BLACK NATIVITY STAGE MANAGER (AEA) - Penumbra

AEA STAGE MANAGER – JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Production

Penumbra, one of the nation’s oldest and largest African American theatre companies, seeks to hire an Equity (AEA) Stage Manager for our annual remount of Black Nativity.  Producing a 4-show season of plays and musicals in our 250-seat theatre, Penumbra’s stage management contract for Black Nativity runs from November 12, 2024 – December 22, 2024.  Penumbra operates as an SPT 9 company.

We are seeking someone who is a true self-starter, a multitasker, and is able to strategically prioritize their responsibilities. Candidates will demonstrate attention to detail, creative problem-solving skills, possess and exhibit empathy, exude a good sense of humor, and a track record of on-their-feet problem solving. Candidates must be proactive and possess clear communication skills and the ability to be a team player.

For out of town candidates, once hired, Penumbra will provide travel to and from St. Paul, MN and standard AEA housing during residence.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB FUNCTION: 
The Stage Manager (SM) is responsible for stage managerial duties including coordination and supervision of the Stage Management Team (including AEA assistant stage managers and production assistants) in collaboration with Associate Director of Production. The SM supervises rehearsal studio and “on stage” activities and participates in planning related to rehearsal preparation, rehearsals, and running the production from the first rehearsal through the closing performance.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with Artistic Director, Associate Director of Production, and Technical and Facilities Director as an active participant in achieving artistic goals, ensuring consistent quality, guaranteeing a high level of performance maintenance, and preserving highest production values for the production.
• Works with Associate Director of Production in developing talented and dedicated run crew, wardrobe crew, and other deck personnel.  Provides timely feedback to these staff to ensure a great backstage team.
• Participates in the development of production assistants to ensure that they fully contribute to the process and develop stage management skills as appropriate.
• Follows AEA work rules and hours; plans and publishes schedule overviews for rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances; and provides daily guidance and feedback to stage management staff in preparation and distribution of daily rehearsal calls.
• Ensures the creation, maintenance, and accuracy of production prompt script, running and/or cue sheets, and production check lists for management and archive purposes.
• Provides daily feedback to ensure that rehearsal and performance reports are descriptive, accurate, and published in a timely manner.
• Additional duties as assigned.

WORKS CLOSELY WITH:

• Associate Director of Production
• Technical and Facilities Director
• Director
• Designers
• Performers
• Running Crew

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

A successful stage manager will be a team player, detail-oriented, able to think quickly, remain calm in stressful situations, and possess a strong work ethic. The stage manager must work with various departments within the building to ensure a proper and safe upkeep of the show while remaining in compliance with union, local, state, and federal regulations.  Additionally, we require:

• 5 years experience as an AEA Stage Manager working in professional theatre that includes experience stage managing musicals
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to maintain artistic direction, rehearse understudies or replacements, direct a rehearsal
• Computer proficient (MS word, Excel, internet file sharing)
• Capacity to solve problems and engage in creative thinking to overcome challenges
• Well-developed communication skills
• Works well and flexibly in a stressful environment with many personality types
• Maturity and understanding of the artistic process and excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and diplomacy skills
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment
• Knowledge and experience with AEA, SDC, USA
• Ability to work long hours and to manage an irregular schedule including weekends and holidays
• Technical knowledge of safe working procedures
• An understanding and openness to continued learning about Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression principles and practices, and the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Uphold the institution’s mission, values, and—upon training—support its racial healing practices within the rehearsal room and theater space by assisting Penumbra staff to create and maintain a safe and functional environment.

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Associate Director of Production Ron Schultz: [email protected]. using the subject line STAGE MANAGER SUBMISSION – BLACK NATIVITY.  Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received and will remain open until slots are filled.

Penumbra Theatre Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values a diverse and inclusive environment.  Candidates must participate in a background check and provide positive references from previous employers.  All applicants are welcome.  Must be a member of Actors’ Equity Association to apply.

PRODUCTION DATES:

BLACK NATIVITY - Conceived and Written by Langston Hughes

Directed by Lou Bellamy

Stage Manager Begins:  November 12, 2024

Rehearsals Begin:  November 19, 2024

Tech:  November 26 – December 5, 2024

Previews:  December 3 & 4, 2024

Opens:  December 5, 2024

Closes:  December 22, 2024

COMPENSATION:

Contract: SPT - 9

Contracted Rate: $1,025 + AEA health/pension