Production Stage Manager

American Heritage Companies; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

American Heritage Companies seeks a Production Stage Manager to lead The Polar Express Train Ride performances in Durango, CO. You will oversee rehearsals, manage props, costumes, and event accessories, and coordinate with department leaders to deliver a safe, high‑quality guest experience.

Responsibilities include leading rehearsals, supervising cast and assistant stage managers, and ensuring licensing and production standards are met.

Qualifications

• Experience in stage management or live production is preferred.
• Ability to lead rehearsals and coordinate multiple departments.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all cast rehearsals before and during the season.
• Supervise performers and assistants to ensure safety and quality.
• Conduct pre-show meetings, safety briefings, and readiness checks.
• Collaborate with Front of House, Ticket Office, Train Operations, Facilities, Security, and other departments.
• Prepare daily production reports and share updates with leadership.
• Adapt to delays, weather, technical issues, and staffing changes while maintaining guest experience.
• Provide coaching and feedback to maintain high production standards.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and mentoring of new cast members.
• Ensure compliance with policies, licensing, and show pacing throughout the season.
• Coordinate timing with Train Operations for smooth departures and guest experience.
• Maintain inventory and proper storage of props, costumes, and accessories.
• Arrange replacement, repair, and maintenance of production equipment.
• Anticipate challenges and propose solutions to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving under pressure

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: DURANGO, CO 81301

Salary Range: $21.00 - $26.00 Hourly

Job Shift: Any

Division/Department: Special Events

Job Title: Production Stage Manager

Reports To: Special Events Coordinator

Type of position: Non-Exempt, Hourly

Employee Classification: Regular Full-Time

Pay Range: $21-$26

Location: Durango, CO

Position Summary

The Production Stage Manager is responsible for the operational leadership and execution of all theatrical performances for The Polar Express™ Train Ride. This position ensures that every performance is delivered safely, consistently, and in accordance with licensing and production standards. The Production Stage Manager oversees rehearsals, supervises cast members, maintains show quality, manages performance props, costumes, and event accessories, and coordinates closely with department leaders to deliver exceptional guest experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all cast rehearsals before and throughout the operating season.
• Supervise performers and Assistant Stage Managers to ensure each performance is delivered safely, consistently, and according to production and licensing standards.
• Conduct pre-show production meetings, cast safety briefings, and performance readiness checks.
• Work alongside Front of House, Ticket Office, Train Operations, Facilities, Security, and other department leaders to ensure effective communication and coordinated event operations.
• Complete daily production reports and communicate operational updates, concerns, and recommendations to the Special Events Coordinator.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and the ability to think quickly in high-pressure situations, adapting to operational delays, weather conditions, technical issues, staffing changes, and other unexpected challenges while preserving the quality of the guest experience.
• Monitor show quality and provide coaching, feedback, and performance direction to maintain a high-quality guest experience.
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, and mentoring new cast members.
• Ensure performers follow company policies, safety procedures, licensing
• Ensure scenes, choreography, dialogue, character interactions, and show pacing remain consistent throughout the season.
• Coordinate show timing with Train Operations and other departments to ensure efficient departures and seamless guest experiences.
• Maintain inventory of all performance props, costumes, set pieces, and event accessories.
• Inspect, organize, distribute, and store production materials before and after each operating day.
• Coordinate replacement, repair, and maintenance of performance equipment and accessories.
• Anticipate operational challenges and proactively communicate solutions with leadership before they impact guests or performances.
• Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support special events, promotional appearances, media opportunities, and other seasonal initiatives as assigned.

QualificationsQualifications

• Previous experience in stage management, theatrical production, live entertainment, event management, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership experience supervising teams in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong coaching and leadership abilities with a commitment to developing performers and maintaining high production standards.
• Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and decisive under pressure.
• Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions in rapidly changing situations.
• Experience coordinating multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended seasonal hours.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, lift up to 40 pounds, and work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.