What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Stage Operations Supervisor position at JACOBS PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL INC?
TITLE: Assistant Stage Operations Supervisor
STATUS: Seasonal
LOCATION: Becket, MA
REPORTS TO: Stage Operations Supervisor
DEPARTMENT: Production
SUPERVISES: -
WORKS WITH: Artistic Programming; Archives and Preservation; The School at Jacob’s Pillow; Marketing and Patron Services; Finance and Operations; Philanthropy; Video Documentation Team; Facilities, Safety and Security; Visiting Companies Staff and Artists
START: May 12, 2026
END: August 28, 2026
ARRIVAL: May 11, 2026
DEPARTURE: August 29, 2026
COMPENSATION: $23.58-26.00/hr; Time and a half after 48 hours
SCHEDULE: May: 5 day work week
June–September: 6 day work week
BENEFITS (ON-SITE ONLY): Three meals a day, free access to classes, performances, talks, and studio usage.
The Assistant Stage Operations Supervisor’s primary responsibility is supporting the Stage Operations Supervisor in the planning, preparation, and facilitation of all stage operations elements of Festival programming in the Ted Shawn Theatre (TST), Doris Duke Theatre (DDT), Henry J. Leir Stage (HJL), and ancillary spaces across the campus. This includes but is not limited to rigging, flooring, staging, seating, soft goods, scenery, and props. During the pre-season they participate in the installation of stage operations systems in all venues and support spaces. During the Festival they support the Stage Carpenters during company load-ins, changeovers and technical rehearsals. They also assist the Stage Operations Supervisor in supporting non-theater events, activities, and daily operations. They will be assigned to run crews for productions with advanced stage operations requirements or to sub for Stage Carpenters.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Participate in the creation of an accessible and collaborative work environment that enables artists and technicians to create together positively and safely.
- Assist the Stage Operations Supervisor in maintaining detailed and clear paperwork.
- Join advancing and show specific production meetings as needed.
- Actively participate in work calls, notes sessions, technical rehearsals, and changeovers.
- Join the run crew for productions or events as assigned by the Stage Operations Supervisor.
- Assist the Stage Operations Supervisor and Stage Carpenters in creating labor plans for changeovers and company load-ins.
- Assist the Stage Carpenters in troubleshooting system or production based technical issues.
- Take the lead on the creation, installation, and implementation of stage operations systems and equipment for non-theater based programming.
- Assist the Stage Operations Supervisor and Stage Carpenters in maintaining and troubleshooting equipment and systems.
- Manage stage operations calls as needed and assigned by the Stage Operations Supervisor.
- Attend all organizational, departmental and production meetings including a weekly All-Staff Meeting.
- Assist in the planning, preparation and execution of Festival exhibitions.
- Assist in the implementation of the weather plan for HJL and other outdoor programming.
- Under the general direction of the DoTP, assist with coordination of emergency response for staff and patrons in the event of an emergency or extreme weather.
- Complete Adult/Child CPR, First Aid, and Cultural Competence Training (provided to all seasonal staff during the pre-season)
- Assist and support other departments, including non-production departments, as needed on use of stage operations equipment.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3 years of professional technical direction, stage carpentry and/or rigging experience.
- Knowledge of and experience with theatrical stage operations systems, equipment and standard operating procedures.
- Knowledge of theatrical rigging best practices, systems, and safety.
- Knowledge and experience with Google App suite and the Vectorworks suite of software.
- Willingness to learn.
- Ability to work proactively, creatively, flexibly, kindly, safely, and collaboratively.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in a performing arts educational environment.
- Knowledge and experience in dance production.
- Experience working outdoors or in non-traditional venues.
- Experience supervising and managing staff and/or equipment.
- Experience driving cargo vans and box trucks.
- Valid driver’s license.
SKILLS & QUALITIES
- Active commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility.
- Excellent communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Ability to read, interpret, and instruct others on stage operations plots and paperwork, stage plans, and related technical documents.
- Demonstrated ability to conceive, strategize, manage, and prioritize between multiple projects with accuracy and attention to detail.
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Working in wooded areas with exposure to native wildlife including, but not limited to, rodents, ticks, and mosquitos.
- Working outdoors in all weather conditions including inclement weather.
- Working 6-day work weeks including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends during Festival weeks and non-Festival programming.
- Moving equipment up to 50 lbs alone or with assistance.
- Moving through and between multiple locations throughout the entire campus.
- Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
- Working at heights above 6 feet and up to 30 feet.
- Ascending and descending straight and step ladders.
- Operating push around or drivable person lifts including at heights.
- Working in show conditions with theatrical and atmospheric elements including but not limited to: fog, haze, strobes, dim lights, and loud sounds.
APPLICATION PROCESS
*We believe that no one meets 100% of the listed qualifications. We are less concerned about whether you’ve done everything on a laundry list of specific things and more interested in cultivating a pool of candidates who want to join a connected, mission-driven, hard-working team driven by creativity, curiosity, inclusion, integrity, flexibility, and partnership.
HIRING PROCESS
- Apply: Interested individuals are encouraged to send a cover letter, resume, and references by submitting an application using the “Apply” buttons below. Video and/or stage operations applications are welcome (though not required) in addition to written expressions of interest.
- Interview: Pre-Screen on Zoom, 1-2 interviews with Hiring Manager and other JP staff on Zoom.
- Supplemental Materials: A writing sample, spreadsheet example, or other relevant materials may be requested from candidates should they be a top candidate.
If you need accommodations to make this application process happen, please connect with us at hr@jacobspillow.org.. We will work to support you through the application process via email, phone call, and/or video chat.
Salary : $24 - $26