Assistant Production Manager/Stage Manager

Position Information

This position will be posted until filled; however, review of applications will begin on 05/03/2026.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.

Work Tasks

• Schedule work calls, prepare estimates, procure equipment, schedule, execute and fulfill production advance calls
• Manage and lead technical crews
• Function as a crew member
• Serve as a stage manager calling shows, managing casts
• Train new crew members and students
• Develop and maintain very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees
• Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and treat everyone with dignity and respect
• Support the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely go the extra mile in providing service
• Follow workplace safety regulations and adhere to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position
• Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision

KSA's Related to Position

• Knowledge of standard theatrical tools, systems, and equipment, including lighting, sound, rigging, staging, and backstage operations
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and accepted safety practices in a performing arts environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Results-focused
• Strong organizational skills
• Able to assist in the coordination and execution of all production elements for major professional touring attractions
• Able to support and assist the Production Manager in a high-volume, multi-event venue
• Able to function as a Stage Manager, including working with cast, crew, designers, and visiting artists
• Able to schedule and run rehearsals as assigned
• Able to call cues and manage live performances
• Able to maintain backstage order and enforce performance protocols
• Able to substitute into various positions on a traditional technical crew
• Able to function as both a crew leader and a crew member depending on production needs
• Able to supervise, mentor, or coordinate student workers, interns, and over-hire crew
• Able to assist with production scheduling, space management, and coordination of multiple events
• Able to assist with production timelines, load-ins, load-outs, and strike operations
• Able to work effectively with a wide range of individuals
• Able to establish priorities and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Able to work productively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision
• Able to learn and use production-related software applications as needed
• Physical ability to work long hours as required
• Physical ability to lift, stand, climb, and work in confined or elevated spaces
• Able to work highly irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on event schedules
• Commitment to a collaborative, service-oriented production environment

Required Education

Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree with work experience that equates to an advanced degree.

Additional Consideration - Education

Master’s degree in Theatre or related field with an emphasis in technical theatre and/or stage management, or a Bachelor’s degree with significant work experience that equates to a Master’s degree is required.

Experience Required

• Technical theatre or production experience in a multi-use performing arts facility
• Experience in stage management for live performance, including rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances
• Experience collaborating with artists, designers, production staff, and visiting technical personnel
• Experience using personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and production-related software applications
• Experience in theatre operations, technical production, facility operations, and maintenance
• Experience in stage management for live performance

Additional Consideration - Experience

• Management experience coordinating and supporting all technical aspects of productions in a complex, multiple-use environment
• Demonstrated experience working with professional touring productions and presenting organizations
• Experience advancing productions and working from technical riders, schedules, and production documentation
• Experience supervising or coordinating technical staff, student workers, and/or over-hire crew
• Experience collaborating with artists, designers, production staff, and visiting technical personnel
• Theatre experience in a college/university setting

Salary Information

Salary starting at $50,887 to $69,969, Commensurate with Education and Experience.

CNU Information

Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.

Is this position telework eligible?

No