Acting Without Boundaries (AWB) was established in 2004 to provide extraordinary performing arts opportunities for children, teens and adults with physical disabilities. AWB aims to transform lives and build self-esteem in an empowered community of people with physical disabilities through theater that celebrates ability.
POSITION: Stage Manager
Classification: Contracted 1099 position
Term: Contract terminates on December 31, 2025. Subject to renewal by mutual agreement of parties.
Schedule: Approximately 8 hrs/month, 20-25 hrs/month during performance months. Total contracted hours will range from 80-125 for the year (6-hour monthly Sunday workshops, 1 AWB Seniors 4-day intensive summer workshop, 2 AWB Seniors stage performances, and 1 AWB Juniors stage performance - see detailed schedule below).
Position description, duties, requirements, & qualifications: The Stage Manager will support AWB’s two theater programs for people with physical disabilities - AWB Seniors (teen and up) & AWB Juniors (4-teen) and assist two Artistic Directors at monthly workshops and yearly performances. This is an opportunity to learn stagecraft with a non-traditional population of actors who are enthusiastic, hard-working, smart, and committed to performance art. As AWB is a unique theater company, we are seeking a creative, empathetic and thoughtful individual for this position. Tasks include but are not limited to:
At Rehearsals/Workshops:
- Move performers or set pieces
- Create flow charts (blocking)
- Track props and costumes
- Distribute scripts
- Highlight scripts
- Set up tables and chairs, then reset after rehearsals
- Help with Zoom
- Assist actors with evacuation in the event of an emergency
Rehearsal/Workshop Reports:
- Blocking
- Set
- Costumes
- Props
- Sound
- Line changes
- Assigning musical lyrics
- Make notes of announcements to cast parents
- Attendance
- Develop a Stage Manager’s report for Artistic Directors at the conclusion of each workshop
Preparing for and at Performance:
- Liaise with AWB staff and collate information
- Create a prompt script compiled with notes on actors' cues and requirements for props, lighting and sound
- Create a risk assessment to ensure the safety of all actors
- Run technical rehearsals (for volunteers with no theater background)
- Set/prop design, management, movement, and alteration as needed
- Spike rehearsal room/stage
- Helping hang backdroр
- Support Set Designer - unload etc.
- Support Costume Designer
- Provide tech support for 2 screens - open captioning and video
- Manage the backstage and onstage area during performances
- Organize traffic patterns
- Lineup actors and cue as needed
- Coordinate with nurse if needed
- Assist actors with evacuation in the event of an emergency
- Additional duties as needed or assigned
Requirements/Clearances (will be supported by AWB):
- Child Abuse Clearance
- PA State Criminal History Background Check
- Federal Criminal History Record Information Background Check
- Completion of Mandated Reporter Training Minimum
Additional Requirements: Interest in and willingness to learn best practices for working with actors with physical disabilities. Some examples follow:
- Acting as a sighted guide for blind or visually impaired actors
- Help actors who need assistance with visually tracking lines
- Awareness of wheelchair/walker/cane etiquette
- Demonstrating patience with execution of tasks
- Awareness of and accommodation for actor anxiety
- Awareness and support of actor safety
Qualifications:
- BA/BFA in Theatre, Theatre Design, Arts Administration, or comparable degree OR working on completion of degree in the mentioned fields
- Experience on-stage and off-stage in a theatrical/performance setting
- Understanding of the basics of stage production
- Ability to travel and move props/equipment to workshops/rehearsals and performances with reliable transportation (in and around the Greater Philadelphia region)
- Strong collaboration skills, organization and the ability to work well with a diverse multigenerational group of actors, volunteers, parents/caregivers, and AWB staff
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Demonstrated creativity and flexibility
- Demonstrated history of excellent attendance
- Strong listening and execution skills
- Ability to think on your feet
- Ability to lift a minimum of 25lbs
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in stage management, design, or production coordination on an entertainment or performance level
- Experience working with diverse populations, and training in and commitment with individuals with physical disabilities
- Familiarity with lighting equipment, sound equipment, theatrical terms, and script development
Detailed schedule (subject to change):
- Friday July 11th 4:00pm-8:30pm
- Saturday July 12th 9:30am-1:30pm
- Sunday July 13th 9:30am- 5:30pm
- Monday July 14th 9:30am-3:30pm
- Sunday September 21st 9:30am-4:30pm
- Saturday September 27th 9:30am- 5:30pm
- Sunday September 28th 11:30am-6:00pm
- Sunday November 2nd 9:30am-4:30pm
- Sunday December 7th 9:30am-4:30pm
*the above dates will be held at The Haverford School
*any additional prep hours to be determined
