Warehouse Manager
Calgary, AB · On-site
Maintain awareness of backstage, loading dock, and theatrical safety procedures. Skills & Qualifications: Required * Strong organizational, logistical, and inventory management skills. * Experience ...
Warehouse Manager
Calgary, AB · On-site
Maintain awareness of backstage, loading dock, and theatrical safety procedures. Skills & Qualifications: Required * Strong organizational, logistical, and inventory management skills. * Experience ...
Backstage Manager information
What does a backstage manager do?
A Backstage Manager is responsible for overseeing all activities and logistics behind the scenes during a theatrical production, concert, or live event. They coordinate with crew members, performers, and technical staff to ensure that set changes, cues, and transitions run smoothly and on time. Their duties include managing props, supervising stagehands, handling emergencies, and maintaining clear communication throughout the event. Ultimately, the Backstage Manager ensures that everything runs seamlessly so the performers and audience can have the best experience possible.
What are some common challenges faced by a backstage manager during live events?
Backstage Managers often encounter challenges such as managing last-minute changes to the show schedule, coordinating communication between performers and technical crew, and resolving unexpected technical issues. Balancing multiple priorities under tight time constraints is a key part of the role, as is maintaining a calm and organized environment backstage. Success in this position requires adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to make quick decisions to keep the production running smoothly.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backstage manager, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Backstage Manager, you need strong organizational skills, knowledge of stage management practices, and experience in live event production, often supported by a degree in theater or a related field. Familiarity with stage management software, communication systems like headsets, and scheduling tools is essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure seamless coordination of backstage activities, contributing to successful and safe live performances.
What is the difference between Backstage Manager vs Stage Manager?
| Aspect | Backstage Manager | Stage Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires experience in theater or event production, sometimes certifications in stage management | Requires similar experience in theater or live event production, often with certifications in stage management |
| Work Environment | Behind the scenes in theaters, concert halls, or event venues, coordinating technical and backstage staff | On stage or backstage, coordinating performers, crew, and technical teams during performances |
| Employer & Industry | Theater companies, concert venues, live event organizers | Theater productions, concerts, live shows |
Both roles involve coordinating production elements, but the Backstage Manager focuses on technical and backstage operations, while the Stage Manager oversees the entire performance, including performers and timing. They often work closely but have distinct responsibilities within live productions.
How to become a backstage manager?
To become a backstage manager, gain experience in theater, live events, or production environments, often starting in entry-level roles such as stagehand or production assistant. Developing skills in organization, communication, and familiarity with stage equipment and safety protocols is essential, and some positions may require relevant certifications or training. Building a network within the industry can also help in advancing to a backstage management role.
What job categories do people searching Backstage Manager jobs in Alberta look for?
The top searched job categories for Backstage Manager jobs in Alberta are:
Contractor
Posted 16 days ago
Job description
Purpose: The Warehouse Manager is responsible for the organizations, operation, and maintenance of the ballet company's production warehouse and storage facilities. This role oversees the tracking, storage, transportation, and maintenance of company production assets including scenery, lighting equipment, wardrobe, rehearsal equipment, staging materials, hardware, and touring inventory.
Working closely with the Technical Director, and department heads, the Warehouse Manager ensures that production assets are accurately inventoried, safely stored, maintained, and efficiently transported between company facilities, rehearsal studios, theatres, and off-site storage locations.
This position requires strong organizational skills, logistical coordination, and attention to detail. The commencement date will be August 3rd, 2026 and will continue until termination on May 15th, 2027.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Warehouse Operations
- Manage the daily operation and organization of the production warehouse and storage areas.
- Maintain clean, safe, and efficient warehouse workspaces and storage systems.
- Coordinate receiving, storage, organization, and distribution of production assets and materials.
- Develop and maintain warehouse storage procedures and asset tracking systems.
- Coordinate loading dock operations, truck loading/unloading, and transportation schedules.
- Assist with production load-ins, strikes, and seasonal warehouse reorganizations.
- Ensure warehouse operations comply with company health and safety policies and procedures.
2. Asset Management & Inventory Control
- Maintain accurate inventories of production assets, equipment, tools, rehearsal materials, hardware, and consumables.
- Create, maintain, and update digital inventory systems, storage maps, and tracking documentation.
- Implement and maintain barcode or QR-based asset tracking systems where applicable.
- Track asset condition, maintenance schedules, repair requirements, and storage locations.
- Conduct regular inventory audits and support annual asset reviews.
- Coordinate repairs, maintenance, and replacement of damaged or aging equipment.
- Ensure consistency and accountability of inventory across warehouse, rehearsal, and performance locations.
3. Transportation & Logistics
- Transport equipment, production assets, and materials between company facilities, rehearsal studios, theatres, and off-site storage locations.
- Operate rental vehicles including 5-ton trucks for production and warehouse transportation requirements.
- Coordinate loading and unloading of trucks, deliveries, and equipment transfers.
- Prepare shipping materials, manifests, packing lists, and inventory documentation for productions and touring operations.
- Coordinate with vendors, rental suppliers, and transportation providers as required.
4.Production Support
- Support technical and production departments with preparation of rehearsal and performance materials.
- Collaborate with scenic, wardrobe, lighting, stage management, and production departments to ensure assets are prepared and available on schedule.
- Assist with sourcing warehouse materials, equipment, and operational supplies.
- Support improvements to warehouse workflow, organization, and operational efficiency.
5. Health & Safety
- Maintain safe lifting practices, forklift operation standards, and warehouse safety procedures.
- Ensure aisles, exits, storage systems, and work areas remain organized and compliant with safety standards.
- Identify and report damaged equipment, facility issues, or unsafe working conditions.
- Maintain awareness of backstage, loading dock, and theatrical safety procedures.
Skills & Qualifications:
Required
- Strong organizational, logistical, and inventory management skills.
- Experience working in warehouse, logistics, production, or live entertainment environments.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced operational settings.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and inventory management software.
- Valid Class 5 Driver's License with a clean driving record.
- Comfortable driving and operating 5-ton trucks.
- Valid forklift certification/ticket or willingness to obtain forklift training upon hire.
- Ability to safely lift, move, and transport heavy or oversized production materials.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends during production periods as required.
Preferred
- Previous experience in theatre, dance, live entertainment, or performing arts production environments.
- Experience with warehouse inventory systems, barcode systems, or asset management software.
- Experience operating forklifts, pallet jacks, or warehouse equipment.
- Familiarity with production software such as Vectorworks Spotlight or inventory management platforms is considered an asset.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed in warehouse facilities, theatres, rehearsal studios, loading docks, and backstage environments.
- Position involves frequent lifting, climbing ladders, loading trucks, and moving production equipment.
- Exposure to construction materials, dust, paint, and active production environments is common.
- Evening and weekend work may be required during technical rehearsals, performances, and production periods.
Typical Collaborators:
- Technical Director
- Stage Management
- Scenic Department
- Wardrobe Department
- Lighting Department
- Touring Personnel
- Venue Technical Staff
- Casual & Supplemental Crew