Summary
Reporting to the Director of Technical and Production, this role plans and coordinate rehearsals and performances, including the plotting and rehearsal of technical cues, props, stage elements and moving scenery. The Stage Manager is required to successfully manage performances to the world-class standard The Australia Ballet is renowned for, whilst ensuring uncompromised levels workplace safety. This role provides leadership to a team of Assistant Stage Managers.
There is significant interstate and some international touring with this position.
Our Company
The Australian Ballet is one of the world’s leading national ballet companies and a globally recognised Australian major performing arts organisation. Each year the company presents upwards of 220 performances through its main stage seasons in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth; along with public programs, special events, an extensive regional tour, a Children’s Ballet and Education programs and regular overseas tours.
Orchestra Victoria (OV), provides pit services for ballet and opera in Victoria, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Australian Ballet. The Australian Ballet and Orchestra Victoria have an annual turnover of more than $70 million and employ over 265 staff.
Our Values
We are exceptional In our art we strive to inspire, transform and to connect emotionally with our audiences. Beauty, athleticism, technical excellence and strength are hallmarks of our aesthetic.
We are ambitious We know where we are going. We believe in our ability to make things happen and to reach for the stars. We’re disciplined and don’t give up. We do things today.
We are innovators Creativity powers our company. We value knowledge, experience, open-mindedness, fresh thinking and passion on and off the stage.
We are proudly Australian Our company joyfully reflects the rich diversity of our nation, speaking to all Australians, and about Australia, to the world.
We are one team We work as one team towards common goals across the entire organisation, wherever we are and whatever we do. We are friendly, trusting in our relationships, always open to the other point of view, and willing to have courageous conversations.
We are sustainable We recognise the importance of diverse and growing income streams and our dependence on state-of-the-art facilities and systems. We emphasise analysis, critical thinking, and careful planning in all our work.
Duties and Responsibilities
Pre-Production
- Participate in Production Risk Assessment process
- Prepare the prompt copy, dome plots, fly plot, mechanists plots, sound plots, AV plot for all shows
- Mark studio floors for rehearsals; advise choreographer of ground plans and hanging plot
- Allocate dressing rooms and backstage areas for dancers, Wardrobe, wigs, Technical offices, physio and massage staff
Running of Performances
- Ensure all stage activities during performances take place including scenic, flying, lighting and domes action
- Call cues according to direction of designers and choreographer including light, fly and dome cues, stage moves, orchestra, performers, technical staff and public
- Maintain discipline of performers and technical staff during performance
- Be on stage to troubleshoot during performances
- Identify and collate hazards and risk and update risk assessment where appropriate
- Ensure preparation for next performance/activity is completed
- Prepare show report on each performance
Leadership
- Liaise with key technical team to ensure smooth and coordinated running of performances
- Manage and supervise the work of the Assistant Stage Managers
- In consultation with the Director of Technical and Production, undertake the performance review of the Assistant Stage Managers
Occupational Health Safety & Welfare Responsibilities
- Use and wear appropriate clothing and safety equipment to ensure safe operations according to venue policies & procedures.
- Comply with OHS policies and procedures by ensuring you protect your own safety and that of others within the workplace.
- Provide input into OHS strategies within the workplace.
- Report any unsafe working conditions or practices which could adversely affect your or any others.
- Participate in corrective action processes where required and as directed.
Other Duties
- Act as Stage Manager for Audience Engagement programs
- Oversee Q & A sessions for Audience Engagement Programs
- Cover Placing Calls and manage breaks of Stage Management staff as necessary
- Archiving of shows post performance
- Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the Technical Director
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Tertiary qualification in theatre production (Stage Management)
- Extensive experience in stage management
- Experience in Dance (ballet)
- Ability to read musical scores,
- Technical/professional proficiency
- Planning and organisational skills
- Excellent communication skills – written and verbal
- Leadership and delegation skills
- IT skills – Word, Excel
- Decision maker
- Time management skills
- Team worker
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Calm
- Flexible
- Problem solver
- Multi-skilled
Applications
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter outlining why you feel you would be suitable for this position, including your salary expectations to jointheteam@australianballet.com.au.
Closing date 28 January 2022.
