AEA Production Stage Manager - First Stage

FIRST STAGE is committed to dismantling structures that may prevent ALL people from applying for

employment with us. FIRST STAGE celebrates the richness of our world by cultivating Equity, Diversity, and

Inclusivity as they inspire the creativity that nurtures great art, artists, and audiences. FIRST STAGE

acknowledges we have been party to supporting oppressive systems in the past and are committed to

continuing to prioritize our journey in becoming an anti-racist and fully inclusive organization, and we

strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

FIRST STAGE is an equal opportunity employer and as such, we consider individuals for employment

according to their abilities and performance. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, age,

religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran

status, or any other classification protected by law.



Position: Production Stage Manager

Status: Non-exempt, Full-Time, Seasonal

Reports To: Director of Production, Artistic Director

Season Dates: August 29th, 2022 – May 21st, 2023 (possible extension through May 28th, 2023)

Compensation: This is an $800 per week position on an AEA TYA contract

OVERVIEW:

The Equity Production Stage Manager (PSM) will Stage Manage the rehearsals and performances of 3-5 First Stage

productions each season. The PSM also leads the stage management department including the recruiting,

coordination, training, and supervision of guest AEA stage managers, non-union stage managers and assistant

stage managers. The PSM provides input as upcoming season calendars are developed, and is responsible for

working within a provided budget for stage management materials. First Stage has eliminated 10/12 technical

rehearsals and shifted to a 5 day rehearsal and performance week, typical work days will be Wednesday through

Sunday. First Stage practices age appropriate casting which means the Equity Production Stage Manager will be

working closely with young people, and Equity and Non-Equity Adult actors. Additionally, the AEA PSM will work

closely with the Director of Production and production department heads, and with wardrobe and IATSE crew.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises Stage Managers, Assistant Stage Managers, and crew including IATSE members

• Recruits, hires, and trains all stage management staff

• Works with Artistic Director and Director of Production as an active participant in achieving artistic goals and

ensuring consistent quality

• Guarantees a high level of performance maintenance and production value preservation for all First Stage

productions

• Generates contact lists and calendars for each production

• Works with the Associate Director of Production to assemble and distribute actor and Young Performer packets

• Attends all production meetings and technical rehearsals when possible

• Serves as key communicator to Young Performers and their guardians

• As a department head, attends all production meetings, production department head meetings, and post

mortems

• Maintains stage management office as an organized and up-to-date center of communication

• Holds weekly meetings with the stage management staff to share theatre information, administrative

protocols, and performance protocols with the team

• Works with the Costume Shop Manager and Director of Production to develop talented run crew. Provides

timely feedback to these staff members to ensure a great backstage team

• Evaluates stage management department performance, sets and reviews goals, and files appropriate

evaluations for all seasonal stage management staff. Feedback for evaluations will be gathered through

personal observation as well as feedback from other members of the First Stage team

• Handles special projects as assigned by Director of Production or Artistic Director

• Follows TYA/AEA work rules and hours; plans and publishes schedule overviews for rehearsals, tech rehearsals,

and performances; and provides daily guidance and feedback to stage management staff in preparation and

distribution of daily rehearsal calls

• Supervises the creation, maintenance, and accuracy of each production prompt script, running and/or cue

sheets, and production check lists for management and archive purposes

• Provides feedback to ensure that meeting notes, rehearsal and performance reports are descriptive, accurate,

and published in a timely manner

• Sets standards and practices for the stage management team

• Oversees department budget and tracks department expenses

• Spring duties include actor packet prep for the following season

• Summer hours are available and will be limited to maintaining administrative duties and will be considered a

part time position under a separate agreement

• Per current AEA guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required

• First Stage is committed to creating a safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment and all incoming staff

members will be required to complete EDIJ training

• This position involves working with young people, and as such a background check will be required

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Ability to maintain a positive work environment by communicating and behaving in a positive manner with all artists,

staff, and stakeholders from a variety of experience levels and backgrounds

• Prior professional Stage Management experience

• Prior experience working with young people is a plus

• Experience working with IATSE crews is a plus

• Ability to work under pressure on a variety of different projects simultaneously

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Efficient time management and work load prioritization

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

• Ability to regularly work nights and weekends

• The person in this position will experience periods of prolonged stationary position, will consistently operate a

computer and other office productivity equipment, will be required to use stairs, and will occasionally move items up

to 30 lbs.

To Apply:

Send resume, cover letter, and 3 work references to Jessica Noones, Director of Production, at

jnoones@firststage.org with the subject line – Production Stage Manager: (First Name, Last Name)

No phone calls, please. Application submission period will remain open until positions are filled.

ABOUT FIRST STAGE

First Stage, Milwaukee's premiere non-profit theater for young people and families, is currently in

our 36th season. First Stage is a nationally acclaimed professional theater company drawing annual

audiences of more than 120,000 people. First Stage’s production season includes five mainstage

shows at the Todd Wehr Theater, as well as our First Steps and Young Company Series of productions

at Goodman Mainstage Hall at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center – a total of more than 400

performances annually. First Stage also offers Theater-in-Education programs, serving 20,000

students in classrooms annually throughout southeastern Wisconsin. The First Stage Theater

Academy, the largest and most high-impact training program of its kind in the nation, teaches "life

skills through stage skills" to nearly 2,000 young people ages 3 - 18 each year. For more information

about First Stage, including current updates on our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work, please visit

www.firststage.org
Salary: $800/wk