Part-Time Stage Manager

The City of Rohnert Park is currently recruiting for ( 1 ) Part - Time Stage Manager. The Stage Manger is responsible for assisting the director in overseeing and organizing both the human and material elements of a live theatre production. The Stage Manager directly supports the director in rehearsals, and takes over primary responsibility for the production once the show opens. This position requires excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to multitask in a high energy, active environment. Must be able to think quickly and remain calm under pressure. 

DEFINITION
Under direction, the Stage Manager is responsible for assisting the director in overseeing and organizing both the human and material elements of a theatre production. The Stage Manager acts as the right arm of the director in rehearsals, and takes over primary responsibility for the production once the show opens.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from Performing Arts Center Manager (Artistic Director) and Technical Director. Oversees all technical personnel and actors during the course of performances for which the Stage Manager has been engaged.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This position requires excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to multitask in a high energy, active environment. The Stage Manager is the liaison among the various individuals involved in a theatre production, including the Performing Arts Center Manager (Artistic Director), directors, actors, designers, technical departments and front of house staff, ensuring that all elements of the performance run smoothly. Once a show is open, the Stage Manager has oversight over all aspects of the production, and is responsible for the smooth operation of each performance, trouble-shooting any problems with a calm demeanor, and making sure that the show goes forward as planned.Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

IN REHERSAL:

• Attends all rehearsals
• Studies the play before rehearsals begin, and is able to demonstrate specific knowledge of the script and stage directions for the production
• Does a safety check before and after each rehearsal, making sure there are no safety hazards  
• Maintains and manages rehearsal and performance schedules, informing stakeholders of any changes in the schedule
• Copies and distributes any scripts, hand-outs, contact lists, etc. to cast and crew
• Maintains log of daily rehearsal activity, script changes, and performances and sends reports to production team
• Assembles and maintains the prompt book which is defined as the accurate playing text and stage business, together with such cue sheets, plots, daily records, etc., as are necessary for the actual technical and artistic operation of the production
• Attends all production meetings, takes meeting notes, and distributes the notes to the production team
• Takes notes from the director and writes blocking 
• Calls and manages breaks
• Maintains sign-in sheet for actors
• Is responsible for setting up stage and props prior to each rehearsal
• Tracks props and costumes, and reports any missing or damaged items to appropriate personnel
• Is “on book” for actors, following the script and giving line prompts
• Conducts pre-rehearsal “fight calls” when relevant to the show
• Addresses technical difficulties during rehearsals and works with technicians to ensure they are resolved

IN PERFORMANCE:

• Runs and/or calls show cues to actors and technicians during performances 
• Does a safety check before and after each performance, making sure there are no safety hazards  
• Conducts pre-performance “fight calls” when relevant to the show
• Maintains sign-in sheet for actors
• Is responsible for checking stage set and placing props prior to each rehearsal
• Operates computerized cue systems including, but not limited to, light boards and sound boards
• Maintains the artistic intentions of the Director and Producer after opening
• Is responsible for making certain all electronics (stage lights, room lights, boards, etc.) are in working order before each performance and turned off after the performance
• Performs a “walk-through” after every performance, checking all exterior doors to be sure they are locked and all lights are off
• Writes and distributes a show report to directors and designers after each performance
• Addresses and resolves any problems that arise during the performance with calm efficiency and reports them in the daily show report

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• The functions of all aspects of theater production, particularly the technical aspects
• Proper production safety procedures
• Booth equipment: sound board, light board, microphone
• QLab sound/video/lighting operating system
• How to call a show

SKILLS TO:

• Display strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Demonstrate strong leadership, time management, and multitasking abilities
• Provide clear instructions and make decisions under pressure
• Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing
• Manage time efficiently, balancing several different elements of production at once

ABILITY TO:

• Read English out loud, quickly and accurately
• Understand the unique strains on theatre artists, and is able to be sensitive and firm in running the show 
• Work long hours and nontraditional shifts
• Work well with a team
• Multitask on an ongoing basis
• Remain standing, walking, and moving for long periods of time
• Work with different personalities and temperaments toward a common goal
• Remain poised and effective during stressful events

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.   A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Bachelor’s degree in theater preferred, or equivalent work experience
• Thorough understanding of theater production
• Minimum of a three-year proven track record of primary stage management experience

LICENSE:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must be 18 years old
• Per California State Law, smoking is not permitted inside facilities/vehicles or within 20 feet of main entrances, exits, and operable windows
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, stooping, grasping, and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily work activities.   The position requires grasping, repetitive hand movements, and fine coordination in preparing marketing and publicity materials using a computer keyboard.  The ability to lift, push, and drag equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds is required.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.   Normal hearing is required when communicating over the phone and in person, and for safety.  The noise level in the work environment may be moderate to loud depending on working conditions.  There are interruptions and deadlines.

Salary : $21 - $24