We're Hiring! Stage Manager (Per Diem)
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
STAGE MANAGER (PER DIEM)
POSITION PURPOSE
The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine’s (CMTM) Maddy’s Theatre is seeking Stage Managers for upcoming productions. Stage Managers work closely with the Theatre Team, production director, actors, and production designers to document blocking and support actors with line learning, communicate technical requests from rehearsals to designers, and oversee performances while running or calling cues from the booth.
Stage Managers report directly to the Theatre Production Manager.
POSITION SUMMARY
Attend and take notes during all rehearsals. Record all decisions about blocking, use of props, and design elements. Work with the director to manage the time in rehearsals efficiently
Create and distribute rehearsal reports to all applicable production team members. Communicate what happened in rehearsals, all decisions which may impact designers responsibilities, schedule changes, and future call times
Maintain accurate tracking records of all props, costumes, scenic elements, lighting specials, sound effects, and projections. Communicate any discoveries made in rehearsals that would affect these items
Work with Production Manager to determine the organization of scenic elements onstage and off as well as a clear and efficient plan for all set changes
Take and distribute line notes when actors are off book and prompt actors as needed
Run all cues during the run of the show including light, sound, and/or projections
Mentor new and experienced student board operators and backstage deck captains
Maintain integrity of the director’s vision during the performance run. Give retention notes to actors as needed, and send weekly performance reports to communicate fixes of design elements
Oversee understudy rehearsals as needed
Complete security checks of the theatre and the building after evening rehearsals
Run warmups, safety calls, and preshow duties as needed.
Send weekly reminders of the upcoming schedule to all actors and designers
Other duties as assigned by supervisor
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
2+ years experience in theatre
Previous stage management or project management experience a plus
Experience calling or running cues for a theatrical performance
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Detail oriented, both organizationally and artistically
Experience working with kids a plus
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Energized by CMTM’s mission and values
Team player with a strong capacity to work independently
Excellent interpersonal skills
Positive attitude, a customer-service orientation, and a demonstrated ability to thrive working in a nimble, fast-paced, environment
Able to multitask
Excited by the power of children’s theatre to transform audiences of all ages
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF WORKPLACE / ROLE
Comfort standing and sitting while in rehearsals
Comfort attending virtual meetings and in person rehearsals
Rehearsal rooms can range from noisy to subdued volumes depending on the cast size and type of show
Well-lit, LED fluorescent work lights during the rehearsal period. Low light and adjustable volume in the booth during tech week and performances.
Able to lift 30 lbs. Able to team lift 50 lbs.
Pushing, pulling, and overhead work to preset scenic elements and props as needed per production
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Organization reserves the right to change this position description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Organization may deem appropriate.
SCHEDULE
Rehearsals are typically on weekdays from 6-8:30pm or 6-9pm depending on the type of show. Rehearsal schedules span approximately 6 weeks, with one-month performance schedules. Production meetings happen weekly, depending on availability of the production team. Tech rehearsals run until 10:00 at night the week before a show opens.
Performances typically run Wednesday-Friday mornings, with two show days on Saturdays and Sundays. Additional performances happen during school breaks.
This is a per diem, part time, hourly, position. Approximately 15 hours a week in person Monday-Thursday during rehearsals, 15 hours a week Wednesday-Sunday during performances.
CMTM’s Maddy’s Theatre season runs from June-May, with five professional productions throughout the season. The season includes two productions during the summer (June/July and August), two during the winter (Dec and Jan/Feb) and closing spring (April).
COMPENSATION
$18.81 / hour. Stage Managers are paid for time in rehearsal and meetings.
Paid time off: 1 hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked.
CMTM has an equitable system of pay that offers a base rate based on position, longevity pay increases over time, merit based raise opportunities, and cost of living base wage updates. This system is designed for equity and as such we do not have the ability to negotiate the compensation listed above.
HOW TO APPLY
Each applicant is required to email a resume, Museum & Theatre employment application, and letter of interest.
CMTM Employment Application can be found at https://www.kitetails.org/jobs
Applications accepted via email to hiring@kitetails.org
Job Application Deadline: December 31, 2025, or until a candidate is found.
CMTM encourages candidates to apply even if they do not meet every single requirement above. At CMTM, we enjoy helping individuals grow professionally. If this role excites you and your past experience has some alignment with these qualifications, we encourage you to submit an application.
ABOUT CMTM
At the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, we set the stage for every child to imagine and learn through play.
We value Belonging.
Everyone belongs at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. We believe each person has value and worth; we celebrate what makes each of us unique and what binds us together as a strong community
We value Play.
We embrace the power of play to build resilience, spark creativity, and ignite a child’s imagination. Play inspires our work, our physical spaces, our storytelling, and our learning experiences.
We value Community.
We center community in all we do. We strive to be an inclusive partner and resource in order to build strong, lasting relationships.
We value Curiosity.
We believe curiosity inspires children to explore, build empathy, and connect with others. Learning fueled by curiosity leads to a deeper understanding of self and the world around us.
We value Trust.
We provide safe, inclusive experiences and spaces to ensure that the community’s trust is earned and upheld in all that we do.
The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is an equal opportunity employer.
We value diversity amongst our team and leadership. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability status, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
We are committed to making our facilities and programs accessible and safe for all members of our community, staff, and volunteers. We are actively working to increase accessibility and usability of our website, building, and educational activities. Supervisors work collaboratively with employees to make accommodations and modifications to accommodate the employee’s needs, including physical changes, assistive technologies, accessible communications, and policy enhancements. In doing so, we adhere to the available standards and guidelines and, in many cases, go beyond the guidelines to uphold our philosophy that our staff should have a safe and welcoming work environment where they can learn and grow. For a full description of our facility’s accessibility, please visit: www.kitetails.org/accessibility