Call for Apprentice Stage Managers and Production Assistants

Company Overview

Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of Forum events, designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers. At this time we are undergoing a culture shift to support anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work, including play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors. Members of equity deserving groups are always encouraged to apply.

 If you would like to be part of this change and contribute your own remarkable talents to North America’s largest not-for-profit theatre, we’d like to hear from you. We are currently welcoming applications.

Job Description

Call for Apprentice Stage Managers and Production Assistants

 In an effort to broaden the reach of our recruitment efforts, we are posting an open call for Apprentice Stage Managers and Production Assistants to apply for our 2024 season. The Apprentice Stage Manager positions report to the Stage Manager of a specific show and the Production Assistant positions report to the Production Stage Manager of each theatre. The positions are part of the Production team.

Responsibilities:

·       Apprentice Stage Manager responsibilities include but are not limited to:

o   As a member of the Stage Management team for your production, your duties will be discussed and determined by your Stage Manager and will be tailored to the needs of the Stage Management team and the production, taking into consideration your skills and experience

o   Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures, and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within the reporting structure

·       Production Assistant responsibilities include but are not limited to:

o   Organizational and administrative support to the Stage Management offices and PSM

o   Copy and distribute production memos and post notices regarding company information

o   Create, type, and maintain chart work

o   Type and distribute daily and weekly schedules

o   Answer phones, take messages, and direct calls

o   Distribute scheduling information to actors, coaches, cutters, and designers

o   Order office supplies

o   Assist in ensuring individuals are present for rehearsal calls, classes, and fittings

o   Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures, and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within the reporting structure

 Qualifications:

·       Strong organizational skills

·       Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

·       Training or experience working in theatre production

·       Stage Management experience

·       Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

·       For Apprentice Stage Managers: previous experience as a Stratford Festival Production Assistant or a minimum of 4 Canadian Actors’ Equity Association Apprentice credits

 Preference will be given to candidates with a desire for a career as an Equity Stage Manager.

 These seasonal positions are located in Stratford, Ontario. Contract dates vary in length with some to begin in late-January and some to finish in late-August.   

 Job Type: Seasonal Contract