Summermusik
Reports To: Operations Manager with a dotted line to the Executive Director
Deadline to Apply: Friday, January 30, 2026. Position will close once filled.
Job Description
Stage Manager
Summermusik seeks a detail-oriented, experienced Stage Manager who possesses superior communication and organizational skills for our 2026 summer festival season. This position offers a college student an opportunity to learn about the behind-the-scenes operations of a chamber orchestra during our 12th annual Summermusik Festival.
Dates: 4 weeks, Monday, August 3 through Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Working hours: 40 hrs/week
Flexible daytime hours in addition to evenings and weekends for performances and events. Typically, off on Mondays, in the office on Tuesdays, events/rehearsals/performances vary Wed-Sun
Compensation: $12/hour. Non-exempt. Associates receive parking reimbursement and two complimentary tickets for Mainstage performances. Housing and transportation are not provided and is the responsibility of the Associate.
Responsibilities and Duties Include:
Stage Manager Specific:
- Act as main driver of the festival U-Haul (15’)
- Assist Operations Manager on a variety of tasks related to festival event and concert stage management and production, including but not limited:
- Drafting and distributing production related documents such as stage plots, lighting and sound information sheets, and run of shows
- Set-up and teardown of stage, including concert set changes
- Ensure best possible working conditions for musicians on and off stage; anticipate musician working condition concerns (temperature, lighting, safety) and effectively problem solve, working closely with the Operations Manager and Personnel Manager
- Backstage concert production for rehearsals and concerts at venues around town
- Possible operation of technical equipment when no stage crew is available
- Make any minor repairs as necessary to equipment such as chairs, music stands, music and folders, cords/technical equipment, etc.
- Communicate with technical directors / venue contacts for rehearsals and performances
All Summermusik Associates:
- Attend staff/production meetings and assist staff in managing and anticipating logistical problems
- Assist the Production Manager and other staff with loading and unloading production vehicle and staff/festival vehicles at the conclusion of all rehearsals/events/performances
- Assist the Production Manager with set-up and teardown of backstage and Front of House
- Contribute to the professional appearance of Summermusik both on and off stage
- Provide general assistance to Summermusik on various administrative tasks as assigned
- Build your Cincinnati artistic community network while working with many of the area’s top musicians, as well as vendors, technical staff, and guest artists
Qualifications Include:
- Minimum of 1 year of orchestra or theater stage experience (collegiate experience considered)
- Undergraduate or graduate students studying stage management or any theater design and production discipline preferred
- Experience operating a large vehicle (Stage Manager is the primary driver for the festival’s 15’ U-Haul)
- Working knowledge of orchestral instruments and seating conventions
- Knowledge of basic lighting and audio equipment and their operation
- Ability to read music a plus
- Strong computer skills in the Microsoft Office suite and Google Workspace
- Strong oral and written communication and analytical skills
- Detail-oriented and organized with a demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated self-starter, who can also work as a member of our fun team!
- Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and solutions quickly
- The candidate must have their own transportation with a valid driver’s license and good driving record
- The candidate must have their own smart phone and laptop
- Ability to lift, carry and move up to 50 pounds
To Apply:
Send resume and cover letter to gidley@summermusik.org. In the subject line, please reference: Stage Manager
Contact:
Evan Gidley, Executive Director
About Summermusik:
Mission: We create intimate, transformative experiences that connect the musically curious.
Founded in 1974, Summermusik with resident ensemble Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra creates intimate, transformative experiences that connect the musically curious. Under the direction of Music Director Eckart Preu, Summermusik provides a vibrant musical experience in an intimate and informal setting for both the seasoned and novice concert patron. The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra is comprised of 32 professional musicians, the ideal ensemble size for presenting orchestral works from the Baroque and Classical eras as well as commissioned works by contemporary composers. Often, the ensemble shrinks down to as small as 3 musicians, which allows for flexibility and creativity in programming. Collaborations are a hallmark of Summermusik, including partnerships with Walk with Amal, CET, Cincinnati Ballet, and Cincinnati Art Museum, among others. The We Are One festival series was launched in 2022 and amplifies under-consulted voices by acknowledging historical and contemporary inequities and celebrating unique cultures.
For additional information about Summermusik, visit www.summermusik.org.
