Stage Manager - THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride Whippany, NJ

American Heritage Companies; Durango, Whippany (CO, NJ); On-site; USD 54,668 - 68,181; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Catered meals for 5-show days

Comp tickets for friends and family

End of season bonus potential

Job summary

Rail Events Productions in Whippany, NJ seeks an experienced Stage Manager for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. You will oversee rehearsals, call shows, and coordinate a 50+ cast and crew across a moving train to ensure performances meet the national production team's vision.

The role demands adaptability to train delays, weather, and tight schedules, with travel within the United States and a strong focus on safety, communication, and teamwork throughout the season.

Qualifications

• Prior theatre experience in non-traditional spaces.
• Able to excel in fast-paced rehearsal and tech periods.
• Work with large casts (50+ actors), including minors.
• Take instructions from train personnel and adapt to train conditions.
• Maintain calm demeanor under stress and long hours aboard a moving train.

Responsibilities

• Work with Production Staff during pre-production.
• Manage rehearsals under the Director and Production Stage Manager.
• Set up/tear down rehearsal space, record blocking, reset props, and run sound during rehearsals and tech.
• Call the show and oversee cast and crew during the run of the event.
• Ensure safety policies and the overall production vision are followed.

Skills

Theatre management

Stage management

Rehearsals coordination

Safety policies

Clear communication

Tools

QLab

Google Suite

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Whippany, NJ 07981
• Position Type: Seasonal
• Salary Range: $1,350.00 - $1,350.00 Salary
• Job Shift: Any
• Job Title: Stage Manager THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
• Division/Department: Rail Events Productions/Run Crew
• Reports To: Vice President Director of Production & Production Stage Manager
• Type of position: Exempt/Salary
• Employee Classification: Seasonal
• Compensation: $1,350 / weekly

Job Summary

Stage Managers work with Production Stage Management and to execute the operating season of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event. Stage Managers facilitate rehearsals and technical rehearsals for a cast of 50-60 performers. During daily operations, Stage Managers work with cast, crew, and railroad representatives to run multi-show days to ensure timely execution of each event.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with Production Staff during pre-production
• Manage rehearsals under the Director and Production Stage Manager
• Work in a team of two to setup/teardown rehearsal space, record blocking, reset props, and run sound during rehearsal and tech.
• Call the show and oversee the cast and crew during the run of the event
• Steward the execution of all performances within the vision of the national production staff
• Become familiar with and reinforce company and railroad safety policies
• Work with the entire event team to maintain a positive, enjoyable, and rewarding environment for all staff and passengers
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education, Skill & Work Experience Requirements

• Prior experience with theatre in non-traditional spaces
• Able to excel in a fast-paced rehearsal process and tech period
• Work with a cast of 50+ actors, including minors
• Must be able to take instructions from train personnel
• Must be adaptable to changing conditions both on and off the train (train delays, actors/crew out sick, inclement weather)
• Perform well under stressful situations with a cool and calm demeanor, as well as spending multiple hours on a moving train in a small space
• Possess a well‑spoken manner in personal communications
• Self‑motivation and attention to details
• Experience using Qlab, Google Suite
• Be physically capable of lifting heavy objects
• Must be willing to travel within the United States
• Must be 18 or over

Work Environment

• Majority of time spent in an event setting
• Varied schedules requiring evenings, weekends, overtime, and holidays
• Able to stand for prolonged periods of time
• Varying temperatures and weather conditions; both indoor and outdoor
• Able to stand and walk on uneven or unsteady surfaces aboard a moving train
• Time spent in and around an active railroad yard

What’s in it for you?

• Serve others and create a world of make-believe and magic
• Competitive pay and a chance to build upon your theater network and make lifelong connections
• Enrich and positively impact the experience for all – big and small
• Be part of an inclusive team in a supportive environment with high expectations for self and your fellow teammates
• Catered meals for 5-show days
• Comp tickets for your friends and family
• Potential for end of season bonus

Working on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is unlike anything you will ever do. This immersive experience is entirely unique to Rail Events Productions. The challenge of producing a full-length production on a moving train is one of the most rewarding experiences as an artist or technician. With a total cast, crew and front‑of‑house employees of 60‑75 people onsite every day and the possibility of over 2,000 guests, our days can be chaotic. With such a fast‑paced environment, the team at Rail Events Productions takes care to properly support and teach everyone the best ways to accomplish their jobs. We strive to build a space where employees are safe and encouraged to grow throughout their time with the company.

Rail Events Productions, an American Heritage Railways subsidiary, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.