Women & Theatre is looking to engage a freelance Stage Manager to collaborate with our team and community participants, on our A Thousand Threads production in 2022. 

Women & Theatre:

Women & Theatre is an award-winning theatre company with over 35 years’ experience of working with diverse groups to create exciting drama projects about things that matter. 

We create engaging theatre and use interactive drama to promote the wellbeing of the whole community.  Working in a range of contexts, our work is united by core values of inclusion and empowerment, giving a voice to those who are not usually heard.  We work closely with communities to develop projects which foster positive changes, stimulate debate and bring diverse people together.  

‘Women & Sport’ has been a focus of recent work. Our 2019 production at Moseley Road Swimming Baths, ‘Into the Water’, shared community stories of women’s relationships with swimming & water. ‘Run, Jump, Throw!’, an audio piece about women & athletics designed to be listened to whilst walking around Perry Hall Park, launched in June 2021. ‘A Thousand Threads’ will form the third, & most ambitious, community production in this trilogy. 

A Thousand Threads: 

Inspired by Women’s Cricket featuring in the Commonwealth Games for the first time in 2022, Women & Theatre is developing a new intergenerational community production about women, girls, & cricket. Performances will take place at three outdoor locations – in Ward End, Edgbaston & Smethwick – involving different community casts who will then come together for larger flagship shows at Midlands Arts Centre in July 2022. 

The productions will involve an audio soundtrack with pre-recorded material and music, which audiences will listen to via a silent disco style system, whilst watching the live action and choreography. The performances will also be topped and tailed by some live action, either side of the ‘sound track sections.’

Job description:

We are looking for a stage manager to work on the project – working collaboratively as part of a creative team that will include directors, production manager, choreographer, sound designer and designer. Project tasks include:

  • Engaging, liaising and organising community casts in rehearsals and performances, working closely with our creative and project management team. 
  • Overseeing the management of props, set & equipment in rehearsals 
  • Attending production meetings and liaising with the rest of the team as needed.
  • Working alongside our Production Manager to ensure all site, performance and logistics preparations are in place, including risk assessments.
  • Overseeing the maintenance of props, green room, rehearsal spaces and equipment.  
  • Working closely with the production manager and other team members to achieve the smooth running of productions.
  • Support W&T to achieve strategic targets for all productions and project evaluation, contributing appropriate information and data.

Person specification: 

We are looking for someone with a proven track record and expertise in stage managing outdoor theatre and experience working with community casts. 

Our productions will take place in different areas around Birmingham. Although our Stage Manager doesn’t need to be based in Birmingham, you must be within a commutable distance. 

The Stage Manager will have a proactive and positive approach to their work and be a supportive member of the W&T team. 

Essential:

  • Experience and confidence in stage managing outdoor theatre productions within community and professional settings. 
  • Previous experience using and managing silent disco equipment.
  • Previous experience working with and supporting creative teams. 
  • Knowledge of sound & other production equipment.
  • Knowledge of health & safety policy & procedures.
  • Good verbal communication & interpersonal skills. 
  • Highly organised, ability to multi-task with good attention to detail.
  • Strong team-worker.
  • Flexible and responsive. 
  • Able to work scheduled evenings and weekends.

Key Project dates: 

We endeavour to work flexibly with the right person, however availability for key dates would be required.

A Thousand Threads – Activity Schedule

AREA 1: EDGBASTON: 2 full day & 4 half day rehearsals + Production Day 

Tues 3 & Thurs 5 May – afternoon/ evening rehearsals

Sun 8 May – Rehearsal Day 

Tues 10 & Thurs 12 May – afternoon/ evening rehearsals

Sat 14 May – Full Rehearsal Day/ Tech

Sun 15 May – Performance Days (2 in a day)

AREA 2: WARD END: 2 full day & 4 half day rehearsals + Production Day

Tues 17 & Thurs 19 May – afternoon/ evening rehearsals

Sun 22 May – Rehearsal Day 

Tues 24 & Thurs 29 May – afternoon/ evening rehearsals

Sat 28 May – Full Rehearsal Day/ Tech

Sun 29 May – Performance Days (2 in a day)

AREA 3: SMETHWICK: 2 full day & 4 half day rehearsals + Production Day

Tues 7 & Thurs 9 June: 5.30-8.30pm rehearsals 

Sun 12 June – Rehearsal Day: 10 – 4pm 

Tues 14 & Thurs 16 June – afternoon/ evening rehearsals

Sat 18 June – Full Rehearsal Day/ Tech: 9am-9pm (Max time on site)

Sun 19 June – Performance Day (2 shows in a day): 9am-9pm (Max time on site)

MAC:

Rehearsals: TBC from 2 July

Production Week:   W/c 11 July – Community Cast sessions TBC

5 Performances: Fri 15 (evening) and Sat 16 & Sun 17 (afternoon & evening)

Fee: Minimum: £135 per day and £494 per week (subject to increases in April 2022)

How to Apply:

Please contact us with details of:  

  • Why you are interested in the role
  • What qualities and experience would you bring to the role 
  • Any relevant experience
  • Confirmation of your availability

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities. We are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities, reflecting the communities we work with. We actively encourage applications from those under represented within the theatre sector including non-white British, LGBTQ+, working class and disabled applicants and value the positive impact that diversity has on our teams. We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and all opportunities provided by Women & Theatre. 

Please note because A Thousand Threads is highlighting women’s experiences, this position is open to women only, (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, part 1)

Please send us your CV and a cover letter/ email. You may alternatively submit a short video or voice recording. Please ensure these are under 5 minutes in length.

Send your CV and application Rosie Gunn, Project Manager at rosiegunn@womenandtheatre.co.uk. 

For more information, email rosiegunn@womenandtheatre.co.uk 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 9am on Tuesday 5th April 2022