Please read all the information below.  At the end of this page you will find details on how to apply.  Deadline 15th July

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ITC / Equity Fair Work Agreement for Performers & Stage Managers

London (rehearsals) followed by London and other UK locations (tour)

DATES

Mon 24 Aug to Sun 27 Sep 2026 (5 consecutive weeks)

Mon 19 Oct – Sun 08 Nov 2026 (3 consecutive weeks)

plus sporadic bookings between 24 Aug and 08 Nov.

SALARY

£660 per week (for 5 weeks & 3 weeks)

£250 per day for sporadic bookings

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for an experienced Touring Stage Manager for ESHU AT THE CROSSROADS, a production created with choreographer Miguel Altunaga that will tour to indoor and outdoor spaces in autumn 2026. This is an adaptation of a 30-minute outdoor production created in 2025. The 2026 version for indoor spaces will be approximately 45 minutes long.

You will provide strong and proactive support for the creative team and cast throughout the rehearsal process and have excellent stage management skills to oversee an exciting dance theatre production at a variety of venues / spaces on tour.

The role involves working closely with the director (Sue Buckmaster), choreographer (Miguel Altunaga) and the cast of 3 (2 dancers, 1 puppeteer) as well as the wider creative team.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

We’re looking for somebody who has at least 2 years professional stage management experience and have experience of using QLab. They must hold a clean driving licence and be willing to drive a small van with props, puppets, dance mats and any necessary equipment to each presenting venue / space on tour.

The Touring Stage Manager will be required to attend rehearsals full time.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• to be line managed by the Project Manager
• to be the main point of contact for the performing company
• to be responsible for the running costs budget as agreed with Production Manager (Gareth Howells) and in liaison with the Project Manager.
• to service rehearsals as necessary, and to manage the rehearsal room
• to run weekly company meetings, with the Project Manager, during rehearsals
• to write / circulate rehearsal notes
• to call Qs and operate sound and lights during performance
• to be responsible for the relight at a minimum 3 indoor spaces during the tour. The Lighting Designer has been engaged to light the opening performances and to lead the re-light at, at least 1 other.
• to repair props, puppets and set as necessary, and take the lead in maintaining and cleaning costume
• with the Production Manager to be responsible for the technical requirements of the production regarding sound and set, the maintenance and safe use of company and hired stock and equipment
• to take joint responsibility with management for the smooth running of the rehearsal process and tour and for the safety, comfort and welfare of company members; to liaise with the company’s administration regarding company management as necessary
• to keep timesheets for the company and submit these promptly to the Project Manager
• to handle petty cash responsibly and efficiently
• to monitor the artistic standards of the production, produce show reports as necessary and to liaise with the artistic director regarding such matters
• to co-ordinate van hire and transport of set and props once the production is on tour, and be responsible for driving the van
• to contribute to the development and maintenance of good relations with the venues and to uphold the reputation and standing of the company at all times.
• to ensure that good health and safety standards are maintained. To implement and manage all points identified in the production manager’s risk assessment during the course of the engagement.
• To manage returns and storage on multiple occasions, and whenever necessary during the engagement

THE PRODUCTION

Puppetry experts and renowned children’s theatre company Theatre-Rites are collaborating with celebrated Afro Cuban British choreographer Miguel Altunaga on a dance theatre production for ages 5+ and family audiences.  The production is a mix of contemporary dance, music and magical puppetry.

Originally supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Stockton International Riverside Festival, Birmingham Weekender and Brighton Festival, Eshu at the Crossroads toured to outdoor festivals in summer 2025. For the autumn 2026 tour we will be re-rehearsing the original 30 minute outdoor production and will also be adapting that to create a 45 minute version that will tour to indoor spaces.

There are 3 cast members: 1 puppeteer from the original production and 2 newly cast dancers.

KEY DATES

The tour is still being booked but we anticipate it will be presented at 7 – 8 different venues / outdoor spaces.

For the 2 ITC/Equity contracts (5-week period and 3-week period) the confirmed schedule is as follows:

REHEARSALS:
Wk 24 Aug: rehearsals, London

Wk 31 Aug: rehearsals, London

Wk 07 Sep: rehearsals, London

Wk 14 Sep: rehearsals with get-in / tech Thu 17 & Fri 18 Sep and opening shows

Sat 19 Sep: Half Moon Theatre, London

Wk 21 Sep: performances (spaces / venues tbc)

Wk 19 Oct: get-ins & performances – Dance Umbrella (London)

Wk 26 Oct: get-in & performances – Dance Umbrella (London)

Wk 2 Nov: Final performances (tbc)

Dates under discussion:

Sat 3 & Sun 4 October

Sat 10 & Sun 11 October

Sat 17 & Sun 18 October

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TO APPLY

Please submit:

• your current CV
• Confirmation of your availability for the two ITC/Equity contracted weeks and an outline of your availability for the dates still under discussion.
• a short covering letter or email that details your relevant experience and why you would be a great fit for this role to:

Recruitment@theatre-rites.co.uk

Please also fill in the equal opportunity monitory form which can be found HERE

Please note we will only be able to consider applications from candidates who are available for all the dates of the 2 ITC/Equity contracts (5 weeks and 3 weeks).

Closing date: 10am Wednesday 15 July 2026

We welcome interest from applicants of all backgrounds and communities.

We are unable to provide accommodation in London, so this position will suit someone who is either London based or is able to arrange their own accommodation.