One of the world's finest youth orchestras, the European Union Youth Orchestra performs throughout the world’s major concert halls, working with the greatest conductors and soloists of our times. The biggest projects of the Orchestra's season are its spring and summer international tours, for which it is seeking an experienced Stage Manager reporting to the Head of Production from 1 March, 2025.
Tasks & Responsibilities
* Contribute to planning & logistics for the Orchestra’s activity alongside the Production team
* Prepare and circulate all stage plans for concerts and rehearsal venues, taking into account the repertoire’s orchestration, health and safety aspects, and venue specifics
* Fulfil stage planning requirements for tours and projects as agreed with the Head of Production
* Liaise with venues regarding get-in schedules, backstage facilities, and technical requirements; travelling to recce new or unfamiliar venues; advising on staging, safety and access needs
* Ensure all musicians have sufficient space to perform and make changes to the stage layout as necessary to achieve this. Advise orchestral management of any potential problems of any changes or difficulties that were experienced during a call by musicians or other production staff
* Line manage the Assistant Stage Manager, and any other freelance personnel on a project-by-project basis
* Undertake and supervise team colleagues and venue personnel on the loading and unloading of instruments and touring gear equipment
* Ensure that the stage is ready for the musicians and that all technical issues have been resolved before the start of the rehearsals and performances
* Prepare, operate, and manage all staging & technical requirements for the Orchestra’s activity, including sound, light, A/V, and stage equipment as required. Identify any extra staff required to fulfil technical operation in addition to the role
* Ensure that all instruments and touring equipment are handled with the highest level of care at all times and are correctly stored within the truck and in the concert and rehearsal venues
* Arrive promptly and as agreed with the Head of Production and Tour Manager at venues in advance of the Orchestra’s arrival
* Ensure that stage management duties during performances are carried out effectively and that presentation on stage is of the highest standard, including any live stage changes during performances
* Attend to conductors’ requirements, and where possible, liaise with them at the start and conclusion of a call to check that they are comfortable with stand, stool, lighting, and other matters as required
* Maintain and proactively develop good communication and strong working relations with the musicians, staff, and guest artists
* Ensure that the Head of Production is notified of any incidents, and that information required for any further investigation is provided accurately and promptly
* Assume responsibility for receiving, looking after, and returning of hire instruments as required
* Maintain the EUYO’s orchestral equipment and equipment stores, including an accurate inventory, and assist the Head of Production by identifying areas in which new purchases/repairs should be made
* Act as a contact point for musicians requiring instruments during the tours
* Maintain good health and safety practices, reporting any issues that arise in relation to stage management duties to the Head of Production
* Ensure all safety requirements are met and contribute to the completion of risk assessments.
What We Are Looking For
* Previous experience of stage management at a professional level
* Availability 28.03 - 10.04.2025, 10.07 - 22.08.2025; ensuing years will have similar tour periods
* Availability and flexibility to travel and work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends
* Capacity to work well both independently and as a team member
* Good knowledge of stage management practices, such as handling, packing, loading, and unloading touring equipment and musical instruments
* Good organisational skills with attention to detail and a high level of efficiency
* Excellent multi-tasking skills
* Excellent communication skills (verbal and written English) towards musicians, conductors and soloists, venue and EUYO colleagues
* Ability to anticipate issues, to problem-solve under pressure, and to quickly identify solutions
* Proven experience and knowledge of the working practices of a professional orchestra
* A working knowledge of relevant H&S regulations, with considerations including the current Noise at Work regulations
* Ability to react quickly to situations, to be reliable and resilient, to perform consistently under pressure, and to respond positively to changing circumstances
* EU driver's licence.
What We Offer
* Dynamic tour schedule with the world's greatest artists on the greatest international stages
* Rewarding, purposeful work supporting and developing Europe's best young musicians
* Committed, close-knit team with flat hierarchies; excellent scope to implement own initiatives and proactively shape the role
* Renumeration: €190 gross/day freelance fee, plus accomodation, food (combination of catering and per diems), travel, and company mobile phone.
Please send CV, covering letter, and references to:
Alexandru Mija | Head of Production
European Union Youth Orchestra
alexandru@euyo.eu
Closing date for applications: 31 January, 2025
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