Obsidian Theatre Festival 2025: Stage Manager - Ghostlight Creative Productions Incorporated

STAGE MANAGER



DESCRIPTION:

The Obsidian Theatre Festival, produced by GhostLight Creative Productions, Incorporated and Nicely Theatre Group, is CALLING for Stage Managers for its fifth season.



ABOUT: The Obsidian Theatre Festival centers Black stories, through an invigorating celebration of new work by emerging Black voices. Produced by Detroiters in the city of Detroit, the Obsidian Theatre Festival illuminates the rich diversity of experiences relevant to the African diaspora.



The Obsidian Theatre Festival accepts applicants of every identity, and does not discriminate on the basis of identity, including but not limited to: race, creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, religion, HIV serostatus, disability, height, weight, veteran status, marital status, or economic class.

The Obsidian Theatre Festival will be presented in 3 parts

OTF Main Stage: Featuring full-length plays that examine the diversity of the black experience.

Musical Theatre Showcase: Staged readings of new musicals, highlighting an important step in the development of new work.

Obsidian Theatre Festival’s 5th Anniversary Concert: A musical celebration in honor of our 5th season

For more information about The Obsidian Theatre Festival please visit www.obsidianfest.org





LOCATION: Detroit, MI





SEEKING: Stage Manager(s) with experience in Theatre, Musical Theatre and/or Multimedia. BIPOC artists are strongly encouraged to submit.

A candidate who is flexible, strategic and able to work in a collaborative space.

A candidate who is familiar with AEA rules and guidelines. We are looking for non union Stage Managers.

A candidate who is skilled in communicating clearly, with tact and discretion, as well as maintaining confidentiality.

Stage Managers will be selected based on their experience to oversee one (or more) pieces in the dedicated areas (OTF Main Stage, MT Showcase or Obsidian Cabaret.)

Candidates within close proximity to Detroit Metro area are strongly preferred



RESPONSIBILITIES:

Stage Manager(s) will report to the Production Manager and Associate Production Manager and will oversee all stage management activities for their assigned show(s)

Will assist in upholding the production calendar

Work with the director and musical director (if applicable) to create and distribute the rehearsal schedule

Assist in overseeing the Assistant Stage Manager and Production Assistants (if applicable)

While virtual, create and distribute the rehearsal Zoom links

Begin preparation for virtual rehearsals a week prior to the start of virtual rehearsals

Begin preparation for in person rehearsals a week prior to the start of in person rehearsals (during virtual rehearsals)

Attend all rehearsals and live performances

Attend and participate in all production and needed administrative meetings

Create and distribute show company contact sheet

Make a detailed blocking/choreography prompt book

Make necessary copies of the script and sheet music and distribute by the first rehearsal

Maintain communication with the playwright, composers, and lyricists (if applicable) to oversee and distribute script changes

Set up and clear the rehearsal room each day. Make sure all equipment and props are stored correctly

Send out daily calls and rehearsal reports to the show company and OTF Staff Distribution List clearly communicating production action items, progress, needs and questions

Track cast attendance during rehearsals and performances

Oversee technical rehearsals under the management of the Production Manager and the Associate Production Manager.

With the APM create runsheets for crew throughout tech and performances

Call sound and light cues for given performances

Assist with strike and load out following the close of the festival

Other duties as assigned



QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working on a variety of projects such as musicals, straight plays, cabarets and new work is preferred

Strong organizational, leadership, time management, administrative and mentoring skills

Outstanding judgment and ability to prioritize varying tasks efficiently and safely

Ability to work under pressure while multitasking

Able to coordinate timely responses between internal departments

Must be able to work extended hours, nights and weekends

Experience maintaining relationships with artists, designers and stagehands

Ability to coordinate with production on needed design elements on the director’s behalf

Excellent written and communication skills.

High level of computer proficiency with knowledge of Google Suite

Previous experiences with the following are a plus:

Click Up or similar task management programs

Frame IO

Reading music

COVID-19 Safety Standards



SAFETY:

We are committed to the health and safety of all of our artists, employees and guests. In order to maintain the safest environment possible, all Obsidian Theatre Festival staff, artists, creative teams, crews, and ushers are encouraged to be fully vaccinated against Covid 19 (both rounds of vaccinations.)

Maintain safe work conditions in keeping with OTF’s health and safety guidelines and COVID19 protocols throughout the production process

Work with the OTF staff to keep up to date and enforce the safety and Covid 19 protocols with your show company



SCHEDULE: Stage Manager will have a week of prep prior to first rehearsal. Some conversation might be expected between the Director and the Production Manager prior to prep.



TENTATIVE DATES:

Main Stage Prep for First Virtual Rehearsal: May 12th - 17th

Main Stage Virtual Orientation: May 19th

Main Stage Prep for First in Person Rehearsal: May 19th - 24th

Virtual Rehearsal (Main Stage Only): Starts May 19th

In Person Rehearsal (Main Stage Only): Starts May 27th

MT Showcase Prep for First in Person Rehearsal: June 1st - 6th

MT Showcase Virtual Orientation: June 8th

In Person Rehearsal (Obsidian Concert): Starts June TBD

In Person Rehearsal (MT Showcase): Starts June 9th

Main Stage Tech: Begins June TBD

MT Showcase Dress: June TBD

Performances: June 26th-June 29th

Strike/Load Out: June 30th

***Estimated workload averages 20 hrs/week.



COMPENSATION:

Flat Fee

Main Stage: $2800.00 (USD)

Musical Theatre Showcase: $1600.00 (USD)

Concert: $1000.00 (USD)



APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please fill out the Google Form (link below) and submit your Cover Letter and Resume per the instructions inside the form by January 6th.



Stage Manager Google Form: https://bit.ly/sm-apply-otf25



If you have any questions please email, gm@ghostlightinc.com



For more information about The Obsidian Theatre Festival please visit www.obsidianfest.org
Salary: $1,000 - $2,800