Vacancy: Stage Manager

Seeta Patel Dance is seeking an organised, proactive and experienced Freelance Stage Manager to support the remount, production and touring of The Rite of Spring, as the company prepares for its 2027 tour.

The Rite of Spring – Seeta Patel Dance

Contract period: February – June 2027

Fee: £8,000 plus travel, accommodation and per diems

About the role

Working closely with the Artistic Director, Production Manager, creative team and performers, the Stage Manager will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of rehearsals, production and performances.

This is a hands-on role requiring excellent organisational and communication skills, a calm and practical approach to problem-solving, and the ability to manage the many moving parts of a touring dance production.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for the day-to-day coordination of the production, overseeing props, costumes, make-up, rehearsal schedules and touring logistics, while providing practical and pastoral support to the performers throughout the process.

The role also involves the practical aspects of touring, including sharing driving responsibilities, loading and unloading vehicles, and helping ensure that the company and all production materials travel safely and efficiently between venues.

Key responsibilities

Rehearsals and stage management

• Coordinate and manage rehearsal schedules, working closely with the Artistic Director, creative team, Production Manager and performers.
• Manage the day-to-day running of the rehearsal room, ensuring rehearsals are organised, prepared and run efficiently.
• Ensure the rehearsal space is appropriately set up and that all necessary materials and equipment are available.
• Communicate schedules, calls, updates and relevant information clearly to the cast and creative team.
• Support the smooth transition from rehearsals into technical rehearsals and performances.
• Maintain accurate rehearsal notes and relevant stage management documentation.

Props, costumes and make-up

• Oversee the organisation, preparation and management of all props required for the production.
• Manage costumes, including preparation, organisation, maintenance, laundry and continuity throughout the touring period.
• Coordinate make-up requirements, oversee preparation and ensure all necessary materials and equipment are available.
• Maintain accurate records of props, costumes and make-up requirements.
• Ensure all production materials are appropriately packed, transported, stored and maintained between venues.
• Ensure props, costumes and make-up are ready and in good condition for every performance.

Touring and logistics

• Coordinate touring logistics in collaboration with the Production Manager and wider company.
• Support the planning and coordination of travel arrangements, accommodation, schedules and daily calls for the cast.
• Assist with shared driving responsibilities during the touring period. A full, valid driving licence is essential.
• Assist with loading and unloading production equipment, props, costumes and company belongings ahead of travel days and at the end of touring periods, including unloading on the company’s return home.
• Support the collection and return of hired or company vehicles, including vans, as required.
• Ensure vehicles are safely and efficiently loaded, with all production materials accounted for during transfers.
• Oversee the organisation and preparation of get-ins and get-outs, ensuring the production is ready for each venue.
• Liaise with venue teams and relevant company members to support the smooth running of each touring engagement.
• Ensure all necessary equipment, props and costumes travel safely and arrive at each venue in good time.
• Help coordinate the practical day-to-day requirements of the touring company.

Cast care and company support

• Act as a key point of contact for the cast throughout rehearsals and touring.
• Coordinate cast accommodation and travel arrangements, ensuring performers have the information they need.
• Support the general wellbeing and practical needs of performers, helping to create a positive, organised and supportive working environment.
• Communicate daily schedules, calls and changes clearly.
• Help ensure performers are informed, prepared and supported throughout the production and touring period.
• Respond calmly and practically to any day-to-day issues that may arise while on tour.

Health, safety and evaluation

• Support safe working practices throughout rehearsals, get-ins, performances and get-outs.
• Ensure rehearsal and performance spaces are kept organised, safe and fit for purpose.
• Identify and communicate any health and safety concerns to the Production Manager.
• Contribute to a post-production evaluation and provide relevant stage management notes, documentation and handover materials to support the 2027 tour.

Contract and key dates

The contract will run from February to June 2027, incorporating preparation, remount rehearsals, production and touring periods.

Key dates currently include:

The touring dates will include a combination of travel days, venue get-ins, technical rehearsals and performances. A detailed schedule, including specific calls and locations, will be shared as the production planning progresses.

The Stage Manager will be required to undertake preparatory work in advance of the rehearsal and production periods, with further work continuing through to the end of the contract.

Fee and expenses

The total freelance fee for this contract is £8,000, covering all work undertaken between January and 29 May 2027. This includes all preparation and planning, remount rehearsals, production week and the agreed touring dates.

In addition to the fee, Seeta Patel Dance will cover travel and accommodation costs associated with the production and touring schedule.

Per diems

When the Stage Manager is working away from their home base, or is staying in self-catering accommodation, a daily per diem will be provided to cover meals.

Per diems will be paid in accordance with the agreed touring schedule and accommodation arrangements.

Skills and experience

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience in stage management, ideally within dance, theatre or the performing arts.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage schedules and competing priorities.
• Experience of managing props, costumes, make-up and backstage requirements.
• Experience of costume maintenance and laundry within a production or touring environment.
• Confidence in coordinating performers, creative teams and technical colleagues.
• Experience of working in rehearsal rooms and managing the day-to-day running of rehearsals.
• A practical, hands-on approach to touring logistics and company management.
• A full, valid driving licence and confidence driving a van.
• Willingness to undertake the practical aspects of touring, including loading and unloading vehicles, handling production equipment and supporting transport logistics.
• A good understanding of health and safety responsibilities within a rehearsal and performance environment.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team.
• A calm, adaptable and solution-focused approach to the changing demands of a live performance environment.

Experience of touring dance or theatre productions would be particularly valuable.

How to apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your CV and a short covering statement outlining your relevant experience and availability to:

Adam Towndrow | adam@seetapateldance.org

Application deadline: 1st December 2026 (midnight)

Seeta Patel Dance is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming working environment. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.