Full Time Positions
Posted: 8/28/25
Title: Production Stage Manager
Reports To: Artistic Director
Palo Alto Players is seeking a full time Production Stage Manager (PSM) to join its dynamic team. The PSM is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for the coordination, leadership, and day-to-day management of all Palo Alto Players productions and special event performances. The ideal candidate is an excellent multitasker, a strong collaborator, a strategic thinker, and a superb communicator. This is a non-AEA position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Production Stage Management
- Create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive production environment for all production participants.
- Manage deadlines and communications across overlapping production timelines.
- Serve as the primary contact for all production staff/volunteers/cast, ensuring the productions are in line with the schedule and standards of the organization.
- Collaborate with the Technical Director to create and distribute season and individual show production calendars.
- Develop and maintain timely and efficient modes of communications across cast, crew, production teams, and PAP staff (initiate discussions, follow up, and resolve disputes).
- Organize, advertise, and manage audition and callback logistics, including all communications between auditionees, directors, PAP staff; making casting calls and follow ups; and creating and distributing cast lists.
- Schedule and run production meetings, taking and distributing detailed notes.
- Administer contracts, onboarding paperwork, and timekeeping; coordinate with bookkeeper to ensure accurate and timely payments for employees and reimbursements for volunteers.
- Source and hire run crew, assist Technical Director in sourcing and hiring designers and technicians.
- Serve as resident stage manager assuming all stage management duties for each show in the Palo Alto Players season (currently 5 productions per year) and any special events that involve a performance (such as the annual gala.) Run rehearsals and shows using leading theater industry practices of coordination and timekeeping.
- Organize and run post-show debrief meetings with production staff following the run of each production; conduct post-show production participants survey.
- Actively foster and support an IDEAL work environment.
Qualifications
- At least 2 years of experience in theatrical stage management, production management, or a related field.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Proven ability to lead rehearsals and production environments in a clear, constructive, and productive manner.
- Proven ability to collaborate with diverse teams and while balancing competing priorities.
- Experience with Google Workspace preferred.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, self-driven, and fun artistic environment.
- Available to work a varied schedule, which includes both short and very long days, varied days off (determined by rehearsal and production schedules), and/or late nights.
Job Details:
- This position is primarily based in our office & rehearsal/performance space, all within the Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, CA. Occasional remote work may be accommodated based on business needs and with prior approval from management.
- Due to the nature of theatrical performance, this position is expected to work varying full-time work hours, including nights, weekends and holidays, depending on the needs of the productions.
Compensation: Salary range $70,000-$75,000, based on experience. This full-time, exempt position includes excellent benefits, including a generous PTO policy, health, dental, vision, and 403(b) retirement plan.
To Apply: Palo Alto Players is looking to fill this position quickly. For immediate consideration, please submit both a cover letter highlighting your interests, experience, and personality, and a resume via email to [email protected] and include “Production Stage Manager’ in the subject line.
Palo Alto Players is an equal opportunity employer.
Part Time Positions
There are no open positions at this time.
Seasonal Artistic Positions
Palo Alto Players is seeking designers, stage managers, and crew on an ongoing basis for its five mainstage productions. For current opportunities, please email Kevin Davies, Technical Director.