Stage Manager - Secret Cinema: Grease (Freelance Role)

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Secret Cinema has been thrilling audiences for 15 years, delivering deeply unforgettable experiences, fusing the world of cinema and site-specific immersive entertainment. Audiences get the chance to experience their favourite characters and stories in a whole new way, and with titles like Moulin Rouge!, Blade Runner and Dirty Dancing, attracting over half a million visitors in the past 5 years alone.

The Stage Manager will work with the Creative Director, Performance Director, Producers and Company Manager in the delivery of Secret Cinema's next Immersive Experience set to take place in Birmingham. The Stage Manager will be responsible for the stage management team and working with the production team to manage the show run requirements.

The individual must also be based in Birmingham and willing to travel to London for some prep (could be part remote) and some rehearsals, or based in London and willing to be based in Birmingham for the tech and show run. (in which case there will be a provision towards accommodation, transport and living expenses, exact details to be confirmed).

Key Responsibilities

• Working with the Company Manager and Producers to recruit members of the stage management team.
• Working with the Performance Director and Company Manager to develop cast lists and performance schedules to the deadline.
• Advise in the scheduling and running of rehearsals & technical rehearsals.
• Overseeing performances and making appropriate decisions.
• Ensure that all elements of the production work together and information from relevant meetings and rehearsals are communicated to the relevant departments.
• Line manage & support the department team members.
• Manage the department running budget, handling petty cash and order items as required.
• Training any new staff on the show systems, technology, and processes.
• Work closely in a team with other heads of departments including show running departments and Operations in order to support all departments where required and ensure clear lines of communication important for the smooth running of the show.
• To oversee the Secret Cinema owned equipment and consumables, and ensure these are kept in good condition with regular maintenance and, if necessary, order replacements in conjunction with Production.
• Liaise with and work under the direction of the Company Manager throughout the performance period
• To be responsible, alongside the CM, for supervising and scheduling staff within the department, including technical swings and deputy operators, as required.
• To execute cues during public performances and monitor the departments technical systems distributed across the site.
• Lead the SM team in working to excellent health and safety standards and ensure that rehearsals are carried out in safety.
• To work with the Company Manager in ensuring the well-being of the cast and SM Team.
• To advise on facilities and procedures (including warm-ups and show calls) necessary for the welfare and well-being of the cast and SM team.
• Taking & distributing show report notes, call sheets & other standard stage management paperwork (including props and SM department budget record keeping).
• To ensure that good timekeeping is being maintained throughout the rehearsal and show period.
• Liaising with technical production, art department and wardrobe teams.
• Collate show report information and ensure all relevant information is filed electronically in the project folder
• To uphold the high production standards expected and carry out duties associated of the role for a first-class production and the artistic quality required by the relevant director and/ or designer.
• Contributing to the smooth running of the department & production
• To work with and towards the Producer's & Creative Director's overall vision
• Attendance, at appropriate meetings with other members of the artistic, production, and management teams to ensure awareness of the departmental requirements and any resulting changes.

Key Skills & Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in stage management working on large scale productions.
• Self motivated, enthusiastic, proactive and able to supervise a team
• Excellent communication, administration, time management and organisational skills.
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills, whilst remaining calm under pressure, and meeting deadlines.
• Flexible and self-motivated with the ability to work well with actors, musicians and other venue staff.
• Knowledge of Google Drive and Microsoft Office
• Stamina, persistence, enthusiasm, motivation, and a proactive manner
• Understanding of health and safety legislation and procedures.
• Desirable;
• Knowledge of event and theatre safety guidelines
• Experience of working on temporary work sites and/ or Immersive & site-specific theatre.

Key Dates

• April - Start date
• 26th June - Rehearsals begin
• 21st July - Open Dress
• 23rd July - Open Dress (x2)
• 26th July - 20th August - Wed-Sun performances with matinees on Sat and Sun (7x total/week)
• 20th August 2023 - Contract end date

Please apply with your up to date CV by the application deadline - 7 April 2023

Secret Cinema welcomes applications from all sections of society. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis as protected by applicable law. If you have a disability or additional needs that require accommodation please do not hesitate to let us know.

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