Stage Manager

Theater Unspeakable; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Theater Unspeakable in Chicago, IL, seeks a highly organized Stage Manager for the world premiere Mime or Nothing. Rehearsals are in January 2027 with daytime hours, and performances run through February 2027, Thursdays–Saturdays evenings and Sunday matinees.

The role requires calm leadership, precise cueing, and strong collaboration with the director and designers. Ideal candidates will bring prior stage management experience in varied settings, excellent communication, and the stamina to

Qualifications

• Previous stage management experience in professional, educational, or independent theater.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfort working with technically complex productions with cue coordination.
• Ability to remain focused and responsive in a live performance environment.
• Experience with devised/theater movement-based or new-work development is a plus.
• Collaborative approach and interest in supporting an original production.

Responsibilities

• Attend and stage manage rehearsals several days per week in January with notes and docs.
• Collaborate with director, performer, and design team on development notes.
• Document and track lighting, sound, and projection cue integration.
• Call technical cues and maintain show execution across performances.
• Coordinate backstage activities and communicate needs to teams.
• Maintain production integrity across performances and assist with demands of the show.
• Communicate scheduling updates and production concerns clearly and promptly.

Skills

Stage management

Organizational skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Live theatre

Job description

Stage Manager
Theater Unspeakable — Mime or Nothing (World Premiere)

Position: Stage Manager
Rehearsals: January 2027
Performances: February 2027
Location: Chicago, IL

About the Production

Theater Unspeakable is seeking an organized, collaborative, and detail-oriented Stage Manager for the world premiere of Mime or Nothing, a new solo show exploring the life and legacy of legendary mime artist Marcel Marceau. Blending physical theater, mime, and storytelling, the production features minimal dialogue, intricate physical movement, and multiple lighting, sound, and projection cues.

Responsibilities

• Attend and stage manage rehearsals several days per week throughout January, maintaining clear and accurate rehearsal reports, blocking notes, and production documentation.
• Collaborate with the director, performer, and design team to document and track the development of this new work.
• Help coordinate the integration and timing of lighting, sound, and projection cues.
• Call technical cues and maintain consistent show execution throughout the performance run.
• Coordinate backstage activities and communicate production needs to the artistic and technical teams.
• Maintain the integrity and consistency of the production across all performances while supporting the needs of a physically demanding show.
• Communicate scheduling updates, rehearsal notes, and production concerns clearly and promptly.

Schedule & Availability

• January rehearsals: Several days per week, primarily during daytime hours. Reliable daytime availability throughout January is essential.
• February performances: Every Thursday through Saturday evening, with Sunday matinees, throughout the month. Availability for technical rehearsals and any additional scheduled production calls will also be required.

Qualifications

• Previous stage management experience in professional, educational, or independent theater.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfort working with technically complex productions involving multiple lighting, sound, and projection cues.
• Ability to remain focused and responsive in a live performance environment.
• Experience with devised theater, physical theater, mime, movement-based performance, or new-work development is a plus.
• A collaborative approach and an interest in supporting the development of an original production.