July 4, 2012

WELLINGTON’S SUMMER SHAKESPEARE 2013  

Summer Shakespeare Trust invites applications for the position of  

Stage Manager  

Job Description 
Salary:  $2, 500 (gross) contract
Starting date:  To be negotiated
Rehearsal dates:  Beginning of November 2012 – February 2013
Season dates:  15^th February – 2^rd March (Wellington)

Background

Summer Shakespeare in Wellington is a tradition that extends back for three decades – 2013 marks the 30^th 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 2013 production is Antony and Cleopatra, directed by Alison Walls.

Purpose and Scope of Role

The primary responsibility of the role is to oversee rehearsals and performances of Summer Shakespeare 2011. The Stage Manager will work primarily alongside the Director, but also in close liaison with the Production Manager and Producer. In 2013, the Summer Shakespeare production will be held at the Dell, Wellington Botanic Gardens and an alternative wet weather venue. The Stage Manager is responsible for both 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
• Assisting the Administrator and Production Manager when and if required
• Responsibility for properties – assisting the Production Manager and the Designer in obtaining 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 take full responsibility for it until the final curtain
• Health and safety of cast and crew (with Production Manager)
• 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.  It is recommended that the SM also keep rehearsal and performance records to be distributed to the production team. If there should be any potential tasks or problems not identified in this job description, they should be raised at production meetings.  The solution decided on should be included in the SM’s report for the Summer Shakespeare Trust for the purpose of recording this information for the future.

The Stage Manager reports to the Trust Administrator and will be required to present the aforementioned 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 13^TH JULY 2012

Late applications will not be considered.

Send applications or for further information, please contact:

Sally Thorburn (Producer/Administrator, Summer Shakespeare Trust)
admin@summershakespeare.co.nz 
027 432 8935

Summer Shakespeare Trust
P.O. Box 9925
Marion Square
Wellington