Assistant Production Manager/Stage Manager
Job Details
Working Title: Assistant Production Manager/Stage Manager
Position Number: FA458
FLSA: Exempt
Appointment Type: Full Time
Sensitive Position: No
Campus Security Authority: Yes
Designated Personnel: No
Statement of Economic Interest: No
Restricted Position: No
Chief Objective of Position
Assists in providing administrative planning, budgeting and supervisory direction for all production activities in the Ferguson Center for the Arts to ensure maximum use of facility and ensure safety of all involved. Will be called on to supervise and assist in other allied activities connected with the operation of the other facilities and events scheduled at the University as determined by the Administration.
Work Tasks
At the direction of the Production Manager, the Assistant will schedule work calls, prepare estimates, procure equipment, schedule, execute and fulfill production advance calls, manage and lead technical crews, function as a crew member, serve as a stage manager calling shows, managing casts- sometimes fulfilling the responsibilities of both company manager and stage manager, train new crew members and students.
Develop and maintain very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Fully support the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
Follow workplace safety regulations and adhere to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position. Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position
- Knowledge of standard theatrical tools, systems, and equipment, including lighting, sound, rigging, staging, and backstage operations.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and accepted safety practices in a performing arts environment.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills. Results-focused. Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to assist in the coordination and execution of all production elements for major professional touring attractions.
- Ability to support and assist the Production Manager in a high-volume, multi-event venue.
- Ability to function as a Stage Manager, including working with cast, crew, designers, and visiting artists.
- Ability to schedule and run rehearsals as assigned.
- Ability to call cues and manage live performances.
- Ability to maintain backstage order and enforce performance protocols.
- Ability to substitute into various positions on a traditional technical crew.
- Ability to function as both a crew leader and a crew member depending on production needs.
- Ability to supervise, mentor, or coordinate student workers, interns, and over-hire crew.
- Ability to assist with production scheduling, space management, and coordination of multiple events.
- Ability to assist with production timelines, load-ins, load-outs, and strike operations.
- Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals.
- Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to work productively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to learn and use production-related software applications as needed.
- Physical ability to work long hours as required.
- Physical ability to lift, stand, climb, and work in confined or elevated spaces.
- Ability to work highly irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on event schedules.
- Commitment to a collaborative, service-oriented production environment.
Required Education
Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree with work experience that equates to an advanced degree.
Additional Consideration - Education
Master’s degree in Theatre or related field with an emphasis in technical theatre and/or stage management, or a Bachelor’s degree with significant work experience that equates to a Master’s degree is required.
Experience Required
- Technical theatre or production experience in a multi-use performing arts facility.
- Experience in stage management for live performance, including rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances.
- Experience collaborating with artists, designers, production staff, and visiting technical personnel.
- Experience using personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and production-related software applications.
- Experience in theatre operations, technical production, facility operations, and maintenance.
- Experience in stage management for live performance.
Additional Consideration - Experience
Management experience coordinating and supporting all technical aspects of productions in a complex, multiple-use environment. Experience making critical operational decisions and solving problems in real time. Demonstrated experience working with professional touring productions and presenting organizations. Experience advancing productions and working from technical riders, schedules, and production documentation. Experience supervising or coordinating technical staff, student workers, and/or over-hire crew. Experience collaborating with artists, designers, production staff, and visiting technical personnel. Theatre experience in a college/university setting.
Salary Information: Salary starting at $50,887 to $69,969, Commensurate with Education and Experience.
Is this position telework eligible?: No
Posting Number: AP453P
Posting Date: 04/03/2026
Review Begin Date: 05/03/2026
Application Instructions
Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.
This position will be posted until filled; however, review of applications will begin on 05/03/2026.
Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.
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