Company Stage Manager

We are looking for an experienced touring Company Stage Manager to lead the day-to-day running of the company and the stage management team through rehearsals, technical rehearsals and the tour.

Main responsibilities 

• Lead the three-person touring team day to day, working closely with the Deputy Stage Manager and Technical Manager and keeping the Producer and Production Manager informed. 

• Set up and manage the rehearsal room, prepare daily and weekly calls, and make sure rehearsal information reaches the cast, creatives and production departments promptly. 

• Coordinate rehearsal and show reports, timesheets, working hours, breaks and overtime records, and flag pressures before they become unsafe or unworkable. 

• Be the first point of contact for practical, professional and pastoral matters on tour, referring concerns to the Producer or Production Manager where appropriate. 

• Lead each venue visit on behalf of the company, liaising with venue management, front of house and technical staff so the production, access requirements and company calls are understood. 

• Run the deck during performances, maintain clear backstage communication and hold overall authority for performance holds, restarts and show stops in consultation with the DSM and Technical Manager. 

• Make, source and maintain props as agreed; oversee props, costume and dressing-room set-up; and coordinate daily laundry, minor costume repairs and packing across the tour. 

• Maintain production standards through checks, notes and practical repairs, and raise any creative or technical change with the relevant lead. 

• Manage petty cash and submit clear expenditure records in line with company procedures. 

• Help plan safe van movements and venue changeovers, and support end-of-tour stock checks, packing, returns and archiving. 

• Follow company and venue policies, contribute to risk assessments, record accidents and near misses, and make sure the company receives relevant local safety information. 

• Work with the Producer and Production Manager to maintain workable emergency and absence-cover arrangements. 

• Support the delivery of wraparound activity on the tour as required, including workshops and press calls.  

• Managing and supporting two Trainee ASMs from Leeds City College during rehearsals in Halifax, including assigning them tasks, monitoring delivery and contributing to their course feedback. 

What we are looking for 

• Substantial experience in company or stage management, including professional touring theatre. 

• A practical understanding of the UK Theatre and Equity agreement, working-time records and safe touring practice. 

• Confidence leading a small team, handling sensitive conversations and communicating calmly with performers, creatives and venue staff. 

• Good knowledge of backstage health and safety, show-stop procedures and incident reporting. 

• Strong organisation, accurate administration and sound judgement when priorities compete. 

• Practical experience with props, costume care and small running repairs. 

• A collaborative, respectful approach and the ability to stay calm under pressure. 

Useful additional experience 

• First Aid at Work training. 

• Experience of one-day fit-ups and mixed touring-stage formats. 

• Experience supporting access provision or relaxed and assisted performances. 

Working on the tour 

The CSM is the day-to-day company lead. The Technical Manager retains responsibility for technical delivery and technical safety, while the DSM maintains the prompt copy and calls the show. The CSM coordinates decisions across the team and escalates material issues to the Producer or Production Manager. 

• All three touring roles will take part in get-ins, fit-ups, get-outs, packing and venue changeovers. 

• The team will share driving of the tour van. A full UK driving licence and eligibility under the company’s motor insurance are required. 

• Hours, breaks, overnight rest and driving will be planned in line with the applicable agreement and safe-working requirements. Any safety concern can be raised immediately, regardless of role. 

• Travel, touring or relocation support will be provided in line with the contract and the applicable agreement, subject to eligibility. 

 

Contract	Fixed term under the UK Theatre and Equity subsidised theatre agreement
Weekly pay	£678 per week, plus holiday pay and pension contributions as applicable. Overtime and allowances will follow the applicable agreement.
Reports to	Producer and Production Manager
Expected contract	Monday 1 February to Saturday 12 June 2027
Rehearsals	1 to 28 February in Halifax
Technical week	Week commencing 1 March at Blackpool Grand; previews 5 and 6 March
Tour	Week commencing 8 March to Saturday 5 June; venues across England
Returns	Week commencing 7 June in Halifax