Apprentice, Stage Management

Description:   

This full-time apprenticeship offers hands-on stage management experience in a creative environment, supporting live performances and events at Juilliard. Working closely with various departments, the apprentice gains knowledge in stage management, contributing to the overall success of Juilliard's programming. 

Reporting to the Director of the Professional Apprentice Program, ideal candidates possess a passion for performing arts, strong organizational skills, effective communication, previous theater-related experience, and a willingness to learn and adapt to various aspects of stage management. 

The schedule operates on rehearsal and performance calendars, requiring weekend availability, with flexibility for hybrid work during prep time. On-campus presence is expected as per the schedule.

 

Description:   

The salary is $18.50 per hour for 40 weeks, or a contracted amount of $29,600.00 for the school year.

 

About our Stage Management Apprentice Team: 

Our collaborative and dedicated team of ten stage management apprentices is known for its commitment to excellence. We offer a unique apprenticeship providing a supportive, inclusive environment where creativity thrives. This opportunity stands out due to its diverse learning experiences across different production areas. The apprentice will collaborate closely with various teams, including Dance, Drama, Vocal Arts, freelance Production Stage Managers, Production Management, Recital Operations, Office of the President, or other Special Projects. Tailored opportunities with Production Shops can be arranged based on the apprentice's interests.

Key outcomes for the Stage Management Apprentice include:

• Serving in stage management capacities, primarily as an Assistant Stage Manager, with potential opportunities in additional leadership or support roles across productions and events. 
• Develop expertise in dance, drama and opera production, including industry terminology and documentation practices.
• Building cross-functional collaboration skills in support of concerts, events, and institutional initiatives.

 

About the Professional Apprentice Program: 

This program provides immersive training for emerging performing arts technicians and administrators, addressing the need for practical training in the field. For over four decades, it has prepared recent graduates, early-career professionals, and individuals undergoing career transitions for employment in the cultural sector. This is achieved through hands-on experience, professional development, and networking and mentorship opportunities. 

Details can be found on the Juilliard Website's Professional Apprentice Program Page.

 

Working at Juilliard: 

Founded in 1905, The Juilliard School is a world leader in performing arts education. The school’s mission is to provide the highest caliber of artistic education for gifted musicians, dancers, and actors from around the world so that they may achieve their fullest potential as artists, leaders, and global citizens. 

Excellence and professionalism are important guides in how we go about our work, but we also connect to the mission as individuals in the workplace. We thrive because of our variety of backgrounds and our ability to be open and honest, and we also thrive because we enjoy each other’s company. We believe that each employee has the responsibility to help shape the Juilliard organizational culture, and we provide opportunities to participate in team-building throughout the year. Our organizational values focus on excellence, creative enterprise, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. 

We encourage you to read more about how we achieve our mission on our website, juilliard.edu.  

 

Role Responsibilities: 

• Serve in stage management capacities, supporting productions and institutional events. 
• Attend and contribute to production meetings, rehearsals, and performances, ensuring accurate and timely information flow. 
• Act as a communication liaison between production teams, performers, and crew, including contacting participants regarding scheduling updates or delays, or addressing logistical concerns.  
• Manage production paperwork, rehearsal reports, and documentation for assigned projects. 
• Prepare rehearsal and performance spaces, ensuring room readiness, safety compliance, and coordination of technical elements. 
• Assist in organizing performers, crew, and production elements during rehearsals and performances. 
• Support the safe execution of choreographed fight and intimacy work in collaboration with designated supervisors. 
• Contribute to the setup and strike of props, costumes, and other production materials. 
• Work backstage during performances to facilitate smooth transitions and accurate cue execution. 
• Provide general logistical support to productions and events as assigned. 

 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Passion and basic knowledge of the intended craft. 
• Bachelor’s Degree, or related professional experience and transferable skills, or a combination of both. 
• Technical stagecraft knowledge and familiarity with theatrical production logistics, including understanding script and stage directions. 
• Willingness to learn and take direction from the Production Stage Manager and other team members involved in production or project.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective time management and prioritization abilities.  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment. 
• Demonstrated professional conduct that reflects positively on the profession and institution. 
• Knowledge of proper production safety procedures, with flexibility to work varying hours, including evenings and weekends, in office, theatrical, and non-theatrical settings. 

 

Preferred Background:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Theater, Performing Arts, or related fields.
• Previous stage management experience in theater, events, music, opera, or dance.
• Proficiency with production software and digital tools, including QLab, VectorWorks (Reader), and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to read music. 

 

Benefits: 

• All Juilliard performances are free to Juilliard employees
• Discounts on day-of tickets to partner organizations at the Lincoln Center campus. 
• Tuition-free Extension classes. Feel free to browse available courses here.
• Generous paid time off, including personal leave, sick leave, and scheduled school holidays
• A culture of excellence, best practice, and employee engagement with like-minded colleagues

 

Nondiscrimination Policy: 

The Juilliard School is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with its faculty, staff, students, and other members of the Juilliard community, and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, alienage, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, physical or mental disability, medical condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, partnership status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable local, state, or federal law. This nondiscrimination policy covers, but is not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, benefits, rates of pay and other forms of compensation as well as student admission, access, and treatment in school programs and activities.