ABBEY THEATRE Amharclann na Mainistreach
| Job Description
JOB TITLE:
Deputy Stage Manager
RESPONSIBLE TO:
The Head of Company Management & Planning Associate
CONTRACT
: Permanent Contract [42hrs accumulative across Monday – Saturday]
The Abbey Theatre is Ireland's national theatre and occupies a unique position in the hearts and minds of Irish people.
It has two theatres: the Abbey, with a capacity of 494 seats, and the Peacock, with a capacity of 132 seats.
We produce a year-round Programme of productions, public readings, talks, workshops and artistic development work.
We produce work at home and on tour, which not only showcases Irish and international theatre but also engages with the artistic and civic life of contemporary Ireland.
Created by visionaries, the Abbey Theatre has always been an arena for art and ideas.
The Abbey Theatre was founded as a national theatre for Ireland by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory in 1904.
For 120 years, the Abbey Theatre has played a significant role in reflecting Ireland's evolving cultural, political and social identity.
At the Abbey Theatre we have the great privilege to work with the world's greatest actors, writers, directors and designers on new and existing theatre and performance productions.
Role
The Deputy Stage Manager [DSM] works collaboratively within the Abbey Theatre's Stage Management department to support performers, directors, designers, and production staff to facilitate and manage the realisation of large-scale theatrical productions.
The DSM creates and maintains a working atmosphere where every member of the cast and production team feel supported and empowered to deliver their highest standard of work for the duration of the production process.
The DSM is responsible for the smooth running of rehearsals and performances, ensuring effective communication between creative, technical, and production teams.
They maintain the prompt script during rehearsal, call all cues during performances, and serve as the central reference point for the production.
The Deputy Stage Manager is a key role in the success of every Abbey Theatre production.
Candidate Attributes
Applicants should have the following:
Essential
At least three years' experience of working in a show calling Stage Management role.
An in-depth knowledge of the Stage Management process
A proactive and energetic approach to problem solving.
A flexible, self-motivated and organised approach to work.
The ability to work well as part of a team.
The ability to work and remain calm under pressure.
Empathy with the pressures of the rehearsal room and backstage performance environment.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to multi-task.
Clear communication skills.
The ability to maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced workday.
IT Skills, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, Teams and Zoom.
Ability and willingness to work unsocial hours including evenings and weekends.
A deep love for theatre.
Desired
Score-reading.
Full Irish driver's licence
Job Requirements and Responsibilities
Rehearsal
Preparation and maintenance of the prompt book.
This includes taking detailed notes on blocking and technical requirements.
The DSM must work closely with the Company Stage Manager (CSM) to ensure they are fully aware of goings-on in the rehearsal room.
Together, they will tackle scheduling and many of the requests put on rehearsals.
To deputise for the CSM as required.
Prompt actors as required during rehearsals and provide line notes through rehearsals and during a run.
Responsibility for marking up and maintaining the rehearsal space in conjunction with the other members of the Stage Management team.
Assisting in the preparation of the rehearsal room for the day's rehearsal.
Monitoring of Acting Company's calls.
Coordinating and running rehearsals.
Operating rehearsal sound when necessary.
Assembling and maintaining running lists and setting lists for performance as required.
Producing daily rehearsal reports.
Keeping a careful and up to date record of script changes for the production's playwright, as well as the Abbey's New Work department.
Liaising with designers, directors, and technical teams regarding rehearsal needs.
Attending production meetings and contributing to problem solving and planning.
Technical & Dress Rehearsals
Liaising with Lighting, Sound, Video designers to receive cueing information in advance of technical rehearsal.
Calling the show during technical and dress rehearsals, giving lighting, sound, flying and other cues in coordination with operators and crew.
Keeping the backstage company informed of progress and breaks, using the announcement system.
Maintaining the prompt book as an accurate and clear record of cue points.
Serving as a key communication link between creative staff in the auditorium and stage management and cast onstage.
Performances
Calling all cues for lighting, sound, set changes and actor entrances during the show with precision and consistency.
Logging any timings, performance-related incidents, and notes in the show report.
Providing the company with show running times after the performance.
Where necessary noting any deviations to script or blocking that may arise.
General Duties
Assisting with the general maintenance of working areas and storage spaces.
Maintaining up-to-date schedules and rehearsal/performance documentation.
Ensuring compliance with the Abbey Theatre's health and safety procedures.
All Abbey Stage Managers will occasionally be rostered against Visiting Companies/Events etc. as 'Abbey Stage Manager'.
While in this role, tasks may vary depending on the needs of the project.
Creating an accurate record of the production for the Archives department.
To undertake training as organised by the department head.
Report all accidents and near misses to the CSM.
To save and maintain all paperwork in the digital and physical storage space designated by the Head of department.
Application Process
Please apply through the link and include the below information:
Up to date CV
Cover Letter (Detailing why you are the right candidate for this role, why it appeals to you and what impact you see yourself having).
The closing date for applications is
5pm on Friday, 19th September 2025.
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