cast’s bodies / minds. It’s a schedule I wish would be implemented more in the industry. I did their Children’s Summer Series last summer, so not TOO familiar about mainstage show experiences but have heard from others that it’s a similar vibe with similar conditions (besides the individual bedrooms/dressing rooms, since there were only about twelve of us for the summer series). I’d definitely recommend working here, especially if you’re still in (or a couple years out) of college. Whereas I can’t speak much on the main stage show experiences, mine was good enough to WANT to come back for a main stage production if that means anything.

Shows are insanely high quality, housing is great, company vehicle to make grocery runs, and all amenities (gym, grocery, theatre, restaurants) are all within a 10 minute walk from the house. If you become a regular there, they will typecast you. Don't expect to break type with this company, but it can be semi consistent work for you, and you'll probably have a great time. I personally had a great time there. Responding to claims that the artistic director assigns a "mole" every show... I have spent over a year of my life at this theatre with a number of different casts, both pre pandemic and post.... There has never been a mole assigned. Sometimes cast members become friends with the creative team (because a lot of us are up there pretty frequently) and sometimes they gossip, but there's never any formally sanctioned spying. Yes, in my experience, there has been a pay discrepancy between men and women. No argument on that point. Ultimately, not the worst place, especially for younger actors right out of school. Would recommend.

I do not know where to begin with this. For individuals who become favorites and get cast back to back at this theatre - it is the best place to work at. The quality of the shows are top notch. There is cast housing that is fantastic. You will be surrounded by inspiring, talented people. It is one of my favorite places to work, but there is a significant downside. The director did direct Dreamgirls years ago and he later spoke openly about how he didn't like working with black people because he found them to be difficult. After the pandemic, I noticed he is casting more BIPOC individuals, so maybe he has grown? Also, the director states that he does not like drama, but then he assigns a person every show to be the mole. Essentially, that person is a spy amongst the cast to go back to the director and report anything. Also, the director literally surrounds himself with people who are ones to gossip and are not above throwing other people under the bus to advance themselves. It is young and petty. There is a significant pay difference between men and women. Leading women have often gotten paid less than ensemble men. The people who work behind the scenes - it is a revolving door because they are treated horribly/not valued for all that they do. It is rolling the dice to be unscathed when performing there, but it may be worth it because if you are miraculously able to stay out of the negative stuff, you can have the best time.