Deputy Stage Manager

We are looking for a clear, organised Deputy Stage Manager to run the rehearsal-room book, call the production and help a small touring team keep the show consistent from venue to venue.

Main responsibilities 

• Be in the rehearsal room full time, working closely with the Director, Company Stage Manager, cast, creatives and production departments. 

• Prepare and maintain the prompt copy, recording blocking, script changes, timings and all lighting, sound, AV, automation or other show cues. 

• Support the Director with rehearsal timekeeping and help the CSM prepare clear daily schedules and calls. 

• Take and distribute accurate rehearsal notes and reports, including information required by design, technical, costume, props and producing teams. 

• Create and maintain the practical show paperwork, including entrance and exit plots, cue lists, preset and setting lists, running plots and interval or end-of-show checks. 

• Work with the CSM on rehearsal-room set-up, rehearsal props and furniture, and keep the stage management team informed of changes. 

• Call technical and dress rehearsals, previews and performances accurately, using the agreed cueing and communications systems. 

• Coordinate holds and restarts from the prompt desk. The CSM holds overall show-stop authority, while any member of the company may raise an immediate safety concern. 

• Contribute to show reports and communicate any drift in timing, blocking or performance detail through the agreed creative channels. 

• Teach the calling track to an agreed cover and keep the prompt copy clear enough for emergency use. 

• Take an active part in fit-ups, get-outs, packing, unloading and stage resets, without compromising preparation of the book and show call. 

• Support props, costume and backstage tasks where needed and agreed within safe working hours. 

• Archive the final prompt copy and related show paperwork at the end of the tour. 

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

What we are looking for 

• Professional experience as a Deputy Stage Manager, including calling a technically detailed production. 

• Strong prompt-copy practice and accurate, timely rehearsal and show paperwork. 

• Clear communication on cans and confidence making calm decisions during live performance. 

• A working knowledge of backstage health and safety and the DSM’s role in holds, restarts and emergency procedures. 

• Good attention to detail, timekeeping and the ability to follow several strands of information at once. 

• A flexible, practical and respectful approach to working in a small touring team. 

Useful additional experience 

• Experience with QLab or another show-control system. 

• Experience of remounts, one-day fit-ups and changing venue formats. 

• Experience creating accessible-performance cueing or supporting cover rehearsals. 

Working on the tour 

The DSM owns the book and the show call. The role is not the technical lead: programming, installation and technical sign-off sit with the Technical Manager. The CSM leads the company and the deck, and will agree priorities where rehearsal, backstage and touring duties overlap. 

• 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	£607 per week, plus holiday pay and pension contributions as applicable. Overtime and allowances will follow the applicable agreement.
Reports to	Company Stage 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