Assistant Production Manager/Stage Manager

CNU's Center For American Studies; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 50,887 - 69,969; Full time

Job summary

CNU's Center For American Studies is seeking an Assistant Production Manager/Stage Manager to oversee production activities at the Ferguson Center for the Arts. This role includes planning, budgeting, and supervising technical crews for maximum facility utilization.

The ideal candidate will have experience in technical theatre, stage management, and a related educational background. The position offers substantial responsibilities regarding safety and production coordination, with a starting salary ranging from $50,887 to $69,969.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Bachelor's degree with equivalent experience.
• Experience in technical theatre or production in a performing arts facility.
• Stage management experience for live performances, including rehearsals.

Responsibilities

• Schedule production work calls and manage technical crews.
• Act as stage manager calling shows and managing casts.
• Manage production timelines and supervise student workers.

Skills

Knowledge of standard theatrical tools

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to coordinate and execute production elements

Strong interpersonal skills

Education

Master’s Degree in Theatre or related field

Bachelor’s degree with significant experience

Tools

Production-related software applications

Job description

Position Title

Assistant Production Manager/Stage Manager - Campus Security Authority

Overview

Assistant production manager responsible for administrative planning, budgeting, and supervisory direction for all production activities in the Ferguson Center for the Arts. Works under the Production Manager to ensure maximum facility utilization and safety of all participants. Responsible for coordinating production advance calls, managing technical crews, serving as stage manager, and training new crew members.

Responsibilities

• Schedule production work calls, prepare estimates, procure equipment.
• Execute and fulfill production advance calls, schedule and run rehearsals.
• Manage and lead technical crews; serve as a crew member when needed.
• Act as stage manager, calling shows, managing casts, and fulfilling company manager and stage manager duties.
• Train new crew members and students.
• Develop and maintain positive client/customer service relations with students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees.
• Follow workplace safety regulations and promote a safe and healthy work environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard theatrical tools, systems, and equipment (lighting, sound, rigging, staging, backstage operations).
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices in a performing arts environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, results-focused, organizational skills.
• Ability to coordinate and execute all production elements for major professional touring attractions.
• Ability to support a high-volume, multi-event venue.
• Ability to function as a Stage Manager, working with cast, crew, designers, and visiting artists.
• Ability to schedule and run rehearsals.
• Ability to call cues and manage live performances.
• Ability to maintain backstage order and enforce performance protocols.
• Ability to substitute into various positions on a traditional technical crew.
• Ability to serve as both crew leader and crew member as production needs require.
• Ability to supervise, mentor, or coordinate student workers, interns, and over-hire crew.
• Ability to handle production scheduling, space management, and coordination of multiple events.
• Ability to manage production timelines, load-ins, load-outs, and strike operations.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals.
• Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work productively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to learn and use production-related software applications as needed.
• Physical ability to work long hours and lift, stand, climb, and work in confined or elevated spaces.
• Ability to work highly irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Commitment to a collaborative, service-oriented production environment.

Education

Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree with work experience equating to an advanced degree. Preferred: Master’s in Theatre or related field with emphasis in technical theatre and/or stage management, or a Bachelor’s with significant work experience equating to a Master’s.

Experience

• Technical theatre or production experience in a multi-use performing arts facility.
• Stage management experience for live performance, including rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances.
• Collaboration with artists, designers, production staff, and visiting technical personnel.
• Proficiency with personal computers (word processing, spreadsheet, database, production software).
• Experience in theatre operations, technical production, facility operations, and maintenance.
• Management experience coordinating and supporting all technical aspects of productions in a complex, multiple-use environment.
• Experience making critical operational decisions and solving problems in real time.
• Demonstrated experience with professional touring productions and presenting organizations.
• Experience with technical riders, schedules, and production documentation.
• Experience supervising or coordinating technical staff, student workers, and over-hire crew.
• Experience in a college/university setting.

Salary

Starting salary $50,887 to $69,969, commensurate with education and experience.

Telework Eligibility

No telework eligible.

EEO Statement

Christopher Newport University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement

Christopher Newport University is committed to a non-discrimination policy and compliance with Title IX. All applicant and employee data are protected and handled confidentially.