On-Call, Stage Manager Mentor

Position Purpose

The Production Stage Manager (PSM) oversees and manages all stage management operations for assigned productions, ensuring the artistic vision is executed safely, consistently, and efficiently from pre‑production through closing. The PSM serves as the primary communication hub between artistic, production, and administrative departments and leads the stage management team in supporting rehearsals, technical processes, and performances.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Department Coordination
  • Mentors the student stage management teams; reviewing tasks, supervises workflow, and ensures consistent communication across all production departments to support rehearsal and performance needs.
  • Serves as the central liaison between faculty leadership, designers, production management, and performers to maintain clarity of information and alignment with curriculum and production goals.
• Rehearsal & Performance Management
  • Mentors student stage managers weekly in the rehearsal room.
  • Reviews and monitors all rehearsals: schedules, room setup, daily operations, documentation, and communication to ensure an efficient and safe working environment.
  • Mentors student stage managers on building prompt book and calling all technical and performance cues (lighting, sound, video, automation, deck cues) with precision to maintain artistic integrity and performance consistency.
  • Mentors student stage managers on how to tracks blocking, line changes, choreography, prop usage, and technical elements to ensure accurate maintenance of the production.
• Production Documentation & Compliance
  • Mentors and trains student stage managers on the preparation and distribution of rehearsal reports, performance reports, schedules, and other documentation to ensure timely and accurate communication.
  • Ensures compliance with union rules (AEA or applicable agreements), company policies, and safety protocols throughout rehearsals and performances.
  • Mentors and trains student stage managers on the maintenance of production paperwork, cue sheets, run sheets, and archival documentation for future remounts or tours.
• Provides work direction: supervises Stage Managers, Assistant Stage Managers, and run crew as assigned.
• Coordinates with Production Management and department heads to support staffing and workflow needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

General Guidelines

• Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality and services.
• Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices.
• Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives.
• Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow.
• Prepares progress reports; informs supervisor of project status; and deviation from goals.
• Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions.
• Prepares and submits reports as requested and required.
• Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the unit.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.

• Knowledge
  • Professional stage management practices and theatrical production processes
  • AEA rules and regulations (or applicable union agreements)
  • Technical theatre terminology and backstage operations
  • Safety standards for rehearsal and performance environments
  • Scheduling, documentation, and production communication systems
• Skills
  • Strong leadership and team management
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Precise cue calling and multitasking under pressure
  • Advanced organizational and time‑management skills
  • Proficiency with digital tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, production management software)
• Abilities
  • Maintain calm, professional demeanor in an educational setting
  • Collaborate effectively with diverse teams and personalities
  • Interpret artistic direction and translate it into actionable technical and logistical plans
  • Manage multiple priorities and shifting schedules
• Education
  • Bachelor's degree in theatre, preferred.
• Experience
  • 4 years stage management (or equivalent theatrical experience), required.
  • Experience working in an educational or mentorship‑based environment, preferred.

Pay

$33.94 – $40.72 per hour; compensation will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.

Physical Demands

• Considerable time spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
• Frequent movement between rehearsal rooms, theatres, and production spaces.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during technical rehearsals and performances.
• May be required to lift up to 25 lbs.
• May be required to travel to other venues, rehearsal sites, or off‑site locations.
• May be required to attend production meetings.

Work Environment

• Rehearsal room with multiple students, noisy.
• Typical office environment.
• Mostly indoor office environment with windows.
• Offices with equipment noise.
• Offices with frequent interruptions.
• Telecommute permitted within California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, or Illinois.