Company Stage Manager

Exeter Northcott Theatre is seeking an experience Company Stage Manager (CSM) for their outdoor production of The Comedy of Errors, by William Shakespeare. The new Graduate Company will be directed by Metta Theatre’s Poppy Burton-Morgan and performances will be held at the Rougemont Gardens in Exeter and two other outdoor sites in the South West.

The company will comprise of 8 actor-musicians, most of whom will be recent graduates and rehearsals will be held in Exeter. During rehearsals the CSM will be mostly based in the rehearsal room, responsible for communicating progress and requirements to other departments and for providing pastoral care to a relatively inexperienced company. They will also be managing two ASMs and overseeing the sourcing of props and furniture. Please note that there isn’t a DSM as there won’t be any lighting or sound cues during the performances.

We are looking for an excellent stage manager with strong people management skills and the ability to lead and think on your feet. Ideally you will be experienced in working on outdoor productions and enjoy the particular challenges that brings. Very strong organisational and administrative skills are crucial to this role.

You’ll be paid £491 per week and allowances and travel as per the Equity Subsidised Rep Agreement Grade 2 (current relocation allowance is £156 per week).

Key Dates
26 June CSM contract and rehearsals begin
17-19 July Technical and dress rehearsals
20-30 July Performances - Rougemont Gardens Exeter
1-6 August Performances at a further two sites
6 August Contract Ends

Job Description
Responsible to the Production Manager (PM) and Director, line management of two ASMs and working closely with the Designer. This is a key role within the Stage Management Team during the production process and performances of The Comedy of Errors.

Principle Responsibilities
1. Facilitate rehearsals. This will include taking and distributing rehearsal notes, updating the rehearsal schedule as needed and liaising with the managers of the rehearsal space regarding access etc.

2. Line manage the ASMs, including supervision of the sourcing and maintaining of props and furniture.

3. Assist PM with preparations for tech week and performances, including contributing to production and performance schedules.

4. Facilitate any press/marketing activities such as filming for the trailer.
5. Run technical and dress rehearsals as appropriate.

6. Provide a good level of pastoral care to the performers, promoting good practices such as warming-up.

7. As instructed by the PM, ensure the site is packed away and secure after each performance.

8. Keep all receipts and account for petty cash weekly with the PM. This includes keeping an up to date record of any expenses such as personal mileage.

9. Liaise with the FOH team at each site.

10. Manage each performance, ensuring the performers have warm-up time, the stage is set before opening the house and give appropriate backstage and FOH calls as needed.

11. Assist with set-up and facilitation of BSL interpreted and Audio-Described performances.

12. Maintain any technical equipment on tour and communicate any specialist repairs needed to the PM.

13. Ensure set, props and costumes are maintained on tour and communicate any specialist repairs needed to the PM.

14. Complete show reports and distribute as agreed with PM.

15. Ensure timesheets are completed for all members of the company.

16. With the PM, coordinate transport for the set and company members to and from the performance sites outside of Exeter.

17. Attend production meetings and take notes if required.

18. Follow the Exeter Northcott Theatre Health & Safety Policy and contribute to the Production Risk Assessment. Ensure all guidance is followed during rehearsals and at each performance and report any Health & Safety issues or concerns to the Production Manager as soon as possible.

19. Drive company hire vehicles.

20. Any other duties as appropriate and agreed.

 
Person Specification

Essential Qualities
• Significant previous experience in Company Stage Management roles
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, to include proficient use of Microsoft office (or equivalent)
• Excellent people management skills
• Flexible approach to working
• Ability to stay calm and focussed under pressure
• A good working knowledge of Health & Safety in theatre

Desirable Qualities
• Experienced working on outdoor productions
• Experience working with young and/or inexperienced performers
• Experienced in sourcing props and furniture
• Knowledge of Exeter area (in terms of sourcing props etc.)
• Driver’s licence and willing and able to drive hired vans and/or people carrier type vehicles (at least 23 years old and have held a full driver’s licence for at least 12 months)
• First Aid qualification

Application
To apply please send a CV and covering letter to Elaine Faulkner (Production Manager) at comedyoferrors17@gmail.com. The deadline for applications is 10am Wednesday 19 April 2017. Interviews will be held in London on Thursday 27 April and in Exeter on Friday 28 April. Please state in your application which venue will easiest for you to attend and if you are available on those dates.