BSO Stage Manager

ABO; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

BSO is seeking a proactive Stage Manager to work closely with the Senior Stage Manager, coordinating transport, setup, and stage logistics for a busy schedule of concerts, rehearsals, and recordings across the South and Southwest. The role includes driving the orchestra’s 18T truck and ensuring equipment is secure and ready for performances.

You will deputise for the Senior Stage Manager at times, participate in planning, and liaise with venue staff to deliver smooth stage presentations.

Qualifications

• Experience in live performance logistics and stage management.
• Ability to drive and operate stage equipment safely.
• Strong communication with orchestra and venue staff.
• Flexibility to work across multiple venues and schedules.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate transport, load, unload and set up instruments and equipment.
• Drive the 18T truck and ensure safe transport.
• Plan stage layouts and work with Senior Stage Manager.
• Attend planning meetings and manage stage crew during performances.
• Maintain inventory and ensure equipment security.

Job description

Role summary

Working closely with the Senior Stage Manager, the Stage Manager will work BSO’s busy schedule of concerts, rehearsals and recording sessions ranging from large symphonic, BSO Pops’, and chamber concerts to concerts in schools and in local communities; all taking place throughout the South and Southwest. The role will include planning logistics and stage layouts, setting the stage for concerts and rehearsals and driving the BSO 18T rigid Mercedes-Benz truck to transport instruments and equipment to and from venues.

Key relationships

BSO Concerts Team, Orchestra members and freelance musicians, BSO Participate Team, Backstage staff at external venues

Main responsibilities

• Work closely with the Senior Stage Manager to transport, load, unload and set up the orchestra’s instruments and stage equipment for all work in the orchestra schedule, including rehearsals, concerts, recording sessions and some Participate work.
• Drive the BSO’s 18T Truck or alternative vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.
• Load the orchestra’s truck for transport, ensuring all equipment and instruments are well cared for and secured for transport.
• Assist in the planning and preparation of the stage for each rehearsal and attend Operational Planning meetings.
• Ensure that all instruments and equipment are handled with due care and are kept secure at all times.
• On occasion, deputise for the Senior Stage Manager. This could involve managing the stage and stage crew and taking ownership of the planning and preparation of certain concerts.

Further responsibilities

Stage Presentation

• Carry out all designated duties connected with the setting up of the stage, including the setting up and layout of stands, chairs, rostra, percussion instruments/timpani, music, lighting, sound shields and other equipment/instruments.
• Work closely with local venue staff and communicate issues promptly and efficiently.
• Liaise with relevant members of the orchestra regarding special set ups and instruments as appropriate.
• Alongside the Senior Stage Manager, plan and carry out piano and stage moves with any necessary crew during rehearsals and concerts and offer assistance on stage to orchestra members and visiting artists.
• Carry out occasional advance venue visits and complete visit paperwork as required.
• Assist Senior Stage Manager with stage designs for all concerts with use of Visio software.

Truck Driving and Driving/Working Time Regulations

• Take personal responsibility for their work being carried out in line with the Assimilated Drivers’ Hours Rules and the Working Time Regulations.
• Maintain Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) through regular training.
• Keep highly accurate records of time spent working, driving and on rest using the truck tachograph. Records must be presentable at all times in case of inspection.
• Ensure driver and truck card downloads are completed regularly.
• Assist with ensuring that the orchestra truck is well maintained and up to date with MOT and servicing and carry out and record regular safety checks.
• Attend regular truck meetings with Senior Stage Manager and the Head of Finance & Operations.
• Ensure truck is kept clean and tidy with regular trips to the truck wash.

Health and Safety

• Load and unload the orchestra truck or other vehicle in a safe manner in line with the Truck Risk Assessment and Method Statement.
• Ensure appropriate PPE is used including wearing steel toe-capped shoes, gloves, high-vis vest, etc and communicate importance of these guidelines to fellow crew and staff.
• In conjunction with the Senior Stage Manager and Orchestra Manager, review stage setup considering noise regulations and using the BSO Noise Risk Assessment as guidance. This includes discussing with musicians where to use acoustic screens, the use of rostra to project noise and the spacing of musicians. Manage the availability of earplugs for all musicians and to notice when musicians need extra assistance with controlling noise levels.
• With guidance from the Head of HR and in conjunction with the Orchestra Manager and Senior Stage Manager, carry out dynamic venue risk assessments.
• Attend and contribute to regular Health and Safety Committee and Noise Committee meetings.

General

• Assist Senior Stage Manager with analysis of upcoming work schedules to organise time and where appropriate identify need for additional crew support.
• Communicate well with the Concerts Team, venue staff and additional crew.
• Monitor and maintain the Orchestra’s equipment to a high standard and identify when repairs are required.
• Assist in keeping an accurate inventory of equipment and identify when additional supplies are needed.
• Ensure that the instrument store is always kept in good order, clean and tidy, and secure when not in use.
• Be of smart appearance at concerts (as defined by the Orchestra Manager).
• Efficiently carry out instruction from the Senior Stage Manager and Orchestra Manager on duty.
• Hold several sets of keys and take responsibility for ensuring areas are safe and secure when unattended.
• Be available to the Senior Stage Manager and Orchestra manager for other duties as laid down from time to time.
• Undertake any other appropriate duties as may be required.

Contact details

[e-mail]

01202644704

Related information

• Download Job Pack Stage Manager Oct 2026

The next ABO conference will take place in Birmingham from 3-5 February 2027 .