Touring Stage Manager

Job Summary

Theatre-Rites is looking to recruit an experienced Touring Stage Manager for ESHU AT THE CROSSROADS, a production that will tour to indoor and outdoor spaces in autumn 2026.

Job Description

We are looking for a Touring Stage Manager to work with us on ESHU AT THE CROSSROADS for ages 5+ and family audiences. The show is an adaptation of a 30 minute outdoor production we created in 2025. The 2026 version for indoor spaces will be approximately 45 minutes long.
The successful candidate will provide strong and proactive support for the creative team and cast throughout the rehearsal process and have excellent stage management skills to oversee an exciting dance theatre production at a variety of venues / spaces on tour.
The role involves working closely with the director (Sue Buckmaster), choreographer (Miguel Altunaga) and the cast of 3 (2 dancers, 1 puppeteer) as well as the wider creative team.

Originally supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Stockton International Riverside Festival, Birmingham Weekender and Brighton Festival, ESHU AT THE CROSSROADS toured to outdoor festivals in summer 2025. For the autumn 2026 tour we will be re-rehearsing the original 30 minute outdoor production and will also be adapting that to create a 45 minute version that will tour to indoor spaces.

There are 3 cast members: 1 puppeteer from the original production and 2 newly cast dancers.

KEY DATES
The tour is still being booked but we anticipate it will be presented at 7 - 8 different venues / outdoor spaces.

For the 2 ITC/Equity contracts (5 week period and 3 week period) the confirmed schedule is as follows:

Wk 24 Aug: rehearsals, London
Wk 31 Aug: rehearsals, London
Wk 07 Sep: rehearsals, London
Wk 14 Sep: rehearsals with get-in / tech Thu 17 & Fri 18 Sep and opening shows
Sat 19 Sep: Half Moon Theatre, London
Wk 21 Sep: shows (spaces / venues tbc)

Wk 19 Oct: get-ins & shows - Dance Umbrella
Wk 26 Oct: get-in & shows - Dance Umbrella
Wk 2 Nov: Final performances (tbc)

Dates under discussion:

Sat 3 & Sun 4 October
Sat 10 & Sun 11 October
Sat 17 & Sun 18 October

Salary is £660 per week (for 5 weeks & 3 weeks) / £250 per day for sporadic bookings

Job Requirements

The successful candidate will have at least 2 years professional stage management experience and have experience of using QLab. They must hold a clean driving licence and be willing to drive a small van with props, puppets, dance mats and any necessary equipment to each presenting venue / space on tour.
The Touring Stage Manager will be required to attend rehearsals full time.
This position is line managed by the Project Manager
and is the main point of contact for the performing company.

Job Responsibilities

responsible for the running costs budget as agreed with Production Manager
service rehearsals as necessary, and manage the rehearsal room
run weekly company meetings during rehearsals
write / circulate rehearsal notes
call Qs, operate sound and lights
relight at a min 3 indoor spaces during the tour. The Lighting Designer lights opening performances and leads re-light of at least 1 other.
repair props, puppets, set as necessary, and take lead maintaining and cleaning costume
with the PM, responsible for tech requirements of the production re sound and set, maintenance and safe use of company and hired stock and equipment
ensure smooth running of the rehearsal process and tour, and for the safety, comfort and welfare of company members
keep timesheets
handle petty cash
monitor the artistic standards of the production, produce show reports as necessary
co-ordinate van hire and transport set and props on tour, responsible for van driving
manage returns and storage on multiple occasions

Useful Links

Job Overview

Job Title: Touring Stage Manager
Salary: £30k-£40k
Hours: Full time
Artform: Dance
Role: Technical & Production
Contract: Contract
Closing date: Wed, 15 Jul 2026
Location: UK-wide

How to Apply

Please submit your current CV and a short covering letter or email that details your relevant experience and why you would be a great fit for this role to:

[email protected]

Please note we will only be able to consider applications from candidates who are available for all the dates of the 2 ITC/Equity contracts (5 weeks and 3 weeks).

Closing date: 10am Wed 15 July 2026

We welcome interest from applicants of all backgrounds and communities.

We are unable to provide accommodation in London, so this position will suit someone who is either London based or is able to arrange their own accommodation.

Contact name: John Johnston
Contact email: [email protected]

About Theatre-Rites

Award-winning company Theatre-Rites is a field leader in the creation of experimental theatre for children.

Acclaimed nationally and internationally, our touring productions and site-responsive works stir the imagination and stimulate thought. We specifically promote understanding and enjoyment of ‘object-led’ theatre and celebrate the power of visuals, puppetry and animation by working in genuine collaboration with a range of creative collaborators.

Find out more