Tour-Ready Production Assistant — Dance Theater

Ailey Company; New York (NY); On-site; USD 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is seeking a Production Assistant to support the Production Stage Manager, Company Management, and crews during rehearsals and performances in New York and on tour. The role involves daily studio, stage, documentation, and video work to keep rehearsals and shows running safely and on schedule.

The ideal candidate will be organized, dependable, and detail-oriented with strong communication and time-management skills, capable of handling a fast-paced, union

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of live performance, stage management, or production support experience (touring or dance background preferred).
• Knowledge of dance terminology and stage management workflows, including reading and following cue sheets.
• Proficiency in Mac OS, Windows, MS Office, Zoom, and Teams; Final Cut Pro editing a plus.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time management skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established procedures precisely, take direction, and apply feedback.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills; travel extensively with a valid passport.

Responsibilities

• Prepare studios before class and rehearsals, including floor tape, barres, lighting, the sound system, and iPads with rehearsal music; chair setup for the team and guests; video equipment as needed.
• Check spaces and equipment before every call; report hazards to the PSM.
• Start and break company class and rehearsals on time; record accurate start/end times.
• Take attendance and notify absences to the PSM and staff; track missing dancers.
• Maintain the callboard as the central source of information and safeguard privacy of rehearsal rooms.
• Call assigned ballets and follow cue sheets; supervise on stage during rehearsals and performances; support crew with props and costumes.
• Assist with load-in/out: directing truck unload, venue signage, hotel-to-venue directions, dressing room setup; monitor temperatures and tape hazards; document venues with photos.
• Maintain first aid kit supplies for stage/rehearsal use.
• Assist with Company Management travel arrangements and city-to-city transfers; account for dancers in transit.
• Prepare, proofread, and distribute daily schedules, casting sheets, cue sheets, sign-in sheets, run times, and theater/venue reports; ensure accuracy and posting deadlines.
• Post casting changes and inform dancers and staff per procedures.
• Process paperwork for class teachers and accompanists; submit accurate payroll timesheets.
• Prepare materials and take notes for production meetings; run production errands; maintain inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Set up cameras, verify settings; record/edit/upload/archive rehearsal and performance footage; manage AAADT video archives.

Skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Travel flexibility

Tools

Mac OS

Windows

MS Office

Zoom

Teams

Video editing (Final Cut Pro)

Job description

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is seeking a Production Assistant to support the Production Stage Manager, Company Management, and crews during rehearsals and performances in New York and on tour. The role involves daily studio, stage, documentation, and video work to keep rehearsals and shows running safely and on schedule.

The ideal candidate will be organized, dependable, and detail-oriented with strong communication and time-management skills, capable of handling a fast-paced, union