Assistant Stage Manager
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Closing date: Mon, 23 Nov 2026
- Full time
- £30k-£40k
- Apply now
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
The Assistant Stage Manager works closely with musicians, conductors, soloists and technical teams to deliver orchestral experiences on stage, whether for rehearsals and concerts, recording sessions, or international tours.
Joining a creative and committed team, this role offers an opportunity to work on a variety of concerts and experiences with the RPO's two orchestras (RPO & RPCO) at a range of venues from iconic concert halls to some of the most exciting and diverse locations around the world. No two days are the same!
Training will be provided and there will be opportunities for professional development including Health & Safety, Hearing Protection, First Aid and use of stage planning and diary software programmes.
Job Requirements
Essential:
Experience of working in an orchestral environment and/or with professional musicians
Strong practical aptitude and knowledge of the methods and practices employed in handling, packing, loading, unloading and stowing musical instruments and an awareness of their value
Good multi-tasking skills, able to prioritise whilst also working across a range of demands on a daily basis
Good communication skills and able to converse with a wide range of stakeholders. Maturity, diplomacy and tact towards musicians, other performers and venue staff
Ability to anticipate issues, to problem-solve under pressure and to quickly identify solutions
Good organisational skills with attention to detail
Ability to work well both independently and as a team player
The role involves lifting and carrying instruments and staging and therefore the post holder must have the capacity to lift and carry such equipment carefully. Manual handling training will be provided
Job Responsibilities
Stage Planning & Management
Assist SOM and Senior Stage Manager (SSM) with stage planning for concert, rehearsal and recording venues and, when required, prepare stage plans for review. (Training on Microsoft Visio software will be provided.)
Assist with the loading and unloading of instruments and music scores between the RPO's warehouse, trucks and venues, ensuring that all instruments and scores are always handled with the highest level of care and are correctly stored within the truck
Arrive promptly and as agreed with the SOM at venues in advance of the Orchestra's arrival
Working from agreed stage plans, ensure that stages at rehearsals, recording sessions and performance venues in both the UK and abroad are correctly laid out to meet the requirements of the Orchestra and conductors, including placing of all necessary equipment, such as chairs, music stands, conductor's podium and rostrum, overhead stage lighting, stand lighting, electrical outlets, and extension cord
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Job Overview
- Job Title: Assistant Stage Manager
- Salary: £30k-£40k
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Music
- Role: Technical & Production
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Mon, 23 Nov 2026
-
Location:
London
How to Apply
Apply to our Breathehr portal by uploading a CV and covering letter addressed to Steve Brown, Stage Operations Manager.
- Contact name: Steve Brown
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s (RPO) mission to enrich lives through orchestral experiences that are uncompromising in their excellence and inclusive in their appeal, places it at the forefront of music-making in the UK and internationally. Typically performing approximately 200 concerts a year and with a worldwide live and online audience of more than 60 million people, the Orchestra is proud to embrace a broad repertoire and reach a diverse audience.