Stage Manager

Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music Concert Management Office is seeking an hourly temporary Stage Manager to support performances across five venues on the Evanston campus. You will ensure timely and smooth stage operations, coordinating cues with conductors, performers, and crew.

This role requires strong time management, clear communication, and the ability to lift up to 70 pounds. You’ll work evenings and weekends, assist technical staff, and help stage setup, changes, and

Qualifications

• Excellent time management, organization, and administrative skills.
• Strong verbal interpersonal communication.
• Expertise calling technical cues over venue comms system.
• Familiarity with basic theatrical lighting equipment.
• Knowledge of musical instrument names, typical music concert venues, typical classical music concerts and show-flow.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the positive and efficient execution of performances through stage and time management.
• Interact with conductors, performers, guest artists, ensemble staff, university faculty and staff, renters, and outside technicians to obtain essential information.
• Assist PA Technician, Recording Technician, Video Technician, House Manager, Head Usher, and other CMO staff as necessary.
• Coordinate and execute all set-up, set changes, and strikes of stage equipment.
• Ensure adherence to venue, Concert Management Office, Bienen School of Music, and Northwestern University policies and procedures.

Skills

Time management

Organization

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Cue calling

Tools

Theatrical lighting equipment

PA systems

Video production/streaming

Job description

Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music Concert Management Office is looking to fill an hourly temporary Stage Manager position. This is a great opportunity to work with excellent student, faculty, and guest musicians in the Bienen School’s five performance venues. We primarily present classical, jazz, and new music concerts, but also host lectures and other events.

Overview:

• Ensure the positive and efficient execution of performances or activities in Bienen School of Music venues through stage and time management.
• Interact with conductors, performers, guest artists, ensemble staff, university faculty and staff, renters, and outside technicians to obtain essential performance or activity information.
• Assist PA Technician, Recording Technician, Video Technician, House Manager, Head Usher, and other CMO staff as necessary.
• Coordinate and execute all set-up, set changes, and strikes of stage equipment (including keyboard instruments, chairs, stands, risers, etc.).
• Ensure adherence to venue, Concert Management Office, Bienen School of Music, and Northwestern University policies and procedures.

Location:

In-person shifts in Bienen School of Music performance venues within the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts and Pick-Staiger Concert Hall on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus.

Scheduling:

Weekly hours may vary considerably and are based on the school’s concert and event calendar. Shifts occur regularly in the evenings and weekends (and less frequently during the day throughout the week). Events are typically scheduled ahead of each academic quarter. Freelance staff are given access to a shared calendar and may request shifts in advance according to their availability.

Requirements:

Technical staff must be able to lift up to 70 pounds (32 kg).

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Excellent time management, organization, and administrative skills.
2. Strong verbal interpersonal communication.
3. Expertise calling technical cues over venue comms system.
4. Familiarity with basic theatrical lighting equipment.
5. Knowledge of musical instrument names, typical music concert venues, typical classical music concerts and show-flow.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience working on a variety of music performances, from small chamber music recitals to larger, complex new music events.
2. Familiarity with configuring a variety of keyboard instruments on stage.
3. Experience interacting with high profile guest artists.
4. Experience working with, and leading, teams of student technicians.
5. Ability to read sheet music (following a score) and identify instruments as they play.
6. Familiarity with basic PA systems and/or video production/streaming.