PRODUCTION ASSISTANT POSITIONS (Crew and Stage Management)
Totem Pole Playhouse

Interested Applicants may reply to employment@totempoleplayhouse.org.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Company Manager:

The Company Manager is a vital leadership role responsible for overseeing the daily operations and logistics of the acting company, creative teams, and seasonal staff during our summer season. This position serves as the primary point of contact for the acting company, creative teams, and seasonal staff, ensuring that all logistical needs are met and the company feels supported throughout the season. Reporting to the Managing Director/HR and working under the direction of Production & Artistic Direction, the Company Manager is integral to fostering a positive and organized environment for the entire team. 

The ideal candidate is highly organized, personable, and resourceful, with experience in company management, hospitality, or event coordination, comfortable at all levels of work, and accessible.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Housing and Transportation: Coordinate housing assignments, manage housing maintenance and cleanliness, manage housing supplies, and oversee transportation logistics, including airport pick-ups, vehicle assignments, and emergency travel needs.
  • Administrative Support: Maintain company contact sheets, distribute schedules, and ensure all company paperwork (handbooks, driver verification, key distribution, incident reports) is complete and organized.
  • Hospitality and Morale: Act as the primary liaison for company well-being, including addressing housing or personal concerns, arranging welcome supplies, and supporting events like company meals or morale-boosting activities.
  • Finances: Assist Managing Director in qualifying reimbursements. Maintain detailed expense tracking for the company management and other budgets.
  • Emergency Response: Be available to address emergencies including medical, housing, or transportation issues as needed; incident and Workers’ Comp reporting.
  • Production Support: Collaborate with the Production Manager to ensure company needs are met during load-in, tech, rehearsals, and performances.
  • Assisting with organizing and maintaining social media and some marketing efforts.

Requirements:

  • Prior experience in company management, event coordination, or similar roles within theatre or live entertainment.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to problem-solve under pressure with a smile.
  • Respect of Confidentiality required.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other organizational tools.
  • A valid driver’s license is required; the ability to drive a 15-passenger van is preferred.
  • Must be capable of working long hours, lifting up to 30 lbs., and maintaining a positive and professional attitude throughout the season.

Weekly salary range of $650-775 DOE

Stage Management Production Assistant
(Two Positions Available)

This position supports the Stage Management Department during musicals, plays, and a rotating concert series. It requires attendance at all public performances and rehearsals as needed. Additionally, the role includes studio hours to prepare the show during rehearsals and participation as part of the running crew for productions. This position is ideal for candidates with strong communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and an interest in learning alongside an AEA Stage Manager or Stage Management team. This position reports to the Production Manager and Production Stage Manager, with task-specific supervision as needed.

Track 1:

  • Will serve as the Production Assistant (PA) for Greater Tuna and The 39 Steps.
  • May stay on to be the 2nd Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) PA for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (TBD).
  • Both Greater Tuna and The 39 Steps are plays where cast members play multiple roles.
  • Quick changes and prop tracking experience are a priority for this candidate.

Track 2:

  • Will serve as the PA for 9 to 5 and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
  • Both musicals have large casts of 18 and are large in scale.
  • Experience working with choreographers, large casts, and in musical theatre is a priority.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform basic Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) duties, including preparing rehearsal spaces, maintaining the callboard, and contributing to rehearsal and performance reports.
  • Assist the Production Stage Manager in communicating show needs to the greater creative and production teams.
  • Supervise the deck during performances, ensuring smooth backstage operations.
  • Develop and maintain deck run sheets, and establish workflows for quick changes, scene shifts, and props tracking.
  • Collaborate with the Production Stage Manager on show processes and documentation.
  • Act as a communication hub for run crew, wardrobe crew, cast, musicians, and deck audio crew to facilitate real-time troubleshooting and information flow.
  • Move, prep, and track scenery and props during performances.
  • Assist with the other productions in rehearsal during prep/down time  as needed.
  • Perform other duties traditionally associated with Stage Management roles in live theatrical production.
  • Resourcing our “Tucked Away Tuesday series and Camp Series” as needed

Requirements:

  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professionalism under pressure.
  • Capability to lift at least 30 lbs., work on tall ladders, and endure long, physically demanding hours.
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Weekly Salary Range $400-450 DOE

 Deck Crew/Production Assistant:   

This is a flexible and dynamic role that requires attendance at all public performances and rehearsals as needed, supporting the Stage Management and Production Departments across musicals, plays, and a rotating concert series. In addition to serving as part of the running crew for productions, this position also assists other production departments as needed during prep, builds, and maintenance periods.

This floating role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with an interest in learning and contributing to various technical theatre disciplines. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, the ability to work effectively under pressure, and enthusiasm for teamwork across departments. This position reports to the Production Manager and Production Stage Manager, with tasks and supervision dependent on the department being supported.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Running Crew Support:
    • Serve on the running crew during performances and rehearsals, fulfilling track assignments with focus and precision.
    • Perform daily preset checks to ensure the show and backstage areas are properly prepared and safe.
    • Collaborate with Stage Management during tech rehearsals to develop and execute deck tracks.
  • Departmental Assistance:
    • Support other production departments as capacity allows, including Scenic, Props, Stage Management, Wardrobe, Audio, and Electrics.
    • Assist with builds, load-ins, and production-related transportation.
    • Perform maintenance and repairs on props, scenic elements, and other production assets.
  • General Duties:
    • Help maintain a safe, clean, and organized workspace backstage and in shops.
    • Contribute to creating a focused and professional backstage environment during performances.
    • Participate in strike and other post-show activities as required.
    • Resourcing our “Tucked Away Tuesday series and Camp Series” as needed

Requirements:

  • Basic technical theatre experience across multiple disciplines preferred.
  • Ability to lift at least 50 lbs., work on tall ladders, and perform tasks requiring physical stamina.
  • Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and long shifts as necessary.

Weekly Salary Range $400-425 DOE