Stage Manager (PAT III)

Stanislaus State•Turlock, CA

About The Position

The Stage Manager is an hourly-intermittent temporary position in the Theatre department, available on or after December 1, 2026. The appointment is for one year from the date of hire, with possible reappointment based on budget, department needs, and job performance. The role works independently under general direction and coordinates and executes stage management from pre-production through closing night. The Stage Manager serves as the central communication point connecting the Director’s artistic vision with the cast, crew, designers, and production areas; runs rehearsals and performances; and calls cues for performance elements while applying an artistic understanding of the play’s timing, rhythm, pacing, and continuity. The position supports multiple production specialties, participates in production planning, may design production components, coordinates acquisition of stage supplies, and maintains stage-facility schedules. The incumbent may also serve as technical and/or operational production manager. The role provides lead work direction to assigned stage-management and production personnel, coordinates communication and problem-solving during rehearsals and performances, and supports successful production execution. Additional training or certification may be required based on department or campus needs.

Requirements

Professional training or applicable college coursework and practical experience.
One to two years of experience working for a theater, repertory, or stock company in an applicable production specialty, such as costume construction, stage and set construction, lighting production, and/or sound/audio production.
Ability to support classroom instruction through demonstrations related to a production specialty.
Ability to work with faculty and provide training and supervision to students involved in productions.
Comprehensive knowledge of methods and problems in multiple production specialties.
Comprehensive knowledge of design theory and principles and their execution in production specialties.
Working knowledge of directing and stage management, including managing productions with numerous costume and set changes and coordinating use of multiple facilities.
In-depth knowledge of technical construction, implementation, and operation of staging materials and effects, including ability to work with drawings and plots.
Comprehensive knowledge of safety measures and hazards related to theatre productions.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with individuals at all organizational levels.

Nice To Haves

Two years of directly related experience in theatre production.
Two years of directly related experience stage managing musical theatre productions.
Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts, Technical Theatre, Stage Management, Theatre Production, or Performing Arts.
Experience in a CSU or higher education setting.
Experience creating rehearsal schedules and daily rehearsal reports.
Experience supervising Assistant Stage Managers or student crews.
Experience stage managing productions involving student performers or student production crews.

Responsibilities

Run performances from the designated calling location using the prompt book, cue sheets, headset, communication systems, and other stage-management tools.
Prepare and use run-of-show sign-in sheets to confirm cast and crew attendance and readiness.
Call cues for lighting, music, sound, scene changes, projections, costumes, special effects, and other performance elements.
Coordinate cues with the action, music, rhythm, emotional timing, and movement of the production, and coordinate timing, pacing, continuity, and transitions with the Director.
Oversee actors and crew during rehearsals and performances and ensure assigned responsibilities follow the approved production plan.
Coordinate theatre opening, closing, and performance procedures; secure production spaces and equipment after rehearsals and performances; and complete and distribute show reports after performances.
Work with the Production Manager to coordinate auditions, rehearsal schedules, production meetings, and performance calls.
Maintain complete and current audition forms, cast and crew contact information, and production records.
Prepare and distribute scene breakdowns, prop lists, special-effects lists, and related production materials.
Coordinate and conduct production meetings and document decisions, assignments, changes, and follow-up items.
Create and distribute weekly and daily rehearsal schedules; run rehearsals and coordinate cast, crew, Assistant Stage Managers, student assistants, and stage personnel.
Maintain the prompt book, including blocking, cues, transitions, notes, and production instructions; provide or coordinate line support when needed.
Coordinate rehearsal breaks and production procedures; prepare and distribute rehearsal reports and follow up on outstanding matters.
Check rehearsal spaces before calls to ensure the stage and facilities are prepared, and maintain familiarity with the complete production through the transition from rehearsals to performances.
Serve as the central communication point among the Director, Production Manager, Department Chair, designers, cast, crew, department leads, and crew heads from pre-production through closing.
Provide lead work direction to Assistant Stage Managers, student assistants, stage crew, and other assigned personnel; delegate stage-management and crew responsibilities.
Mediate, communicate, and solve problems during rehearsals and performances; identify production issues, coordinate immediate responses, and refer matters requiring approval to the appropriate authority.
Communicate production changes, instructions, and outstanding issues to appropriate personnel; coordinate production closeout and communicate final outstanding matters.
Participate in production planning, design components of stage productions, coordinate acquisition of stage supplies, and maintain schedules for stage facilities as assigned.
May serve as technical and/or operational production manager, support other areas as directed, and obtain additional training or certification as required by department or campus needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.