Totem Pole Playhouse | Fayetteville, PA
Notice: Stage Manager
LOA Producer/Director: Ryan B. Gibbs
Musical Director: Steve Zumbrun
$1050 weekly minimum (Ref. to COST) - Stage manager (2025 rates)
$892 weekly minimum (Ref. to COST) - See breakdown for production-specific dates.
Assistant stage manager (2025 rates)
Plus, applicable pension and health payments. Housing and travel provided when required by Equity contracts.
Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity. Equity encourages submissions from people of all ethnicities, gender identities, ages, and abilities.
Produced by The Caledonia Theatre Company at the Totem Pole Playhouse.
Please submit your resume for consideration to Ryan Gibbs, Producing Artistic Director. Another option is to schedule an interview appointment during the seasonal auditions. To schedule an appointment, go to:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DA5AA2BA5FEC07-61444379-totem#/
Deadline: 02/01/2026
Casting@totempoleplayhouse.org
Totem Pole Playhouse 2026 Season
Theater Information:
The Caledonia Theatre Company at the Totem Pole Playhouse, Pennsylvania’s premier professional summer theatre, is located within the 1,200-acre Caledonia State Park, between Gettysburg and Chambersburg, PA. Totem Pole Playhouse produces Equity productions and presents select guest productions as part of its summer series. The New York Times has described Totem Pole Playhouse as “the Cadillac of summer theaters.” Totem Pole maintains a modest office staff and a technical team of 18–20 individuals who staff our shops and run crew. Totem Pole Playhouse holds collective bargaining agreements with the Actor’s Equity Association (AEA), Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), and United Scenic Artists (USA).
General Production Information:
Our standard production process includes 10–14 days of studio rehearsals, costume fittings, and press activities, followed by three and a half days of technical and dress rehearsals, which include one “10 out of 12” rehearsal and culminate in one invited dress rehearsal. Performance runs typically consist of 18–20 performances, depending on the title. Mondays are always scheduled days off; after opening weekend, Fridays are occasionally dark/no performance. Historically, Totem Pole Playhouse has operated under an LOA to the COST contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Our Equity contract is up for renewal in 2026.
Housing & Transportation:
While Totem Pole Playhouse does not own housing, we provide accommodations for guest artists through a variety of arrangements, including apartments and dormitories at local colleges, Airbnb rentals, and housing provided by local hosts. Housing is generally located 2–15 miles from the Playhouse. Additionally, we have a limited number of company cars available to assist with local travel logistics.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
The Caledonia Theatre Company at the Totem Pole Playhouse is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and to providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local laws.
If you require reasonable accommodations to apply or participate in the hiring process, please contact Ryan B. Gibbs at:
casting@totempoleplayhouse.org.
Directed by Ryan B. Gibbs
Associate Director/Choreographer: Joshua Green
Musical Director: Lena Gabrielle
Rehearsals begin: May 12, 2026
Opens: May 29, 2026
Closes: June 13, 2026
Gretna Theatre Transfer:
Tech/Sound Check: June 16–17, 2026
Opens: June 18, 2026
Closes: June 21, 2026
Synopsis: A Night With Janis Joplin is a musical celebration of the legendary rock and blues icon Janis Joplin. Featuring many of her greatest hits — including “Piece of My Heart” and “Me and Bobby McGee” — the show also honors the powerful artists who influenced her sound, such as Bessie Smith, Nina Simone, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin. Set in 1970, the musical offers a contemporary concert-style take on Joplin’s life and legacy. Totem Pole Playhouse’s production will be the Central Pennsylvania/Northern Maryland regional premiere and is a co-production with Gretna Theatre; the Totem Pole production transfers to Gretna Theatre with no break in employment for the company.
Directed and Choreographed by Christine O’Grady
Associate Director: Luke Reed
Musical Director: Jane Best
Rehearsals begin: June 2, 2026
Opens: June 19, 2026
Closes: July 4, 2026
Synopsis: Come From Away tells the true story of the September 11 attacks, when 6,579 airline passengers were unexpectedly stranded in Gander, Newfoundland. As planes from around the world were diverted, the residents of Gander and surrounding towns welcomed the passengers with food, shelter, and compassion. The musical captures the extraordinary generosity, resilience, and humanity that emerged during this unprecedented moment, highlighting the deep connections formed between strangers in a time of crisis.
Directed by John Putch
Rehearsals begin: June 23, 2026
Opens: July 10, 2026
Closes: July 25, 2026
Synopsis: This contemporary reimagining of The Odd Couple updates the classic story with modern references while preserving the iconic relationship between Oscar and Felix.
Directed by Ryan B. Gibbs
Musical Directors: Darren Server / Steve Zumbrun
Choreographer: Jenn Reed
Rehearsals begin: July 14, 2026
Opens: July 31, 2026
Closes: August 16, 2026
Synopsis: South Pacific is set on a remote Pacific island during World War II, where American service members stationed far from home confront love, longing, and the realities of war. Two parallel romances — between Navy nurse Nellie Forbush and French planter Emile de Becque, and between Marine Lt. Joe Cable and a young island woman — unfold against a backdrop of military duty and cultural collision. As friendships form and lives intertwine, the characters are forced to confront fear, loss, and deeply rooted prejudice.
First Rehearsal: November 17, 2026
Opens: December 4, 2026
Closes: December 13, 2026
Venue: Majestic Theatre, Gettysburg
Synopsis: Set in Victorian London, A Christmas Carol follows the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter and isolated miser who is visited on Christmas Eve by a series of supernatural spirits. Through visions of his past, present, and possible future, Scrooge is forced to confront the consequences of his choices and ultimately discovers the redemptive power of generosity, compassion, and human connection.
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