Circus Oz is Australia’s internationally acclaimed contemporary circus. Circus Oz performs in self-entrepreneured seasons in Australian capital cities, in regional and remote Australia in theatres and other venues, and internationally in theatres and other venues. Circus Oz runs public classes for children and adults, an Indigenous engagement program, community-based workshops and the High Flying Teams program for workplace team development.
The Stage Manager, is part of the Management team which includes the production manager, the show director and the tour manager. As part of this team the stage manager will attend and contribute to management meetings, and work towards the best interests of the company in collaboration with this management team. This is not a ‘standard theatrical stage management’ position; the show is devised by the ensemble rather than scripted, nor is it ‘called’ cue-for-cue on cans, the stage manager is effectively part of the on-stage ensemble and will do hands-on show cues during each show, including lifting and moving both small and large props, crash mats and circus apparatus. As the stage manager may be visible for much of the show they may be costumed and directed to fit with the aesthetic of the show.
The stage manager for Circus Oz will be working with the director/s to understand and manage the content of the show/acts/transitions/energy levels/quick-changes etc. to keep the show at a high standard and deal with last-minute changes to running order due to injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. The stage manager is responsible for the scheduling and running of the stage, and will communicate with the production manager/s to arrange suitable time if more, or less time is needed than currently scheduled. The stage manager will keep up-to-date with the physical and emotional well-being of the ensemble and crew as it relates to their roles in the show, (i.e. injury prevention and management, and backstage energy levels), and communicate this information clearly to the show director and tour manager. The stage manager will keep actions sheets up to date, enabling changeover of cues to run smoothly. The stage manager will identify and create a safe working environment, ensure all safe working method statements are current, and assist with writing necessary safety paperwork. The stage manager will be at all safety, technical, dress rehearsals and shows, and at other rehearsals and press calls as required. The stage manager will teach local crew their cues, and communicate any changes to them. The stage manager will open the house and start the show on receiving clearance from the local staff. The stage manager will complete show reports immediately following each show and email to those who need them. The stage manager has responsibility for all the props and costumes used by the performers and has an authority, shared with the director/s and the production manager/s, for the appropriate use of that equipment.
The stage manager is required to work within a budget established in consultation with the production manager/s. The stage manager is to maintain work times as per schedules, and to contribute to scheduling details.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential Skills and Experience
Experience working with circus or other relevant theatre related company preferably in a stage management role, but definitely in a technical role
Knowledge and understanding of first aid
Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
Excellent time management and efficiency
Desirable Skills and Experience
Competent use of Macintosh computers and programs
Demonstrated ability to handle petty cash and reconcile budgets
Basic sewing skills
Current first aid certificate
Ability to create show reports, incident reports and risk assessments/safe working method statements
Experience in scheduling large numbers of people in a variety of activities
Understanding of theatre terminology
Personal Attributes
Leadership qualities and experience managing crew
Excellent interpersonal skills
Resilience and energy
Ability to adapt quickly and calmly to change
High level of organisational skill and capacity to manage and enjoy multiple tasks
Ability to deal with a broad range of people in many different contexts and cultures
Confidence, empathy, sound judgement and professionalism
Excellent negotiating skills, and ability to work autonomously and collaboratively
Demonstrated initiative, decisiveness, integrity, and ability to problem-solve and manage risk in high pressure situations
Capacity to be flexible and undertake a range of duties efficiently in a variety of contexts
Willingness to travel
A positive, confident, diplomatic approach, with an ability to maintain confidentiality, at all times, including in stressful situations.
REFEREES
Please provide the names and contact details of three referees.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS
For further information or to submit an application, please contact
Lesley Adeney, Administrator, Circus Oz
T: +61 3 9676 0300
E: administrator@circusoz.com.au
Applications should include a cover letter, resume, names and contact details of three referees and a response to the selection criteria and should be submitted by Friday 27 February 2015.
Circus Oz is an equal employment opportunity employer.
