Career Center

The Festival Orchestra Stage Manager supports the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center’s five-week summer season by stage managing Festival Orchestra concerts and rehearsals (typically 9-10 rehearsal or concert services per week) and providing support in the advance process, including building production schedules and budgets and advancing concert-specific logistics in partnership with the Orchestra Line Producer. The Festival Orchestra Stage Manager is responsible for the on-site implementation of stage plots and ensuring a safe and effective working environment for musicians, crew, and guest artists. The Festival Orchestra Stage Manager serves as the main contact between the crew and the orchestra and directs the stage crew through stage setup and shifts. This position reports to the Associate Director, Festival Orchestra & Special Projects.  

Seasonal Position: May-August 

What you'll get to do here:

Advance Work

• Under the supervision of the Associate Director, Festival Orchestra & Special Projects and the Orchestra Line Producer, review potential hurdles in the upcoming season, including tracking large production items such as livestreams, education activities, offsite runouts, etc.
• Build production schedules for each program, working with Lincoln Center’s production staff to ensure appropriate crew staffing for each service.
• Assist in tracking the production budget.
• Work closely with Event Production Managers running and advancing Festival Orchestra events: securing all production elements such as backline, equipment rental, and managing day-of schedules.  

Stage Management

• Oversee all crew calls, including being present at the start and end of each call and overseeing all crew moves.
• Create a run-of-show for each program and ensure run-of-shows are followed, including double-checking lighting cues.
• Ensure safe and optimal stage and backstage conditions, including lighting, ventilation, temperature, and equipment placement.
• Proactively identify and address potential concerns about musicians' working conditions to resolve issues before they arise and ensure smooth services.
• Liaise with stage crew during services to adapt plans and troubleshoot emergent issues.
• Keep detailed notes on the orchestra musician equipment needs and preferences and relay these needs to crew during set-up, tear-down, and during services.
• Oversee the set-up and tear-down of all rehearsal and performance spaces, with special attention to orchestra musician needs (wind trays, instrument stands, etc.) while also supervising factors including but not limited to chairs, stands, percussion instruments/equipment, pianos, lighting, and audio/video equipment.
• Create and call technical and artistic cues (e.g.lighting, audio, entrances, house openings) as needed for rehearsals and performances.
• Represent Lincoln Center onsite at all times.

You’ll be a fit if you bring: 

• 3+ years of stage management experience in orchestral, opera, and/or ballet settings
• Familiarity with orchestral staging, instruments, carpentry, and audio/video systems
• Basic knowledge of lighting and electrical systems
• Ability and willingness to work a robust schedule, including evenings, weekends, and overtime hours during the orchestra’s 5-week season.
• Ability to read music and call technical cues from a score.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to self-direct.