Stage Manager (PAT III)

About the role

This position’s responsibilities are carried out independently under general direction. The Stage Manager is responsible for coordinating and executing the stage-management function from pre-production through closing night. The position serves as the central communication point connecting the Director’s artistic vision with the cast, crew, designers, and participating production areas. The incumbent runs rehearsals and performances, calls cues for music, lighting, sound, scene changes, and other performance elements, and applies an artistic understanding of the play to the timing, rhythm, pacing, and continuity of the production. Incumbent will support multiple production specialties, including participating in production planning meetings, designing components of stage productions; determining need for and coordinating the acquisition of stage supplies; and maintaining schedules for stage facilities. This is an hourly-intermittent temporary position available on or after December 1, 2026 for the Theatre department. Appointment will be made for one year from date of hire with the possibility of reappointment based on budget, department needs, and job performance. Incumbents also may serve as the technical and/or operational production manager. This position provides lead work direction to assigned stage-management and production personnel, coordinates communication and problem-solving during rehearsals and performances, and supports the successful execution of the production.

Responsibilities

• Runs performances from the designated calling location using the prompt book, cue sheets, headset, communication systems, and other stage-management tools.
• Prepares and uses run-of-show sign-in sheets to confirm that cast and crew are present and ready for assigned calls.
• Calls cues for lighting, music, sound, scene changes, projections, costumes, special effects, and other performance elements.
• Applies an artistic understanding of the play to coordinate cues with the action, music, rhythm, emotional timing, and movement of the production.
• Coordinates the timing, pacing, continuity, and transitions of the production in collaboration with the Director.
• Oversees actors and crew during rehearsals and performances.
• Ensures that calls, cues, transitions, and performance responsibilities are completed according to the approved production plan.
• Coordinates theatre opening, closing, and performance procedures.
• Ensures that production spaces and equipment are secured at the conclusion of rehearsals and performances.
• Completes and distributes show reports after each performance.
• Works with the Production Manager to coordinate auditions, rehearsal schedules, production meetings, and performance calls.
• Ensures audition forms, cast and crew contact information, and production records are complete and current.
• Prepares scene breakdowns, prop lists, special-effects lists, and related production materials for distribution to appropriate personnel.
• Coordinates and conducts production meetings; records decisions, assignments, changes, and follow-up items.
• Creates and distributes weekly and daily rehearsal schedules.
• Runs rehearsals and coordinates cast, crew, Assistant Stage Managers, student assistants, and stage personnel.
• Maintains the prompt book, including blocking, cues, transitions, notes, and production instructions.
• Provides or coordinates line support during rehearsals when needed.
• Coordinates applicable rehearsal breaks and production procedures.
• Prepares and distributes rehearsal reports and follows up on outstanding production matters.
• Checks rehearsal spaces before calls to ensure the stage and facilities are prepared.
• Maintains familiarity with the complete production to support the transition from rehearsals to performances.
• Serves as the central communication point connecting the artistic vision, production areas, and production logistics from pre-production through closing.
• Coordinates communication among the Director, Production Manager, Department Chair, designers, cast, crew, department leads, and crew heads.
• Provides lead work direction to Assistant Stage Managers, student assistants, stage crew, and other assigned production personnel.
• Delegates assigned stage-management and crew responsibilities.
• Acts as the primary mediator, communicator, and problem solver during rehearsals and performances.
• Identifies production issues, coordinates immediate responses, and refers matters requiring approval to the appropriate authority.
• Communicates production changes, instructions, and outstanding issues to appropriate personnel.
• Coordinates production closeout activities and communicates final outstanding matters.