Stage Manager, UVA Drama (Staff Wage)

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 28,929; Part time

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia is seeking a highly organized Stage Manager for UVA Drama's Have You Now or Have You Ever. You will coordinate rehearsals, calls, and production paperwork, ensuring safe, efficient performances.

Requirements include 3+ years in stage management, strong communication, and the ability to work with students and staff. This wage position requires availability for all rehearsals and performances, with no leave benefits.

Qualifications

• Previous stage management experience in theatre, dance, live events, or related productions
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of artists, technicians, students, and staff
• Ability to remain calm and professional in fast-paced environments
• Reliable attendance and punctuality

Responsibilities

• Attend production meetings and take notes to be distributed after each meeting
• Create and maintain rehearsal reports, performance reports, schedules, contact sheets, and production paperwork
• Coordinate rehearsal spaces and ensure required rehearsal props and materials are available
• Record blocking, cues, and production changes during rehearsals
• Manage backstage operations during technical rehearsals and performances
• Call lighting, sound, projection, and other production cues during performances
• Maintain a safe and organized working environment for cast and crew
• Communicate production needs and concerns promptly to faculty, staff, and student collaborators
• Assist with performance preparation, run-of-show management, and strike activities as assigned

Skills

Stage management

Organization

Communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Calm under pressure

Punctuality

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Production management tools

Job description

UVA Drama seeks a highly organized, collaborative, and detail-oriented Stage Manager for the production of Have You Now or Have You Ever. The Stage Manager serves as a key member of the production team, facilitating communication between the director, designers, cast, and crew while ensuring rehearsals and performances run safely, efficiently, and professionally.

The successful candidate will manage daily rehearsal and performance operations, maintain production documentation, coordinate backstage activities, and call technical rehearsals and performances.

Dates and Schedule

Production Period

• Prep Week Begins: August 25
• Production End Date: November 7

Required Availability

• Rehearsals beginning second week of classes August 31 (all weekday rehearsals begin after 6pm)
• Technical Rehearsals: October 21-24
• Dress Rehearsals: October 26-28
• Performances: October 29-30 and November 4-7

Candidates must be available for all rehearsals, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performance dates.

Essential Responsibilities

• Attend production meetings and take notes to be distributed after each meeting
• Create and maintain rehearsal reports, performance reports, schedules, contact sheets, and production paperwork.
• Coordinate rehearsal spaces and ensure required rehearsal props and materials are available.
• Record blocking, cues, and production changes during rehearsals
• Manage backstage operations during technical rehearsals and performances
• Call lighting, sound, projection, and other production cues during performances
• Maintain a safe and organized working environment for cast and crew
• Communicate production needs and concerns promptly to faculty, staff, and student collaborators
• Assist with performance preparation, run‑of‑show management, and strike activities as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Previous stage management experience in theatre, dance, live events, or related productions
• Strong organizational, communication, and time‑management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of artists, technicians, students, and staff
• Ability to remain calm and professional in fast‑paced environments
• Reliable attendance and punctuality

Preferred:

• Experience calling cues during live performances
• Familiarity with theatrical production processes and backstage operations
• Experience with Microsoft Office and production management tools

Physical Requirements

• Ability to navigate rehearsal and performance spaces, including backstage areas
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate for extended periods during rehearsals and performances
• Ability to lift and move light production materials as needed

Compensation: $18.00 per hour

Future Opportunities

There is potential for the selected candidate to continue working with UVA Drama beyond this production in roles such as:

• Stage Manager
• Assistant Stage Manager
• Stagehand
• Board Operator
• Event Production Support

Future assignments will be based on departmental needs, scheduling availability, and performance in the role

This is a wage position which is not eligible for leave or other benefits and is limited to 1500 hours of work in a year. For more information, refer to the Wage Employment link: http://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/HRM-029.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High School diploma or equivalent required

Experience: 3+ years relevant experience required

Licensure: None

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment