Stage Manager - THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride Whippany, NJ

Job Title: Stage Manager THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Division/Department: Rail Events Productions/Run Crew

Reports To: Vice President Director of Production & Production Stage Manager

Type of position: Exempt/Salary

Employee Classification: Seasonal

Compensation: $1,350 / weekly

Job Summary:

Stage Managers work with Production Stage Management and to execute the operating season of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event. Stage Managers facilitate rehearsals and technical rehearsals for a cast of 50-60 performers. During daily operations, Stage Managers work with cast, crew, and railroad representatives to run multi-show days to ensure timely execution of each event.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with Production Staff during pre-production
• Manage rehearsals under the Director and Production Stage Manager
• Work in a team of two to setup/teardown rehearsal space, record blocking, reset props, and run sound during rehearsal and tech.  
• Call the show and oversee the cast and crew during the run of the event
• Steward the execution of all performances within the vision of the national production staff
• Become familiar with and reinforce company and railroad safety policies
• Work with the entire event team to maintain a positive, enjoyable, and rewarding environment for all staff and passengers
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education, Skill & Work Experience Requirements

• Prior experience with theatre in non-traditional spaces
• Able to excel in a fast-paced rehearsal process and tech period
• Work with a cast of 50+ actors, including minors
• Must be able to take instructions from train personnel
• Must be adaptable to changing conditions both on and off the train (train delays, actors/crew out sick, inclement weather)
• Perform well under stressful situations with a cool and calm demeanor, as well as spending multiple hours on a moving train in a small space
• Possess a well-spoken manner in personal communications
• Self-motivation and attention to details
• Experience using Qlab, Google Suite
• Be physically capable of lifting heavy objects
• Must be willing to travel within the United States
• Must be 18 or over

Work Environment:

• Majority of time spent in an event setting
• Varied schedules requiring evenings, weekends, overtime, and holidays
• Able to stand for prolonged periods of time
• Varying temperatures and weather conditions; both indoor and outdoor
• Able to stand and walk on uneven or unsteady surfaces aboard a moving train
• Time spent in and around an active railroad yard

What’s in it for you?

• Serve others and create a world of make-believe and magic
• Competitive pay and a chance to build upon your theater network and make lifelong connections
• Enrich and positively impact the experience for all – big and small
• Be part of an inclusive team in a supportive environment with high expectations for self and your fellow teammates
• Catered meals for 5-show days
• Comp tickets for your friends and family
• Potential for end of season bonus 

Working on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is unlike anything you will ever do.  This immersive experience is entirely unique to Rail Events Productions.  The challenge of producing a full-length production on a moving train is one of the most rewarding experiences as an artist or technician.  With a total cast, crew and front-of-house employees of 60-75 people onsite every day and the possibility of over 2,000 guests, our days can be chaotic. With such a fast-paced environment, the team at Rail Events Productions takes care to properly support and teach everyone the best ways to accomplish their jobs.  We strive to build a space where employees are safe and encouraged to grow throughout their time with the company. 

Rail Events Productions, an American Heritage Railways subsidiary, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.