POSITION SUMMARY: As a key member of the Artistic Operations Department and full-time member of the stage crew, the Stage Manager is responsible for leading all stage crew activities (3-4 Full-time Stagehands and extra Stagehands as needed) related to the placement and movement of concert equipment and instruments for St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Youth Orchestra, Symphony Chorus, IN UNISON Chorus, and rental events in the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, as well as select services outside the hall, including parks concerts, runouts and tours. This is a high-energy, fast-paced position requiring planning, organization, ability to manage work for multiple concurrent projects, and attention to detail. Teamwork and leadership are crucial to the success of this position. This position also requires the ability to maintain a positive work atmosphere by interacting and communicating in a manner that enhances collaboration with musicians, guest artists, co-workers, supervisors, customers, and vendors. This position requires a variable work schedule, regularly including evenings and weekends, and is a union position requiring membership in I.A.T.S.E. local No. 6 as defined in the collective bargaining agreement. Compensation package for this position is pre-determined in the collective bargaining agreement.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Organize, prepare and execute the placement and movement of equipment and instruments for orchestra rehearsals and concerts, as well as for hall rentals and non-orchestral events. Perform work for load-outs, load-ins and set-ups for services in Powell Hall, as well as tours, run-outs, and performances outside Hall. Perform routine maintenance as assigned.
Lead house crew (Assistant Stage Manager (Lighting), Assistant Stage Manager (Sound) and 4th Stagehand (if engaged for season), as well as extra stagehands. Ensure individual and crew work is consistently correct and completed on time. Promote and maintain a positive and professional environment within crew and with musicians, guest artists, co-workers, supervisors, customers, and vendors. Ensure stage crew is professional, productive, and responsive at all times; proactively address and correct any performance issues that arise during crew work; proactively report issues to SLSO Management. Teach and implement safety and security procedures/policies. Prepare and submit timesheets in timely fashion. Collect from and submit payroll paperwork for extra stagehands. Assist Technical Director with feedback for yearly performance reviews of house crew.
Construct, maintain and/or repair risers and other stage equipment as needed. Understand and build from design and technical drawings. Operate and maintain power and hand tools.
Operate and/or troubleshoot house lighting, sound, and video systems as needed. Instruct stagehands on basic operation of these systems as needed. Suggest equipment, methods, and/or modes of operation to improve quality and/or reduce costs.
For activity outside of the hall which require stage crew support, create and manage equipment and instrument lists, create and manage plan for use of instrument and equipment trunks, creating truck pack and planning documents, and provide feedback on schedule and equipment required as needed. Drive trucks as needed (box size up to 26ft).
As needed, prepare project proposals including equipment needed and labor estimates. As needed, assist with budget preparation for equipment, projects and maintenance. Maintain official physical and electronic organized files for stage crew portion of stage productions, tours, opera, SLSO sponsored events, venue rentals, etc., also including maintenance of inventory of stage and touring equipment in conjunction with the Production Manager. Read and respond to email. Maintain up-to-date calendar in Outlook. Attend scheduled meetings as needed. Perform other duties as directed.
REQUIREMENTS:
Extensive knowledge of concert production and stagecraft, including stage carpentry and basic rigging, operating power and hand tools, as well as basic knowledge of current lighting, sound, and video equipment. Knowledge of PC network environment using Microsoft Office applications is also required, knowledge of Mac environment a plus.
3 years’ experience leading a team; minimum 5 years stage crew experience in a union setting. Lighting/sound/video experience a strong plus.
Experience in an orchestra setting highly desired.
Demonstrate professionalism and maintain positive work atmosphere by interacting and communicating in a manner that enhances collaboration with musicians, guest artists, co-workers, supervisors, customers and vendors.
Ability to work within budgetary constraints, maintaining fiscal responsibility and integrity in all financial matters.
Demonstrated ability to plan and arrange work for oneself and team, taking initiative and identifying solutions as problems and challenges arise.
Ability to work and meet deadlines in an environment with frequent distractions. Ability to lift 50lbs.
Valid Missouri Class E (for hire) driver’s license or other state equivalent (SLSO can help facilitate).
Must be or become a member of I.A.T.S.E. local No. 6 as defined in the CBA.
Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 144th year with the 2023/2024 season and its fifth with Stéphane Denève, The Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. Widely considered one of the leading American orchestras, the Grammy® Award-winning SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community collaborations—all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music.
The core of the SLSO’s artistic foundation is its dynamic partnership with Denève, whose energetic musicianship, visionary storytelling, and collaborative spirit have created stronger connections with local and visiting artists, as well as advanced the SLSO’s role as a leader in music education. The SLSO musical family also includes two resident choruses: the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, founded in 1976, performs choral-orchestral music from the Baroque era to today; and the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, founded in 1994, focuses on the performance and preservation of music from the African diaspora. The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra,... founded by Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin in 1970, is the region’s premiere training orchestra for high school and college students.
In March 2023, the SLSO broke ground on a 65,000-square foot expansion and renovation of the orchestra’s home, Powell Hall—the first major renovation project at the historic Grand Center building since it became the SLSO's permanent home in 1968. Led by the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Snøhetta, the project will transform the audience and artistic experience while protecting Powell Hall's historic character and celebrated acoustics, creating a state-of-the art center for community, innovation, and powerful music experiences. While construction is underway, the SLSO will perform throughout the community. The revitalized Powell Hall will open in 2025 to coincide with the building's centennial.
An integral part of the vibrant St. Louis community, the SLSO enjoys a long history of robust and enduring artistic collaborations with individuals and organizations locally and around the world. Orchestra musicians share dozens of education and community performances throughout the region each year at medical facilities, places of worship, community centers, and schools. For 20 years, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Live at the Pulitzer series has highlighted today’s leading musical voices through innovative performances in collaboration with, and reaction to the exhibitions at, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. The SLSO has served as the resident orchestra for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for more than 45 years. The orchestra also continues to foster new artistic collaborations, including a chamber music collaboration with The Sheldon in 2023/2024, as well as regular partnerships with The Muny, The Big Muddy Dance Company, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and others. Beyond the St. Louis region, the SLSO's impact is realized through Saturday night concert broadcasts on St. Louis Public Radio and Classic 107.3, acclaimed recordings, regular touring activity, and a digital portfolio that includes a robust online education platform with curriculum materials, interactive programs, activities, and learning opportunities for all ages.
Since the arrival of Marie-Hélène Bernard as President and CEO in 2015, the SLSO has aligned its mission to make music more accessible, while fostering a culture welcoming to all. Building on its momentum, the SLSO serves as a convener of individuals, creators, and ideas, and is committed to building community through compelling and inclusive musical experiences. As it continues its longstanding focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, the SLSO embraces its strengths as a responsive, nimble organization, while investing in partnerships locally and elevating its presence globally. For more information, visit slso.org.