Stage Manager – Youth Theatre Productions
RISE Music & Dance | Houston, TX 77043
Part-Time | $28–$32 per hour
Position Summary
RISE Music & Dance is seeking an organized, dependable, and collaborative Stage Manager to join our theatre production team.
The Stage Manager serves as the organizational backbone of RISE Theatre productions, working closely with the Theatre Director, Assistant Theatre Director, designers, technical crew, and student performers to ensure rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances run smoothly, safely, and professionally.
This is a hands-on production role ideal for someone who enjoys creating order in a fast-moving theatrical environment, communicates effectively with both adults and young performers, and can confidently lead backstage operations from the rehearsal process through closing performance.
The position is part-time and production-based, with hours varying throughout the season. Evening and weekend availability is required during technical rehearsals and performances.
Primary Responsibilities
Stage & Production Management
- Serve as Stage Manager for assigned RISE Theatre productions, showcases, and special performances.
- Attend production meetings and designated rehearsals, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances.
- Create and maintain the prompt book and appropriate stage management documentation.
- Develop and maintain run sheets, cue sheets, rehearsal reports, performance reports, and other production documentation.
- Track production needs and communicate relevant information to directors, designers, crew members, and other production staff.
- Assist the Theatre Director and Assistant Theatre Director in keeping the production process organized and on schedule.
- Help identify potential logistical or technical issues before they affect rehearsals or performances.
Technical Rehearsals & Performances
- Help lead the transition from the rehearsal process into technical rehearsals and performances.
- Coordinate with lighting, sound, scenic, costume, props, and backstage personnel to ensure production elements are performance-ready.
- Run technical rehearsals efficiently in collaboration with the directing and technical teams.
- Call lighting, sound, scenic, and other show cues as appropriate.
- Ensure performers and crew are in place and prepared for entrances, transitions, and cues.
- Maintain consistency in the execution of the production throughout the performance run.
Backstage Operations
- Oversee backstage operations during technical rehearsals and performances.
- Develop and communicate backstage traffic patterns, preset requirements, transitions, and scene-change responsibilities.
- Coordinate backstage crew assignments and help ensure crew members understand their responsibilities.
- Maintain an organized, calm, and professional backstage environment.
- Help organize dressing-room usage and facilitate efficient costume changes in collaboration with the costume team.
- Track and organize show props and ensure appropriate presets and post-show resets.
- Monitor backstage and performance-area safety.
Communication & Collaboration
- Serve as a central point of communication between the directing team, technical staff, backstage crew, and performers during the production process.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with RISE staff, students, parents, volunteers, and outside production personnel as appropriate.
- Participate in production meetings and communicate updates, concerns, and outstanding needs.
- Work collaboratively with specialized production personnel rather than being expected to personally design or execute every technical element.
- Support and mentor student crew members and student stage managers when applicable.
- Help foster a backstage culture built around teamwork, preparation, professionalism, respect, and safety.
Production Wrap-Up
- Assist with post-performance strike and restoration of production spaces.
- Ensure show materials, props, equipment, and stage management documentation are appropriately returned, stored, or archived.
- Participate in post-production discussions as requested and identify opportunities to improve future production processes.
Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:
- Previous stage management experience in educational, community, university, or professional theatre.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to remain calm, decisive, and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced production environment.
- Experience running technical rehearsals and/or calling theatrical performances.
- Ability to coordinate multiple production departments and keep track of numerous details simultaneously.
- Comfortable working with children and teenagers in a performing arts environment.
- Familiarity with theatrical lighting, sound, scenic, props, costumes, and backstage operations sufficient to effectively coordinate with each department.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace or similar digital organizational tools.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with directors and other production personnel.
A bachelor's degree in Theatre, Stage Management, Technical Theatre, or a related field is welcomed but not required. Equivalent professional, educational, or community theatre experience will be considered.
Schedule
This is a part-time, hourly position with a variable production schedule. Hours will fluctuate depending on the production calendar, with increased hours during technical rehearsals and performance weeks.
Candidates must have availability for scheduled evening and weekend rehearsals, technical rehearsals, performances, and production meetings.
The Stage Manager will work on multiple RISE Theatre productions and performance events throughout the season.
Compensation
$28–$32 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
About RISE Music & Dance
RISE Music & Dance is a performing arts school in Houston, Texas providing theatre, dance, and music education and performance opportunities for children and teens.
Our theatre program combines arts education with fully produced performance experiences. We strive to create an environment in which young performers can develop their skills while experiencing the collaboration, preparation, responsibility, and professionalism involved in theatrical production.
Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour
Expected hours: 10.0 – 20.0 per week
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- How many years of stage management experience do you have?
- Have you previously served as the primary Stage Manager for a theatrical production through technical rehearsals and performances?
- Do you have experience calling theatrical performances, including lighting, sound, and/or other technical cues?
- Are you comfortable working with children in an educational theatre environment?
- Briefly describe a production you have stage managed and your responsibilities during rehearsals, tech, and performances.
- This position requires committing to scheduled productions through their final performance. Are you able to commit to the full rehearsal, technical rehearsal, and performance schedule for productions you accept?
Work Location: In person
