Production Stage Manager

Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods. Swarthmore College was recently ranked number 3 in the 2021 US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges rankings - https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/swarthmore-college-3370.

Who We Are:

The Lang Performing Arts Center is versatile in its function: performances, rehearsals, gallery installations, readings, film screenings, and classes are all simultaneously hosted within the building, making it a gravitational hub of campus activity. Annually, the LPAC hosts internationally renowned guest artists in dance and theater, as well as departmental productions from the Theater and Dance departments, student performance groups and campus wide collections and gatherings. The production office helps to implement the artists’ vision by utilizing our deep knowledge and expertise in event management, lighting, sound, and video and stagecraft.

The opportunity:

The Production Stage Manager provides logistical and supervisory expertise in supporting productions/performances, conferences, events, rentals, and other activities taking place in the Performing Arts Center. This position works 40 hours per week, requires the ability to work a flexible schedule which includes nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime hours as needed. Tasks performed with a great deal of independence include: recruit, manage and supervise a staff of professional temporary assistant stage managers and stage crew; serve as Stage Manager for major events in Pearson-Hall Theatre; prepare production paperwork for faculty, student, rental projects, and visiting artists. Assign tasks to and directly supervise 10-15 student workers. Maintain general office and stage supplies and provide judgment on replacements; work as a part of the Production Team of Lang Performing Arts Center communication task force. This position works 40 hours per week, requires the ability to work a flexible schedule which includes, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime hours as needed.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

• Serves as primary contact for all student organizations when using the Pearson-Hall Theater. Ensures all standard procedures are followed, that equipment is operated in a safe manner, and that late-night hours are kept to a minimum. Ensures facilities used are properly locked following rehearsals, alarm systems are set.
• May serve as primary contact for events in Person-Hall Theatre, and Cinema when used for performances. Ensures all arrangements are made for logistics/scheduling, staffing, seating, lighting, sound systems, videotaping, as needed to accommodate the smooth running of the program.
• May Serve as primary contact with Security to ensure communications about parking, lock-ups, alarm systems, any emergency situations.
• Maintains and updates the LPAC website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

PRODUCTION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as Production Stage Manager for major events in the Lang Performing Arts Center including two Dance Department concerts and one Theater Department show, or any other shows as needed, which includes weekly rehearsals and production meetings. Prepares schedules, staffing assignments, and supporting documents for each event and manages the stage, usually calling production cues. Manages and distributes production information to all production team members. To ensure successful outcome of live events, meeting artistic as well as industry standard goals.
• Assists the Manager of Operations with event layouts, rehearsals, performances, strikes, and changeovers. Consults with faculty members on feasibility of using technology to produce desired effects for productions (e.g., computer projections, sound amplification).
• Along with the Manager of Operations, serves as a contact with outside performers' management to ensure all arrangements for upcoming performances are made in a correct and timely manner. Either personally supervises such performances or assigns a student worker to ensure any last-minute problems (particularly those involving temperamental artists) are solved.
• Serves as primary contact for all rental clients. Guides rental clients through the rental guidelines (contracts, insurance, etc.), pre-production, technical rehearsals, and performances. Documents all communications and keeps a log of correspondence. Manages document files and storage.
• Mentors Student Stage Managers, directing workshops and one on one meetings revolving around specific productions.

EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT

• Manages the properties and furniture loaning, inventory, and storage space.
• Works with student crew chiefs to ensure that adequate inventories of all expendable stage supplies are maintained for use in the theater. Keeps stage management kits and cleanup kits fully stocked and up to date. Schedules work calls to maintain facilities.
• Assists the Manager of Operations when LPAC theater equipment is borrowed or rented and helps to ensure such equipment is returned on time and in good working order.
• Ensures the safe and proper operation of all theater equipment by student workers to minimize personal injury or damage to the equipment. Advises students on proper work protocol such as proper attire and safety measures.

SUPERVISION

• Recruits, reviews applications, hires, trains, and supervises 10-15 student workers, including crew chiefs (props, House managers, ushers, running crews) to ensure assistance for events and activities as needed. Serves as liaison between student crew chiefs and the LPAC Office and Theatre Department.
• Primary Supervisor for Props Crew, Office Assistants, House Managers, Ushers, Running Crew Members, Student Summer Employees.
• Meets daily with student workers to schedule shifts, review work, and assign tasks. Supervises student crews for workday, evening, and weekend production calls, which may include but is not limited to stage set-ups, scenery changeovers, restoring and resetting of the stage, etc.
• Supervises professional part time employees when they are assigned to Run crews of productions.

Who you are:

• Working knowledge and extensive professional experience in stage management, production management, and operations of the performing arts.
• Expertise in Google Workspace, Microsoft Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom Video Conferencing.
• Familiarity with Vectorworks, QLAB, PRO Tools, and ETC lighting Software is preferred.

What you bring:

• A high school degree, Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years professional experience desired, 3 years supervisory position or equivalent proven professional experience.
• Must be able to lift 40lbs, ability to climb ladders, must be comfortable working at heights above 40 feet.

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus. And you’ll join a team of passionate, creative, and supportive people who work hard and enjoy sharing the Arts with the College community.

If you are excited about this role, we want to hear from you!

For full consideration, submit applications including resume and cover letter with pay expectations by August 5, 2022.

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Advertised: Jul 11 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: