Stage Manager

Arts Hacker; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; Part time

Job summary

A leading company in the performing arts is seeking a Stage Manager to join their dynamic production team. This part-time role involves managing technical and logistical needs for performances and ensuring a safe environment for artists. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in orchestral settings and strong organizational skills, as well as the ability to tackle challenges in high-pressure situations.

Benefits

Cartage at $40 per transport

Occasional meals provided

Paid parking for rehearsals and concerts

Complimentary tickets for concerts

Qualifications

• Must reside within a 3-hour drive of Lexington, Kentucky.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly and 100 lbs occasionally.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute production plans under the direction of the Production Manager.
• Oversee set-up and tear-down of rehearsal and performance spaces.
• Transport instruments and equipment safely.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational

Interpersonal

Education

Experience as a Stage Manager in orchestral, theatrical, and/or ballet settings

Tools

Audio/video systems

Lighting

Electrical

Job description

JOB TITLE: Stage Manager
JOB TYPE: Part-time, hourly/non-exempt
REPORTS TO: Production Manager
SCHEDULE: Hybrid, with in-person attendance required only during concert and rehearsal periods. No weekly office hours.

OVERVIEW: The Lexington Philharmonic (LexPhil), founded in 1961, has been a cultural leader for over six decades and continues to broaden horizons and bring the best of orchestral performance and education to Lexington and the surrounding region. We value individual and group excellence, creativity, and inclusion and we are committed to re-imagining the role of an orchestra in the 21st century. Our Music Director, Mélisse Brunet, is passionate about diverse programming and growing LexPhil’s impact. Each season, LexPhil presents a wide variety of concerts, events, and learning programs informed by its core values of artistic excellence, innovation, collaboration, and accessibility. LexPhil strives to be a dynamic and welcoming institution in the Bluegrass region, where audiences of all backgrounds feel a sense of belonging and connection.

VISION and MISSION: LexPhil’s core values are artistic excellence, innovation, collaboration & accessibility. Through its four core values, LexPhil fosters excellence and innovation in the performance and presentation of great music; enriches the lives of our diverse citizenry; educates current and future audiences and brings distinction to our community through performance and educational programs.

SUMMARY: The Stage Manager plays a vital role on LexPhil’s production team by executing the technical and logistical needs of rehearsals, performances, and events across multiple venues. Reporting to the Production Manager, the Stage Manager is responsible for onsite implementation of stage plots, equipment handling, and ensuring a safe and effective working environment for musicians, crew, and guest artists. This role is highly physical and fast-paced, requiring strong leadership, communication, and professionalism in high-pressure situations. This person must also deal with a wide variety of people and personalities on various issues. Evening and weekend availability is required.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work under the direction of the Production Manager to execute production plans.
Act as the point person to ensure safe and optimal stage and backstage conditions, including lighting, ventilation, temperature, and equipment placement.
Proactively identify and address potential concerns about musician working conditions to resolve issues before they arise and ensure smooth services.
Liaise with venue crew during services to adapt plans and troubleshoot emergent issues.
Oversee and participate in the set-up and tear-down of all rehearsal and performance spaces, including but not limited to chairs, stands, percussion instruments/equipment, pianos, lighting, and audio/video equipment.
Ensure safety in on-stage and backstage areas, including but not limited to walkways, cable management, organization of backstage and dressing areas.
Supervise and coordinate crew and stagehands as directed by the Production Manager.
Call technical and artistic cues (e.g., lighting, audio, entrances, house openings) as needed for rehearsals and performances.
Communicate as needed with LexPhil staff, conductor(s), guest artists, and musicians to confirm staging and technical needs.
Transport instruments and equipment to and from venues using a box truck or personal vehicle.
Safely and properly load, pack, unload and secure instruments and equipment for transport and ensure safe driving practices.
Maintain all LexPhil equipment including road cases, chairs, stands, stand lights, conductor podium, instruments, etc.
Support production and artistic staff in planning and troubleshooting concert logistics, especially during run-outs.
Attend meetings and participate in event planning with LexPhil staff, venue staff, and other production personnel as needed.
Respond in a timely manner to communications and meet deadlines as prescribed by the Production Manager.
Support smaller-scale audio/video setups and run-outs as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Must reside within a 3-hour drive of Lexington, Kentucky. Central Kentucky residence preferred.
Must have access to a personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and clean driving record.
Ability to drive and operate box truck (up to 26′) with air brakes.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly and 100 lbs occasionally.
Availability for evening and weekend work; in-person attendance required at all rehearsals and performances unless otherwise arranged with management.
Experience as a Stage Manager in orchestral, theatrical, and/or ballet settings.
Familiarity with symphony staging, instruments, carpentry, and audio/video systems.
Basic knowledge of lighting and electrical.
Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Professional appearance and conduct both on and off stage.

COMPENSATION, HOURS, AND BENEFITS:
Hourly Rate: starts at $25, commensurate with experience
Estimated Hours: 250-300/yr, 20-25/mo
Pay Schedule: paid following each concert cycle, direct deposit preferred.
Benefits Include:
Cartage at $40 per transport
Occasional meals provided
Paid parking for rehearsals and concerts
Complimentary tickets for Lexington Philharmonic concerts as available

The Lexington Philharmonic is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on organizational need, merit, and individual
qualification, without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or expression, age, or disability. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment of mutual respect and care for employees and participants.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please provide the following materials:

• A cover letter that is responsive to the responsibilities and qualifications stated in the job description
• Current résumé

References will be required for those who advance in the search.

Please email your cover letter and resume to [e-mail] with the subject line “Stage Manager Application” no later than July 11, 2025.

All applications will be kept confidential.