July 17, 2014

SUMMER SHAKESPEARE WELLINGTON 2015 SEEKS STAGE MANAGER 

SUMMER SHAKESPEARE (Wellington) 2015:  Timon of Athens  

Position Title:  Stage Manager 
Salary:  To be negotiated 
Starting date:  To be negotiated 
Rehearsal dates:  Late October 2014 – February 2015 
Season dates:  13^th February – 28^th February 2015 (Wellington Botanic Gardens) 

Background 

Summer Shakespeare in Wellington is a tradition that extends back for three decades – 2015 marks the 32^nd anniversary. The first Summer Shakespeare was in 1983, when Adrian Kiernander’s memorable A Midsummer Night’s Dream took over the University quadrangle.  Since then, the annual Summer Shakespeare has become known for its energetic, large-cast productions and festive approach to the plays.  They have been performed a variety of locations to large and appreciative audiences, from theatres to rugby fields, Civic Square to the Dell in the Wellington Botanical Gardens.  Over the years, the Summer Shakespeare Trust has retained a commitment to celebrating Shakespeare in live performance, and to providing young people with the opportunity to experience Shakespeare, be it as audience, crew, or cast members. The 2015 production is Timon of Athens to be directed by Brett Adam.

Purpose and Scope of Role 

The primary responsibility of the role is to oversee rehearsals and performances of Summer Shakespeare 2015. The Stage Manager will work primarily alongside the Director, but also in close liaison with the Production Manager and Producer. In 2015, the Summer Shakespeare production will be held at the Dell, Wellington Botanic Gardens as well as a wet weather venue if required. The Stage Manager is responsible for all venues.

Key responsibilities include:

• Rehearsal organisation, including venue, tea/coffee, setting up etc. Overseeing time management during rehearsal (starting and finishing on time, appropriately scheduled breaks)
• Actor information
• Providing rehearsal schedules
• Contact lists
• Keeping a prompt book and blocking notes
• Writing and distributing regular rehearsal reports
• Writing and distributing daily show reports during the season
• Assisting the Administrator and Production Manager when and if required
• Responsibility for properties – assisting the Production Manager and the Designers to obtain properties suitable for the production, and also for their security and maintenance (this position may be filled by an Assistant Stage Manager)
• Stage-managing the production and taking full responsibility for it until the final curtain
• Ensuring health and safety of cast and crew (with Production Manager)
• Ensuring security and maintenance of properties, costumes and set (with Designers)

The SM will also be required to attend the weekly production meeting and report fully on progress to date. If there should be any potential tasks or problems, they should be raised at production meetings.  

The Stage Manager reports to the Trust Administrator and will be required to present a report to the Summer Shakespeare Trust at the end of the production period.

Key Competencies 

• Experience in stage management, preferably large-scale or outdoor productions
• Assertiveness, especially in dealing with large groups
• Knowledge of production issues such as health and safety, fire safety, and risk assessment
• Patience, humour and a good nature
• Self-motivated and self-governing
• Good communication skills
• Able to work under pressure
• Drivers licence
• Access to a vehicle is an advantage
• Keenly interested in the arts

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 5pm Friday 1st August 

Late applications will not be considered.

Send applications, or for further information please contact:
Sally Thorburn (Producer/Administrator, Summer Shakespeare Trust)
sally@summershakespeare.co.nz 
027 432 8935 
Summer Shakespeare Trust
P.O. Box 9925
Marion Square
Wellington