Production Stage Manager

JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE:

The Production Stage Manager reports to the Director of Operations and oversees all stage management needs for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and all Bradley Symphony Center (BSC) performances. In conjunction with members of the MSO Operations team, this position assists with the daily production logistics for all rehearsals and performances, in Allen-Bradley Hall (ABH) and provides support, as needed, for all other events and activities at the BSC. Additionally, the Production Stage Manager provides the best possible customer service, communication, project management, and support both internally and externally, while working closely with other venues, presenters, equipment and service providers.

The Production Stage Manager is expected to live in or near Milwaukee, WI, own and operate a personal vehicle, is prepared to work evenings and weekends, and is able to operate rental vehicles and trucks (a commercial driver’s license is not required). A portion of this position’s responsibilities includes providing physical labor and moving items up to 50 lbs. in weight.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical & Production Duties

• Serve as primary stage manager for all orchestra related services, including tours, run-outs, and other MSO related concerts/events. Support other BSC rental concerts/events as needed.
• Schedule and execute theatrical and technical element setups. In collaboration with the Production Manager, schedule and oversee labor to set/strike the stage and move equipment pre, during and post-show.
• Assist with all back- and on-stage logistics for all MSO concerts, BSC presentations and rentals including assisting with backline and other rental equipment acquisitions as needed. In collaboration with the Operations department and production teams, work proactively on planning stage logistics and efficient execution of all performances/events.
• Working from agreed upon stage plans, take responsibility for ensuring that the stage set up is ready for the musicians/artist along with all technical issues have been resolved before the start of each service/event. Ensure all on- and off-stage areas are safe and free of any potential hazards while maintaining good health and safety practices and reporting any issues that arise.
• Provide the best possible service to the orchestra musicians, music director/conductors, guest artists, artistic staff and all other constituencies involved with the on- and back-stage experience, while ensuring that every presentation on stage is of the highest professional standard. Cultivate a calm, respectful, and professional backstage environment.
• Manage and create procedures and documents for performance run of shows.
• Operate and oversee maintenance of stage equipment. Perform equipment maintenance and basic carpentry as requested; maintain equipment inventories and ensure all backstage and storage areas remain neat and organized.
• Assist, as needed, with theatrical and technical elements such as lighting, amplified sound, video and slideshow projection, and other audio/visual elements for MSO concerts and other performances/events.
• Consult with MSO staff project curators on in-house production, event, and activity needs for Classical, Pops, Education/Family, Community Engagement, and other concerts.
• Assist with advancing production and technical riders with MSO and venue staff, guest artists, presenters and third-party vendors, as needed
• Working within the musicians’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), use best judgment and diplomacy when working with MSO musicians to accommodate requests.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Administrative Duties

• In collaboration with the Production Manager, administer and maintain production schedules, policies, procedures, and other documents in ArtsVision and the MSO’s digital filing system.
• Work with other operations and production staff to determine when additional (outside) labor/support may be required. Create and maintain a list of qualified personnel for additional labor needs.
• Assist with the preparation and distribution of production documents. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Outside labor personnel; equipment and service providers.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CONTACTS WITH OTHERS:

This position is integral in communicating with employees across all functions including musicians of the orchestra, conductors, guest artists, vendors, outside labor, presenters, and volunteers, among others.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

This position requires a bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in a related discipline such as technical theatrical arts or artistic production and a minimum of three (3) years stage management or technical experience with a professional orchestra, opera, theatre, ballet, performing arts organization or festival. Basic competency, understanding and experience within professional stage environments, such as operating lighting, rigging, sound, video and other theatrical equipment, is required. Advanced experience with operating equipment and design in at least one of the previously stated competencies is highly preferred. Additionally, the position requires proficiency with office equipment and technology, including Internet, email, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and other database software. Experience with ArtsVision is preferred.

CERTIFICATES OR LICENSES REQUIRED:

Driver’s License. (If a CDL or other licenses become required, the MSO will assist the Production Stage Manager in securing those licenses.)

LANGUAGE SKILLS: 

Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

This position requires the ability to communicate and work effectively with orchestra musicians, staff, outside labor, guest artists, presenters, and volunteers, among others. The ability to act with discretion and handle sensitive, confidential information is paramount. An understanding of working with various labor constituencies and a background in professional concert event production is required. The ability to pay close attention to details, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and demonstrate good judgment and maturity in decision-making in a fast-paced environment is essential. Having excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to lead and work collaboratively with all team members across the entire organization, motivate and manage others, and demonstrate a vested interest in orchestra repertoire are all vital for this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Specific physical abilities require by this job include the ability to walk quickly, stand, and move agilely for extended periods of time in venues and production spaces; ability to talk and hear; ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.