Division/Department: Special Events
Job Title: Assistant Stage Manager
Reports To: Special Events Coordinator, Production Stage Manager
Type of position: Non-Exempt, Hourly
Employee Classification: Part Time-Seasonal
Pay Range: $17-20
Location: Durango, CO
Position Summary
The Assistant Stage Manager is responsible for assisting the Production Stage Manager and Special Events Coordinator with the operation and execution of theatrical performances for The Polar Express™ Train Ride. This position ensures that performances are delivered safely, consistently, and in accordance with licensing and production standards. The Assistant Stage Manager helps oversee rehearsals, supervises cast members, maintains show quality, manages performance props, costumes, and event accessories, and coordinates closely with department leaders to deliver exceptional guest experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with all cast rehearsals before and throughout the operating season.
- Supervise performers to ensure each performance is delivered safely, consistently, and according to production and licensing standards.
- Work alongside Front of House, Ticket Office, Train Operations, Facilities, Security, and other departments to ensure effective communication and coordinated event operations.
- Demonstrate sound judgment and the ability to think quickly in high-pressure situations, adapting to operational delays, weather conditions, technical issues, staffing changes, and other unexpected challenges while preserving the quality of the guest experience.
- Monitor show quality and provide coaching, feedback, and performance direction to maintain a high-quality guest experience.
- Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, and mentoring new cast members.
- Ensure performers follow company policies, safety procedures, licensing
- Help maintain inventory of all performance props, costumes, set pieces, and event accessories.
- Inspect, organize, distribute, and store production materials before and after each operating day.
- Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Previous experience in stage management, theatrical production, live entertainment, event management, or a related field preferred.
- Demonstrated leadership experience supervising teams in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong coaching and leadership abilities with a commitment to developing performers and maintaining high production standards.
- Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and decisive under pressure.
- Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions in rapidly changing situations.
- Experience coordinating multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended seasonal hours.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, lift up to 40 pounds, and work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Skills Required
- Previous experience in stage management, theatrical production, live entertainment, event management, or related field
- Demonstrated leadership experience supervising teams in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Strong coaching and leadership abilities to develop performers and maintain production standards
- Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and decisive under pressure
- Proven problem-solving skills and ability to make sound decisions in rapidly changing situations
- Experience coordinating multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail
- Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended seasonal hours
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, lift up to 40 pounds, and work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
What We Do
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a historic, narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates scenic train rides through the Colorado Rocky Mountains, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and offering year-round adventures.






