The Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College invites applications for the position of Music Theater Coordinator & Production Stage Manager. This is a 12-month, continuing Administrative and Professional Staff appointment beginning on July 1, 2025.
The Oberlin Conservatory of Music, founded in 1865, is the nation’s oldest continuously operating conservatory, and the only major music school in the country linked with a preeminent liberal arts college. Students are enrolled in undergraduate programs leading to the Bachelor of Music in performance, jazz studies, composition, technology in music and related arts, and musicology. Oberlin also offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Music in conducting, the Master of Music in performance on historical instruments, the Master of Fine Arts in piano technology, as well as artist diplomas.
The Music Theater Coordinator & Production Stage Manager will report to the Associate Dean for Artistic Administration and Operations while working closely with the Music Theater department chair and faculty, as well as the Music Theater Sound Designer & Production Coordinator.
Launching in fall 2025, Oberlin’s Music Theater program blends traditional excellence with innovative training for the next generation of music theater artists. This pre-professional, Bachelor of Music degree program combines singing, acting, and dancing coursework alongside a thriving liberal arts environment. With ongoing performance opportunities throughout the year, both on and off campus, the program culminates in an annual showcase in the heart of the music theater world, New York City.
Responsibilities
- Work as Production Stage Manager for all on and off-campus music theater productions and produce on-campus masterclasses as well as the annual NYC showcase;
- Manage rehearsal schedules and coordinate all technical aspects of production while ensuring that productions run smoothly and the artistic vision of all music theater productions and events are met;
- Coordinate and collaborate with the music theater faculty and a variety of contracted positions on all aspects of music theater production;
- Serve as the central communication hub for the music theater production team, cast, crew, and creative staff, while working closely with the Managing Director for Theater, Dance, and Opera as well as the rest of the theater department to ensure there’s a clear line of communication between departments on all aspects of staffing, operations, and event production;
- In coordination with the Conservatory Business Manager, oversee the purchasing, maintenance, and inventory for all music theater equipment, including stage production and lighting equipment, chairs, stands, props, and other related equipment;
- In coordination with the Conservatory Business Manager, track music theater departmental budget and purchasing, including acting as liaison for any third-party rental companies as appropriate;
- Work with Conservatory Concert Production to schedule all on-campus music theater performances, masterclasses, and other related events;
- Serve as building manager for the music theater complex and main liaison for the Birenbaum Innovation and Performance Space, coordinating building work orders, managing access, setting up and resetting spaces, among other duties;
- Post daily schedules for all music theater spaces and track attendance for all rehearsals and productions;
- Coordinate all aspects of program booklet creation (cast and crew personnel, program notes, and other relevant show information) while working closely with Conservatory Concert Production and the Conservatory’s communications office to ensure all print materials adhere to Oberlin’s style guide;
- Act as a member of the Conservatory’s production staff, supporting and assisting the Conservatory as needed with concerts and other special events;
- Hire, train, support, and supervise departmental student workers;
- The Music Theater Coordinator & Production Stage Manager may occasionally be asked to teach based on departmental need and the candidates area of expertise;
- Other duties as assigned.
Essential Job Functions
Marginal Job Functions
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in music theater, stage management, or related field;
- Strong experience in music theater production and comprehensive knowledge of lighting systems and equipment;
- Experience with AEA and equity or equity eligible contracts;
- Familiarity with music theater industry standards, backstage best practices, theater stagecraft, carpentry, rigging, and special effects;
- Strong computer skills including lighting and production software knowledge as well as Microsoft Word, Excel, Zoom, and Google Workspace;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and ability to work effectively on a team;
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., and climb stairs and ladders comfortably;
- Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for travel to multiple work locations on and off campus;
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and some holidays.
Desired Qualifications
- MFA in Stage Management or related field or equivalent professional experience;
- Experience in theater design;
- Experience with EMS event scheduling software;
Compensation
Oberlin College offers a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Submit a letter of interest, resume and contact information for three references online. Review of applications will begin on November 25, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Those received after that date may be considered until the position is filled.
Documents Needed to Apply
- Required DocumentsCover Letter
- List of References
- Resume
Optional Documents