Stage Manager

Full-Time Stage Manager

• Paul Taylor Dance Company
• New York, NY | Full-Time | Touring Position

The Paul Taylor Dance Company, one of the world’s premier modern dance companies, is seeking an experienced, organized, and collaborative Stage Manager to join our Production team.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced touring environment, enjoys working with artists and technicians, and takes pride in maintaining the highest production standards. The Stage Manager works closely with the Production Manager, Artistic Director, Rehearsal Director, Company Manager, wardrobe, lighting, sound, and stage crews to ensure seamless rehearsals and performances both in New York and on tour throughout the United States and internationally.

Position Summary

The Stage Manager is responsible for coordinating rehearsals, calling performances, managing backstage operations, supervising load-ins and load-outs, maintaining production documentation, and ensuring a safe and efficient working environment for dancers and crew.

This position requires extensive domestic and international travel.

Responsibilities

Rehearsals

• Prepare rehearsal studios and performance spaces
• Coordinate rehearsal needs including props, costumes, scenery, and technical elements
• Work with Wardrobe to ensure costume preparation schedules are communicated well in advance
• Set up and test sound and rehearsal lighting when needed
• Maintain a safe rehearsal environment

• Create video recordings of rehearsals when requested by the Artistic Director or Rehearsal Director

Tour Preparation

• Review venue technical specifications and identify any concerns
• Coordinate schedules with the Production Manager and Company Manager
• Prepare performance calling scripts
• Assist with packing and inventory of costumes, props, scenery, and technical equipment
• Collaborate with presenting venues regarding production logistics
• Assist with cargo loading and unloading at Taylor East, Taylor West, and tour venues
• Help maintain an organized and safe work environment

Load-In

• Supervise and assist with:
  • Marley floor installation and spike placement
  • Scenic and prop placement
  • Sound checks
  • Calling station setup
  • Communication systems
  • Run lights
  • Paging systems
  • Dressing rooms and backstage setup
  • Quick-change areas
  • Ballet barres and piano placement
  • Safety checks
  • Pre-show venue communication via Slack
  • Stage cleanliness including sweeping, mopping, and floor taping

Technical Rehearsals

• Conduct blackout checks
• Distribute deck and fly paperwork
• Prepare props
• Fill water bottles and backstage ice supplies
• Test communications and radios
• Verify lighting and scenic conditions

Performances

• Call all lighting, sound, and scenic cues
• Operate sound playback during rehearsals and performances
• Coordinate backstage activity
• Support dancers throughout performances
• Maintain communication between production departments
• Troubleshoot technical issues in real time
• Generate detailed performance reports
• Maintain artistic and technical consistency throughout the tour

Post-Show / Strike

• Supervise strike of scenery, props, costumes, sound, and technical equipment
• Pack and inventory production equipment
• Oversee loading of trucks and vans
• Coordinate shipping preparation
• Ensure all equipment leaves each venue
• Submit performance reports
• Update production documentation and prompt books
• Participate in post-tour evaluations
• Assist with loading and unloading at Taylor East and Taylor West

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate production inventories
• Track production equipment locations
• Help maintain touring supplies
• Work collaboratively with all departments to uphold the company’s artistic standards

Qualifications

• Previous professional stage management experience in dance, theater, or live performance
• Touring experience strongly preferred
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to remain calm and solve problems under pressure
• Experience calling professional performances
• Familiarity with sound playback systems and backstage communications
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; experience with Slack preferred
• Ability to maintain accurate production paperwork and reports

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
• Ability to work long production days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, and work backstage for extended periods

Required Qualifications

• Valid U.S. driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Valid passport with the ability to travel internationally
• Ability to travel extensively throughout the United States and internationally

Compensation & Benefits

• • Weekly salaried position

• Comprehensive health insurance benefits
• Paid travel while on tour
• Opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading modern dance companies

About Paul Taylor Dance Company

Founded in 1954, the Paul Taylor Dance Company is internationally recognized for its groundbreaking repertory and commitment to artistic excellence. The Company tours extensively throughout the United States and internationally, presenting the works of Paul Taylor alongside commissions by today’s leading choreographers.

To Apply

All cover letter and resumes send to email bw@ptdc.org