Production Stage Manager

Compensation: Rehearsal Stipend of $5,500.00, Production Pay is $20.00 per hour 

Summary: The Ruth & Nathan Hale Theater is looking to hire experienced stage managers 
for our 2026/2027 season and beyond. The Production Stage Manager (PSM) is responsible 
for the overall coordination, execution, and maintenance of the production from preproduction through closing. The PSM serves as the central communication hub between 
the artistic team, cast, crew, and production departments, ensuring the artistic vision is 
executed safely, efficiently, and consistently at every performance.

 
Duties and Responsibilities: 

Auditions and Callbacks: 
• Assist the Casting Coordinator with watching audition videos come in. 
• Assist the Casting Coordinator and the directing team on Callback day, 
providing logistical support, checking in when the actors arrive and be a runner 
as needed. 

Pre-Production: 
• Read and create and Production Analysis of the script to familiarize yourself with 
the show. Note all scene changes, technical elements including props, sound 
effects, specific light effects, specific wardrobe needs, and special effects. 
• Generate the Welcome Emails, Cast Info Forms, Contact Sheets, and more once 
the show has been cast. 
• Attend the Production Palooza - a mandatory meeting for the show team and cast 
members where you will distribute and track scripts. 
• Using The Ruth’s Templates, prepare any stage management paperwork and set up 
rehearsal systems (sign in sheets, daily calls, contact sheets, calendars, reports 
etc.). 
• Along with the Director of Stage Management create Production Books for the 
Directing Team (paper scripts as requested, cast face pages, perf/reh calendars, 
scenic renderings, etc) 
• Create and distribute a rehearsal schedule: first to the Production Manager and 
Director of Stage Management and then to the Cast after it’s been approved. 
• Prep the rehearsal studios a week prior to the first rehearsal, setting up supplies 
and callboard, and taping the ground plan in the studio. 

Production Meetings: 
• Participate in all production meetings and collaborate with the director and creative 
team on rehearsal and production needs. 
• Rehearsals: 
• Run all rehearsals, maintaining a structured, professional, and productive 
environment. 
• Record blocking, music track changes, and maintain the integrity of the director’s 
vision. 
• Send daily rehearsal reports to coordinate with designers and technical 
departments regarding evolving production needs. 
• Ensure safety standards and best practices are followed at all times, including 
following the AEA Break model 

Tech Rehearsals: 
• Run all technical rehearsals, maintaining a structured, professional, and productive 
environment. 
• Oversee the integration of all technical elements, including lighting, sound, set and 
automation cues, and special effects. 
     o Conduct technical run-throughs to ensure all cues are correctly timed and 
executed. 
• Create and maintain a cue script/prompt book throughout the entire production, 
but most importantly through the tech process with it being ready by the end of the 
1st preview for review and for future sub stage managers to be able to use. 
• Address and resolve any technical or logistical issues that arise during tech 
rehearsals. 
• Show calm leadership on all fronts to ensure the cast feels supported and prepared 
to run their show. 

Performances: 
• With the Assistant Stage Manager, schedule the call times for cast and running 
crew staff, ensuring everyone is prepared and on time. 
     o Build the Performance Sign in Sheet so all departments are clear on who is 
performing when. 
• Conduct pre-show checks to ensure all technical elements are in place and 
functional 
     o Lights, Sound, Automation, Atmospheric, and Mic Checks as needed 
     o Lead fight and lift calls as needed 
     o Work with FOH to open the house 30 minutes prior to the start of the 
performance. 
• Call all technical cues during performances, coordinating with board operators and 
crew. 
• Maintain the artistic quality and pacing of the show throughout the run. 
• Handle any issues that arise during performances promptly and efficiently. 
• Maintain open lines of communication with front-of-house staff and other 
departments during the show. 
• Communicate how the show went with Performance Reports after each 
performance to production and creative teams. 

Post-Production: 
• Collect and facilitate return of badges, scripts, and rehearsal materials. (On an 
actor’s closing night or the closing night party) 
• Compile and distribute final production notes for our postmortem meeting on what 
worked well and areas for improvement. 
Overall Leadership & Communication: 
• Foster a professional, respectful, and collaborative working environment. 
• Supervise and mentor Assistant Stage Managers/Deck Leads to foster a positive 
and safe work environment backstage o Serve as the primary liaison between cast, 
crew, and production leadership. 
• Anticipate challenges and proactively problem-solve. 
Other duties as assigned 

Skills and Qualifications: 
• Education Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in stage management, theatre 
production, technical theatre, or related field; or equivalent professional 
experience. 
• Experience in Job Type: 3+ years' experience as a Stage Manager in a theater or live 
event production setting.

• Skills Required: 
     o Proficient knowledge of stage management techniques, including cueing, 
blocking, and scheduling. 
     o Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, sense of timing, with a keen 
eye for detail and accuracy of work. 
     o Strong leadership abilities, with the capability to manage a team effectively. 
     o Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively 
with diverse personalities. 
     o Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships 
with members of The Ruth staff as well as contracted artists. 
     o Sensitivity to the needs and concerns of participants from diverse 
backgrounds 
     o Optimism, sense of humor, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and the 
ability to work under time constraints with creative team members, The Ruth 
staff, and working on projects alone. 
     o Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and solve problems in a 
fast-paced environment. 
     o Experience in maintaining a prompt book and calling performances. 
     o Ability to read and interpret ground plans and design drawings. 
     o Must be available to work weekday evenings and Saturdays as required by 
the production schedule. 
     o Must be comfortable with physical activity, including but not limited to 
walking, standing, lift of up to 30 pounds. 
     o Must be comfortable with varying work environments, including but not 
limited to quiet and loud spaces. 
     o Ability to run and edit a QLab file efficiently during rehearsals and 
performances. 
     o Experience running a light and/or sound board is a plus. 
     o Ability to adapt to new ideas, theatre cultures, and the Ruth standards. 

Compensation Guidelines: 
Position Type: Part-Time Hours to work: Varies based on production needs 
Production Schedule: 
• Pre-production: 32-35 weeks prior to opening (production meetings, building 
paperwork and schedule) 
• Rehearsals: 8-10 weeks 
• Tech: 2 weeks 
• Performances: 8-13 weeks Nature of Compensation: Rehearsal Stipend, Hourly 
compensation during production