1

Stage Manager Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Stage Manager information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$14

$26

$50

How much do stage manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for stage manager in San Rafael, CA is $26.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $28.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a stage manager do?

As a stage manager, your job is to support the director of theater performance and ensure the production runs as smoothly as possible. Your duties include keeping track of ordered changes during a rehearsal, helping actors memorize their roles, and running the production during a full show. You may also schedule rehearsals, call out cues, and coordinate the stage crew. Other responsibilities include serving as the primary point of contact for designers and set builders, ensuring props and furnishings are available, and recording the various cues for the performance in a master copy of the script.

What does a stage manager do?

A stage manager is responsible for coordinating all aspects of a theatrical production to ensure everything runs smoothly. They serve as a central communication hub between the director, cast, crew, and designers, managing rehearsals, scheduling, and technical cues. During performances, the stage manager calls lighting, sound, and set changes, ensuring the show is executed as planned. Their organizational skills and attention to detail help maintain consistency and safety throughout the production process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a stage manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Stage Manager, you need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and a solid background in theater production, often supported by a degree in theater or related experience. Familiarity with production management software, cueing systems, and scheduling tools is essential for coordinating complex performances. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help manage cast, crew, and unforeseen challenges. These competencies ensure smooth operations, timely performances, and the overall success of live productions.

What are some common challenges stage managers face during live productions, and how can they effectively address them?

Stage managers frequently encounter challenges such as last-minute changes to scripts or cues, coordinating large teams with diverse responsibilities, and ensuring smooth communication between cast, crew, and directors. To address these, stage managers must stay organized, maintain clear and timely communication channels, and be adaptable under pressure. Building strong relationships with team members and having detailed contingency plans in place are also key to effectively resolving issues as they arise during live performances.

What is the difference between Stage Manager vs Production Assistant?

AspectStage ManagerProduction Assistant
CredentialsExperience in theater or live events, often with technical knowledgeEntry-level, may require basic knowledge of production processes
Work EnvironmentOn-stage, backstage, coordinating rehearsals and performancesAssist with various tasks across departments, often in office or on-site
Industry UsageCommonly found in theater, live events, TV, and filmUsed across film, TV, theater, and event production

The main difference is that a Stage Manager oversees the entire production process, ensuring smooth operations during performances, while a Production Assistant provides support across departments, handling various tasks to assist the production team. The Stage Manager has more responsibility for coordination and communication, whereas the Production Assistant focuses on assisting with specific tasks.

What qualifications does a stage manager need?

A stage manager typically needs strong organizational and communication skills, experience in theater or production environments, and knowledge of stage management software or tools. Many employers prefer candidates with a background in theater, production, or related fields, and some may require relevant certifications or training. Attention to detail and the ability to coordinate multiple tasks are essential for success in this role.

What job categories do people searching Stage Manager jobs in San Rafael, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Stage Manager jobs in San Rafael, CA are:

What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Stage Manager jobs?

Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Stage Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Stage Manager job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,528 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Lighting Designer (Performing Arts Technician III) - Green Music Center *Updated*

California State University

Sonoma, CA • On-site

$4.6K - $6.7K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


California State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Lighting Designer (Performing Arts Technician III) - Green Music Center *Updated*

Apply now Job no: 558829
Work type: Staff
Location: Sonoma
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Theatre Arts, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Position Description

Application Process

This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit application, along with cover letter and resume. 

Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of Production, with additional lead work direction from show related stage manager, the Lighting Designer is primarily responsible for providing live lighting support including the setup/rigging of lights, wiring and focus of lights and programming/operating professional digital lighting consoles. These events include performances by world-class artists, touring companies, faculty/staff/and student performances, as well as rental events. In addition, the incumbent serves as a stagehand and assists with stage changes both before and during the performance. The incumbent also provides backup support for live audio including wiring of the stage, patching audio, assisting with the rigging and wiring of both the indoor and outdoor PAs., along with live video support including setup and operating video equipment and streaming equipment. Additional duties include amplified sound setup for live performances, rigging, professional audio & video recording, load-in, setup & strike, load-out, utilizing lighting, video and audio software and hardware for recording and postproduction.

Duties will take place at the Green Music Center however additional duties may be performed in various locations on the Sonoma State University campus, or at University events off campus, including working both indoors and outdoors to support and participate in university activities and events. Overtime, weekend, and evening hours will be required and specified only by the supervisor to meet operational needs, often with support needed past midnight. 

Key Qualifications

This position requires ten years of responsible and related experience providing live lighting, video and audio services for indoor and outdoor concerts, live entertainment events and activities such as performing arts organizations, theatre and dance companies, and music organizations or an equivalent combination of education and experience. In depth knowledge of lighting consoles required. Detailed knowledge and experience of live lighting, video, rigging of lighting hardware, stage wiring and patching, rigging projection screens, drapery, running and connecting power cables, and related equipment. Knowledge of stage etiquette desired. Membership in professional Audio/Theatrical organizations desired.

The incumbent must successfully complete a pre-placement physical exam.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full time, non-exempt position, which will lead toward permanent status following the successful completion of a probationary period. Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience. Step placement upon appointment is not expected to exceed Step 19 ($6,606). The CSU Classification Step Range for this position is $4,626 - $6,739 per month (step 1 - step 20). 

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year. Sonoma State University is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer.

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here to be taken to the CSU benefits page.

For eligible employees, CSUEU collective bargaining agreement Article 17.10 will be honored.

Supplemental Information

About Sonoma State University: 

Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community. 

Equal Opportunity & Mandated Reporting:

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Employment Eligibility & Conditions: 

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Education Code 89521 - Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

Application Process & Accommodations:

For questions related to the application process, please reach out to hr@sonoma.edu. The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccommodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Annual Reports & Safety Information:

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report (https://clery.sonoma.edu/annual-security-report) includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is available for viewing at https://housing.sonoma.edu/compliance-data/2024-campus-housing-fire-safety-report. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within Sonoma State University student housing facilities for three years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Residential Education and Campus Housing at housing@sonoma.edu.  

Advertised: Aug 20 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What California State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


California State University logo

About California State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US