Stage Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Title:
On-Call, Stage Manager Mentor
Position Type:
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Hiring Range:
$33.94 - $40.72 per hour; Compensation will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.
Pay Frequency:
HourlyA. POSITION PURPOSE
The Production Stage Manager (PSM) oversees and manages all stage management operations for assigned productions, ensuring the artistic vision is executed safely, consistently, and efficiently from pre-production through closing. The PSM serves as the primary communication hub between artistic, production, and administrative departments and leads the stage management team in supporting rehearsals, technical processes, and performances.
B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Leadership & Department Coordination

• Mentors the student stage management teams; reviewing tasks, supervises workflow, and ensures consistent communication across all production departments to support rehearsal and performance needs.
• Serves as the central liaison between faculty leadership, designers, production management, and performers to maintain clarity of information and alignment with curriculum and production goals.

2. Rehearsal & Performance Management

• Mentors student stage managers weekly in the rehearsal room. Reviews and monitors all rehearsals: schedules, room setup, daily operations, documentation, and communication to ensure an efficient and safe working environment.
• Mentors student stage managers on building prompt book and calling all technical and performance cues (lighting, sound, video, automation, deck cues) with precision to maintain artistic integrity and performance consistency.
• Mentors student stage managers on how to tracks blocking, line changes, choreography, prop usage, and technical elements to ensure accurate maintenance of the production.

3. Production Documentation & Compliance

• Mentors and trains student stage managers on the preparation and distribution of rehearsal reports, performance reports, schedules, and other documentation to ensure timely and accurate communication.
• Ensures compliance with union rules (AEA or applicable agreements), company policies, and safety protocols throughout rehearsals and performances.
• Mentors and trains student stage managers on the maintenance of production paperwork, cue sheets, run sheets, and archival documentation for future remounts or tours.•

4. Other duties as assigned.
C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION
Supervises Stage Managers, Assistant Stage Managers, and run crew as assigned. Coordinates with Production Management and department heads to support staffing and workflow needs.
D. GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality and services.
• Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices.
• Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives.
• Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow.
• Prepares progress reports; informs supervisor of project status; and deviation from goals. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions.
• Prepares and submits reports as requested and required.
• Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the unit.

E. QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.
This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within an inclusive multicultural environment and to promote and contribute to a respectful workplace.
1. Knowledge

• Professional stage management practices and theatrical production processes AEA rules and regulations (or applicable union agreements)
• Technical theatre terminology and backstage operations
• Safety standards for rehearsal and performance environments
• Scheduling, documentation, and production communication systems

2. Skills

• Strong leadership and team management Excellent written and verbal communication
• Precise cue calling and multitasking under pressure
• Advanced organizational and time-management skills
• Proficiency with digital tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, production management software)

3. Abilities

• Maintain calm, professional demeanor in an educational setting.
• Collaborate effectively with diverse teams and personalities
• Interpret artistic direction and translate it into actionable technical and logistical plans
• Manage multiple priorities and shifting schedules

4. Education

• Bachelor's degree in theatre, preferred.

5. Experience

• 4 years stage management (or equivalent theatrical experience), required.
• Experience working in an educational or mentorship-based environment, preferred.

F. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Considerable time spent at a desk using a computer terminal. Frequent movement between rehearsal rooms, theatres, and production spaces.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during technical rehearsals and performances.
• May be required to lift up to 25 lbs.
• May be required to travel to other venues, rehearsal sites, or off-site locations.
• May be required to attend production meetings.

G. WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Rehearsal room with multiple students, noisy.
• Typical office environment.
• Mostly indoor office environment with windows.
• Offices with equipment noise.
• Offices with frequent interruptions.

Telecommute
Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination
Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/.
Clery Notice of Availability
Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at hraccommodations@scu.edu or by phone at (408)554-4392. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact hrservicedesk@scu.edu.