AAADT Production Assistant

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation Inc.•New York, NY

17d

About The Position

The Production Assistant supports the Production Stage Manager (PSM), Company Management, production crew, and dancers of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT). Reporting to the PSM, the Production Assistant calls assigned ballets and handles daily studio, stage, documentation, and video work to help rehearsals and performances run safely and on schedule. The role covers rehearsal and performance weeks in New York, domestic and international tours, and special events, and involves extensive annual touring.

Requirements

1–2 years of live performance, stage management, or production support experience.
Working knowledge of dance terminology and stage management workflows, including reading and following cue sheets.
Proficiency in Mac OS, Windows, MS Office, Zoom, and Teams.
Strong organizational, multitasking, and time management skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to follow established procedures precisely, take direction, and apply feedback.
Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to remain calm and adaptable in fast-paced, union environments.
Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships in multicultural and diverse environments.
Ability to positively represent the company in public places.
Ability to travel extensively and a valid passport.
Must pass criminal and child abuse background checks.

Nice To Haves

Touring or dance background.
Video editing experience, preferably with Final Cut Pro.

Responsibilities

Prepare studios for company class and rehearsals, including floor tape and spike marks, barres, temperature, lighting, sound, rehearsal music, seating, musician setups, props, and video equipment.
Check spaces and equipment before calls, keep rehearsal areas orderly and unobstructed, and promptly report hazards or equipment problems to the PSM.
Start and break classes and rehearsals on time, observe required break intervals, and record accurate start and end times.
Take attendance, promptly report absences or late arrivals, follow up with missing dancers, maintain the callboard, and protect rehearsal-room and company-floor privacy.
Call assigned ballets and follow cue sheets as directed by the PSM.
Supervise stage activities and personnel during rehearsals, performances, and technical calls; give time calls, track sign-in and attendance, and support props, scenery, and costume changes.
Assist with load-in and load-out, including directing truck unloading, posting venue signage and walking directions, setting up dressing rooms, monitoring temperatures, safety-taping backstage areas, and photographing venues.
Maintain first aid kit supplies for stage and rehearsal use.
Assist Company Management with air and bus travel, airport transfers, and city-to-city travel; account for assigned dancers during transit and upon arrival.
Prepare, proofread, and distribute schedules, casting sheets, cue sheets, sign-in sheets, run times, performance reports, theater checklists, venue reports, and other paperwork using required formats and deadlines.
Verify paperwork details, including studio and dancer conflicts, casting, fittings, accompanist assignments, and program accuracy.
Post casting changes and communicate them to dancers, artistic staff, wardrobe, marketing, and Company Management according to procedures.
Process paperwork for company class teachers and accompanists, and submit accurate weekly payroll timesheet information.
Prepare materials and take notes for production and new works meetings, and run production errands as needed.
Maintain an accurate inventory of production equipment and office supplies, verify stock, and report shortages or request purchases.
Set up cameras and verify settings before recorded rehearsals and performances.
Record, edit, upload, back up, and manage rehearsal and performance footage and storage media according to procedures; maintain AAADT video archives.
Complete recurring setup and administrative tasks accurately and on time; follow checklists, procedures, and supervisory direction, and apply feedback consistently.
Promptly communicate absences, delays, changes, problems, and task status to the PSM and appropriate staff; direct production questions to the PSM and touring or administrative matters to Company Management.
Perform other duties as assigned by the PSM.