The Stage Supervisor is an integral member of the production team as part of Presenting Services at Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University and is responsible for planning, organizing, and performing technical support activities for the Blair School of Music. This position demonstrates customer service attributes and provides end-to-end stage supervision in an academic setting for Blair School of Music events and internal and external rental events. The Stage Supervisor also displays a flexible attitude and undertakes varying roles as dictated by performance and rehearsal requirements not limited to stage management, lighting board operation, sound mixing, video switching and editing, basic rigging, and carpentry. The Stage Supervisor supports educators and students in achieving learning goals within the scope of multiple performance halls and other related venues and plays a critical role in the success of all events, i.e., curricular, non-curricular, guest artists, and external and internal rentals. This position works collaboratively within a production team and assists in the safe operation and maintenance of theater lighting, sound, rigging, video projection and related equipment and systems to support the School while coordinating with other educational branches of the University. The Stage Supervisor is expected to perform with a high level of autonomy in a fast-paced environment. This position requires a demonstrated comfort level working with leading industry professionals, students, faculty, and other Blair School of Music clients and complex technical equipment and systems. 

 

About the Work Unit:

Situated on Vanderbilt Campus in the heart of Nashville, TN, the Blair School of Music is a vibrant and fast-paced school at Vanderbilt University, focused on the personal and professional education of highly talented young musicians who demonstrate an exceptional capacity and motivation to shape our increasingly diverse and complex global century—through music, with music, and in music.  The school has approximately 145 full and part-time faculty members and industry professionals who teach approximately 235 music majors, 650 Blair Academy students (comprised of pre-college and adult students) and 2,000 non-music Vanderbilt majors. https://blair.vanderbilt.edu/.

 

Vanderbilt is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee. It offers 70 undergraduate majors and a full range of graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, all on a beautiful campus—an accredited arboretum—complete with athletic facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories. Vanderbilt is optimized to inspire and nurture cross-disciplinary research that fosters discoveries that have global impact.

 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Stage Management 

Oversees and executes Stage supervision for 450+ shows annually. Maintains stage equipment and inventory and makes recommendations for replacement technical gear as needed. Collaborates with faculty and students on creative aspects of staging events. Regularly updates Production Director and Senior Production Supervisor on department needs. Trains and/or cross-trains additional staff on lighting, sound, streaming, and recording as requested and on venue specific gear, venue maintenance, safe practices recommended by the University. Assists with set changes during theatrical/musical performances throughout the year. Assists with set and prop construction using power tools, table saws, screw guns, etc. Schedules routine maintenance and cleaning of production gear. Performs general maintenance and cleaning of stage equipment. Trains part-time and/or contract technicians on venue specific systems. Provides availability to work events as needed that occur Monday through Sunday, during the day and evening. Works closely with students, faculty and staff as well as external clients, educating all on best practices and requirements to produce the highest quality events, and foster an environment of learning in our higher education setting.

External Vendor Relationships

Develops and manages relationships with leading technical vendors in the event production space to establish preferred pricing on equipment and access to cutting edge technology.

Budgetary Responsibility

Advises on fiscal budget planning as it pertains to stage equipment, system workflows and general technology used in our venues.  Obtains quotes and procures equipment as needed, in alignment with approved budget and in compliance with University policies and procedures. Recommends part-time and/or contracted staffing needed for successful events, staying within budget, and advises on budget planning for staffing needs.

Additional Production Support

Cross-trains in all other production areas (live sound, lighting, general stage). Assists with set changes during theatrical/musical performances throughout the year. Assists with set and prop construction using power tools, table saws, screw guns, etc. Provides general stage support including but not limited to working with audio consoles, lighting fixtures, set pieces, orchestra pit and risers, perform set changes (which includes moving equipment and set furniture), and operation of counter-weight fly system. Regularly lifts up to 50 pounds. Performs general maintenance and cleaning of stage equipment. Other duties as assigned.

 

Supervisory Relationships

This position reports functionally and administratively to Production Director. The Stage Supervisor is responsible for managing part-time and/or contracted support technicians such as stagehands to assist with large productions throughout the year. This position recommends the number of staff needed for a successful event, and schedules, trains, and supervises that staff. This position develops and maintains a network of external support staff to call upon when needed for events.

 

Education and Certifications:

A high school diploma or GED is necessary.

 

Experience and Skills:

At least five years of experience in live arts production and technology is necessary.  Musical knowledge sufficient to work with artists to produce top caliber events is necessary. Ability to collaborate with wide variety of artists on tight deadlines is necessary. Knowledge of lighting and sound consoles is necessary.  Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community is necessary.  Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing is necessary.  Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments is necessary.  Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects is necessary.  Excellent ability to organize and coordinate is necessary. Ability to provide technical advice and information to staff in area of expertise is necessary.

 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. 

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.