Internship Backstage Theater Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RESIDENT STAGE MANAGER

Full-Time 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Resident Stage Manager serves as the lead stage manager for San Pedro Playhouse and Classic Theatre's primary productions, including the majority of main stage productions and the annual Shakespeare in the Park production. This position is responsible for managing all stage management responsibilities from pre-production through closing, ensuring clear communication between artistic and production teams while maintaining the highest standards of organization, safety, and professionalism throughout the rehearsal and performance process.

The Resident Stage Manager reports to the Vice President of Artistic Programming and works directly alongside the Director of Production, Production Manager, directors, designers, and production staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Stage Management Leadership

• Serve as the lead Stage Manager for the majority of the main stage productions and the annual Shakespeare in the Park production.
• Lead the stage management process from pre-production through strike, ensuring efficient communication and execution throughout each production.
• Develop rehearsal schedules in collaboration with directors and production leadership.
• Prepare and maintain prompt books, rehearsal reports, performance reports, line notes (as requested), and all stage management documentation.
• Facilitate daily communication between directors, designers, production departments, cast, musicians, and crew.

Rehearsal Management

• Run rehearsals in an organized, efficient, and professional manner.
• Coordinate rehearsal spaces, schedules, props, furniture, and rehearsal needs.
• Record blocking, cueing, script changes, and production notes.
• Track attendance and communicate scheduling updates to company members and production leadership.
• Maintain a positive, collaborative rehearsal environment that supports artistic excellence and company culture.

Performance Operations

• Call all technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, previews, performances, and special events for assigned productions.
• Coordinate backstage operations during performances, ensuring the safe and consistent execution of all technical and artistic elements.
• Supervise Assistant Stage Managers, Production Assistants, and backstage crew assigned to productions.
• Maintain production integrity throughout the performance run, ensuring consistency from performance to performance.

Production Coordination

• Participate in production meetings and communicate rehearsal progress, production needs, and scheduling updates.
• Coordinate with the Production Manager and Director of Production regarding technical rehearsals, load-ins, strikes, and backstage logistics.
• Support designers and technical departments during the rehearsal process by communicating production needs and changes.
• Assist in developing rehearsal and production calendars for assigned productions.

Safety and Company Management

• Promote safe working practices in rehearsal rooms, backstage spaces, and performance venues.
• Maintain emergency procedures and incident documentation during rehearsals and performances.
• Support a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative working environment for artists, staff, volunteers, and guest personnel.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and production procedures.

Organization Support

• Assist with season planning by providing stage management expertise during production preparation.
• Support special events, donor functions, media appearances, and organizational programming requiring stage management services.
• Contribute to improving stage management systems, documentation, and production workflows across the organization.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to Assistant Stage Managers, interns, apprentices, crew members, other technicians, and volunteers as assigned.

Qualifications

• Preferred 3-5 years of professional stage management experience in theatre or performing arts or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience calling complex theatrical productions, including technical cueing for lighting, sound, projections, and automation as applicable.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail in a fast-paced production environment.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and digital production management tools.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours as required by rehearsal and performance schedules.

Essential Functions and Physical Requirements

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours consistent with rehearsal and performance schedules.
• Ability to remain standing or walking for extended periods during rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances.
• Ability to move freely throughout rehearsal rooms, backstage areas, catwalks, dressing rooms, audience spaces, and performance venues.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or move rehearsal furniture, props, production materials, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds independently and up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to work in theatrical environments involving low light conditions, theatrical haze, moving scenery, elevated sound levels, and rapidly changing production environments.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies or safety concerns during rehearsals and performances.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Success Measures

• Main stage and Shakespeare in the Park productions are rehearsed and performed safely, efficiently, and at the highest artistic standard.
• Production communication is timely, accurate, and effective across all departments.
• Rehearsals and performances operate on schedule with minimal disruptions.
• Strong collaboration among artistic, production, and administrative teams.
• High levels of satisfaction among directors, designers, cast, crew, and guest artists.

OUR MISSION

San Pedro Playhouse produces excellent, relevant, and transformative theater that unites diverse communities through dynamic performances and arts education programming.

OUR VISION
San Pedro Playhouse serves as the artistic hub of San Antonio that fosters a thriving arts community, contributing to the region's vibrancy and creativity.

OUR CORE VALUES

At San Pedro Playhouse, our core values serve as the compass guiding every aspect of our work, from artistic endeavors to community engagement. These values—artistry, integrity, bravery, joy, and kindness—are not just words on a page; they are the driving force behind everything we do. Together, they form the foundation of our commitment to enriching lives through the transformative power of theater.

CULTURAL COMMITMENT

As a theater company and nonprofit organization, San Pedro Playhouse puts Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) at the forefront of its operations, decisions, and practices. We are working towards this by actively addressing everything from internal policies to evaluating our programming - on stage and off, in our effort to meet these goals. We expect our staff to be on board with this approach by providing ongoing conversations and workshops, welcoming direct and open conversation, and holding ourselves accountable through our community. We are committed to providing the resources to our staff and creative teams as we continue our efforts to learn and grow in these areas. We are a caregiver and parent-friendly workplace. San Pedro Playhouse is an equal-opportunity employer.

This position is based in San Antonio and will require in-person attendance, as well as night and
weekend duties onsite.