Technical Stage Manager

The Customs House; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 5,800 - 7,100; Full time

Job summary

The Customs House in the North East is seeking an experienced Technical Stage Manager to support Sleeping Beauty – The Pantomime. You will work with the venue and creative teams to run rehearsals and performances, ensuring smooth backstage operations and precise show cues.

You will report to the Producer and Technical & Production Managers, with a cast including adult swings, young ensemble, and a stage crew.

Qualifications

• Has professional experience as a Technical Stage Manager or senior stage management team member.
• Is highly organised, proactive, and able to remain calm under pressure.
• Has strong communication skills and works effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Is confident working stage-side as part of a running crew.

Responsibilities

• Operational Support – day-to-day running of rehearsals and performances.
• Technical Coordination – assist with the technical running of the show and create the show bible with cues.
• Props & Backstage Management – oversee prop maintenance and backstage organization.
• Reporting – produce daily show reports and rehearsal notes.
• Company Support – act as key contact for operational and technical issues and safeguard responsibilities.

Skills

Technical Stage Manager

Organisation

Communication

Running crew

Job description

Call for Applications: Technical Stage Manager (TSM)

Sleeping Beauty – The Pantomime. The Customs House, South Shields

The Customs House is seeking an experienced and proactive Technical Stage Manager (TSM) to support the delivery and day-to-day running of our 2026 pantomime, Sleeping Beauty.

This is a key, hands-on role within the technical team, combining strong organisational skills with practical backstage and technical support to ensure a smooth and consistent production throughout rehearsals and the performance run.

About the Role

As Technical Stage Manager, you will play a central role in the operational and technical running of the production, working closely with the venue, creative and technical teams.

Key responsibilities include:

Operational Support – Supporting the day-to-day running of rehearsals and performances, helping to maintain a smooth and efficient working environment.

Technical Coordination – Assisting with the technical running of the show, working alongside lighting, sound, and stage departments to ensure effective backstage operations and smooth running. In collaboration with the PM and Technical Operation Staff, create the show bible/script with all show cues and notes for any cover needed.

Props & Backstage Management – Overseeing prop maintenance and sourcing, and supporting the organisation of backstage activity.

Reporting – Producing clear and accurate daily show reports. Create and monitor rehearsal reports in collaboration with the rehearsal room assistant, which also includes keeping the script up to date with any rehearsal changes.

Company Support – Acting as a key point of contact for day-to-day operational and technical issues, escalating where appropriate to the Production Manager or senior team. All members of the venue and production teams have an obligation to ensure and support safeguarding around the production. With teams of young children, the TSM is a vital role in ensuring safeguarding and support is adhered to during performances and report any issues or concerns to senior management immediately.

You will be working with a company comprising:

• 2 adult swings
• 10 members of the young ensemble
• an experienced stage crew team of 3, including a technical swing supporting lighting, sound, and stage tracks where required

The role also includes undertaking an active backstage track as part of the running team, supporting scene changes and scenic movement where required.

You will report to the Producer and Technical & Production Managers.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has professional experience as a Technical Stage Manager or senior stage management team member
• Is highly organised, proactive, and able to remain calm under pressure
• Has strong communication skills and works effectively within a collaborative team environment
• Is confident working stage-side as part of a running crew

Preparation & Key Dates

The contract includes half a week of preparation, which will involve:

Director Meetings

Production Meetings with full team

Production Schedule

Technical rehearsals: Monday 16 November

Opening Night: Friday 20 November

Press Night: Wednesday 25 November

Final Performance: Saturday 2 January 2027

Days off: 1 day off per week during rehearsals, Mondays during the performance run, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.

As with all pantomime productions, the schedule includes a high-performance volume across the Christmas period.

Fee

Total Base fee: £6,480 (0.5wk Prep, 1.5wk Rehearsals, 7wk Technical and Show)

Holiday pay: £781.49, paid at the end of the contract

This fee is aligned with current industry agreements for subsidised theatre.

Deadline for applications

Friday 25 September

Interviews Held

Monday 5th October, The Customs House

The Customs House has a strong reputation for producing high-quality pantomime with an experienced and supportive team. You will be working within an established production structure alongside a dedicated Production Manager, Technical Manager, and stage crew team.

We are committed to equal opportunities and ask that all applicants complete our Equal Opportunities Form as part of the application process.