Senior Stage Manager

About us

We are London’s Creative Catalyst for arts, curiosity, and enterprise. We spark creative possibilities and transformation for artists, audiences, and communities to inspire, connect and provoke debate. Our eclectic programme features the most exciting performers and artists in music, theatre, dance, the visual arts, cinema, and beyond. We work with artists at every stage of their career, supporting and fostering opportunities for ground-breaking new talent as well as promoting the work of world-class artists. 

Our boundary-pushing music programme is renowned for its range, ambition, and inclusivity. Alongside our partners, we provide some of the most exciting musical experiences in the capital, from dazzling classical concerts and opera to unique shows with leading contemporary artists, cutting-edge electronic creations, durational experiences, and cross-arts collaborations.

The role

The Barbican Music department is looking for a highly motivated and dynamic and experienced Senior Stage Manager to manage the stage team and to deliver world-class events in the Concert Hall and associated areas, onsite and offsite.

Responsible for a multi-skilled stage team, the Senior Stage Manager will ensure that all events are appropriately staffed; all staging requirements from the Music and Business Events departments are met throughout all rehearsals, recordings, performances and commercial events in the Concert Hall and offsite. The post holder will line manage an experienced team of Stage & Deputy Stage Managers and Stage Assistants. Additional responsibilities encompass the long-term provision and safety of stage equipment and furniture, and the spatial maintenance and upkeep of the Concert Hall auditorium, stage and all associated backstage areas in conjunction with the Senior Technical Manager.

Ability to multitask, work under pressure and excellent interpersonal skills are essential. Weekend and evening work is required on occasions for this role.

Essential requirements:

• Relevant stage management qualification or equivalent experience e.g. three-year BA (Hons) Stage Management or BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Performing Arts (Production)
• An extensive knowledge of the music industry, and a thorough understanding of all the creative processes of music-making and knowledge of business events requirements.
• Ability to identify and secure staffing and resources needed for each performance.
• Proven experience working in a multi-disciplinary arts venue, major music venue or an events company in a Senior Stage role.
• Excellent knowledge of stage equipment and ability to select and hire suitable equipment.
• Excellent knowledge of the Health & Safety legislation, risk assessments and safe working practices and ability to identify and resolve Health and Safety issues.
• Understanding of sound, lighting, recording, video screening etc.

You must be able to demonstrate:

• Extensive stage management and line management experience in a Concert Hall environment (permanent staff and casuals, working across disciplines)
• Experience of liaising on regular basis with artists, commercial business clients, creative practitioners, producers and “Associate Partners”, to include the LSO, the BBCSO, Academy of Ancient Music Associates, Serious and Darbar Festival.
• Demonstrable experience of managing and maintaining budgets
• Proven track record of project management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisation skills.
• Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively across boundaries to achieve positive outcomes.

As a team and an organisation, we are committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and would welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly those currently underrepresented in the arts. We are also a member of Disability Confident scheme, and you will have an opportunity to indicate if you would like to be considered through this scheme in the application process.

To apply online, please click on the apply online button.

Closing date is Monday 15th April, at 12pm. Please note that we are unable to accept late applications.

Interviews are planned for the w/c 29 April, in person.

If you have any questions about the role, our team, the wider organisation or the application process you can get in touch with one of our team by emailing eddie.shelter@barbican.org.uk. You might want to find out more about the kind of work we do, or just ask a quick practical question about the application process.

We can also share with you in advance the type of interview questions that will be asked on the day if you wish.