POSITION DESCRIPTION 

RESIDENT STAGE MANAGER & OPERATIONS ASSISTANT | 0.6 FTE | Annualised Hours

Hours of work: Annualised hours | 0.6 FTE.
Contract: 12 months with a 3-month probation period
Reporting to: Artistic Director/ CEO
Salary: $72,100 pro rata
Starting: February 2026
Application: Please submit a CV and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) addressing the key selection criteria.
Forward to: admin@redstitch.net
Deadline: C.O.B Wednesday 4th November 2026

About Red Stitch
Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre is Australia’s leading ensemble theatre company, based in Naarm. Established in 2001, we are unique in our structure: an artist-driven organisation led by our resident ensemble with the support of a small, dedicated staff and board.

Red Stitch centres artists at the core of its philosophy and practice. We foster intergenerational artistic skills exchange, providing employment and career progression for artists, and showcase exceptional Australian writing through our INK program. Our programming elevates voices which reflect our diverse nation in conversation with standout plays from around the globe.

Key decisions draw on the expertise of our ensemble: a panel of artists who form the backbone of the company. The ensemble advises on creative decisions, appointments and communications, adopting a consensus-based approach.

With a national reputation for the quality of our work, Red Stitch remains at the forefront of contemporary Australian theatre practice.

About the Role
The Resident Stage Manager & Operations Assistant is a new role within the company that will become a key member of Red Stitch’s collaborative team, supporting the successful delivery of our annual artistic program and day-to-day operations.

Reporting to the Artistic Director/CEO, and working closely with the Production & Technical Manager, Producer, FOH Manager and Marketing Coordinator, the role combines stage management across three productions annually with broader administrative, planning and operational support.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is generous in their approach to working with others, while being proactive and capable of working independently. As a small team with a high workload, it is important to be adaptable and open to working across different areas, have clear communication, be highly organised and dependable, practical, positive and solutions-focused. It is vital that you are passionate about theatre, rigorous in your own work and committed to supporting artists and contributing to the ongoing growth of Red Stitch.

Red Stitch’s structure offers the opportunity to work closely with senior staff and artists, gain insight into the broader operations of a professional theatre company, and develop into new areas of responsibility and knowledge over time.

Key Responsibilities
● Work collaboratively with the ensemble and staff to ensure programs and activities are delivered in accordance with agreed schedules and resources.
● Support annual planning, scheduling and coordination across the company’s season and organisational activities, including key deadlines and event management duties.
● Provide administrative and operational support to the Artistic Director/CEO
● Contribute to scheduling and to the improvement of systems and processes that support the efficient operation of the company.
● Contribute proactively to a constructive, organised and nurturing work environment
● Attend company events, special performances and other activities as required.
● Contribute to venue management and general housekeeping
● Represent Red Stitch professionally and positively in dealings with artists, industry colleagues, audiences and other stakeholders.
● Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the position and the needs of the organisation.
● Stage management of three Red Stitch productions annually, working closely with directors, designers, performers, technical personnel and the wider production team. Responsibilities during this time include:

○ Coordinate the day-to-day stage management requirements of assigned productions from

rehearsals through to operating during performances and bump-out.

○ Attend and contribute to production meetings, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, performances,

bump-in and bump-out, and other production activities as required.

○ Maintain clear and accurate production documentation, including schedules, rehearsal and

performance reports, calendars and other stage management records.

○ Communicate effectively and warmly with creative teams, company staff and stakeholders,

ensuring information is shared in a timely and accessible manner.

○ Support the safe, efficient and professional running of production activities.

○ Identify and respond to production issues and risks, and assist in resolving problems as they

arise.

Key Internal Relationships:
The Resident Stage Manager & Operations Assistant reports to the Artistic Director/CEO and works as part of a small core staff team including:
● Front of House Manager
● Production & Technical Manager
● Producer
● Marketing Coordinator
● Finance Manager
● Publicist

The role also works with Red Stitch’s Ensemble, directors, performers, designers, creative teams, technical personnel and other artists and contractors.

Hours & Conditions:
● 0.6 FTE Annualised hours, reflecting the seasonal nature of theatre production and the varying demands of rehearsals, performances and organisational activities.
● Work will include a combination of office/administrative hours, rehearsal and production and technical periods, performances, production meetings and other activities and events as required.
● Evening and weekend work will be required, particularly during production periods.
● The successful applicant will be required to work flexibly across the annual program in accordance with the needs of the organisation and production schedules.

Key Selection Criteria
● Demonstrated professional experience in stage management and operating.
● Strong organisational and administrative skills, with excellent attention to detail.
● Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, competing priorities and deadlines.
● Ability to work collaboratively with artists, creative teams, technical staff and administrators.
● Strong written and verbal communication skills.
● Ability to remain calm, friendly, adaptable and solutions-focused in a fast-paced production environment.
● Demonstrated understanding of theatre production processes including technical rehearsals, bump-in/bump-out and performance operations
● Strong computer skills and confidence using email, calendars, documents, spreadsheets and other technical and administrative systems.
● High level of initiative, reliability and professionalism.
● Commitment to a collaborative, artist-centred working environment.
● Knowledge of theatre production processes, including technical rehearsals, bump-in/bump-out and performance operations.

Red Stitch is proud to uphold the principles of access, equity and inclusion, which provides fertile soil for more complex, representative and engaging work. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, members of the LGBTQIA+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people living with a disability.