We invite you to refer to the BareBones Statement of Intentions before considering applying to BareBones. Black people, Indigenous people, people of the global majority, transgender people, and people with disabilities will be prioritized.
Description
BareBones Productions is seeking to hire a Stage Manager for the 2026 Halloween Extravaganza who will work individually and collaboratively with BareBones Co-Directors, artistic/production staff, and community members from end of August, through September and October, and into the beginning of November. The Stage Manager will work with these communities to produce a public performance/ritual related to grief, death, ancestors, loss, and remembering, to be performed over four evenings around the date of Halloween. Performances will be located in Powderhorn Park at 3400 15th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN.
Qualifications
- Experience and excellent skills in the area of theater management
- Experience collaborating with a wide variety of community members, including folks of various ages, races, cultures, genders, family structures, abilities, spiritual beliefs, and who speak a variety of languages
- Willingness to learn, self-reflect, and grow in the areas of equity, inclusion, and anti-bias.
- Ability to use Google Drive and create, manage, and share a variety of Google documents for communication purposes
- Ability to work under pressure, a sharp eye for detail, adaptability, and flexibility
- Strong communication, negotiation, decision-making, organization, problem-solving, and time-management skills
Must Work/Attend
- August 27: paid orientation meeting (aka “BareBones Buildup”). Collaborate with the Staff Team to create protocols to address interpersonal dynamics, safety, workload fairness, communication, & organization.
- September- October:
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- Artistic staff Storyboarding, Build Kick-Off.
- Rehearsals: Sunday afternoons.
- Additional meetings as scheduled by the Co-Directors, Artistic Team, and Production Team, per protocols developed at BareBones Buildup.
- Four educational workshops provided to the community by the BareBones Board, typically held within rehearsal time.
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- October 24 - 28: Tech week: work three out of five of these evenings from 4:00pm to 10:00pm, but need to keep all of these evenings available.
- Oct. 29, 30 and 31, Nov. 1, and a rain date of Nov. 2: performances.
- Review the draft calendar for more details: 2026 Show Season Calendar for BareBones
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Artistic and Production teams about all elements of the performance, including all aspects of performing, setting, repairing and storing puppets
- Provide direction to: Coordinators of Sound, Lighting, Stilts, Fire, Altar, Audience, Makeup
- Create and set up rehearsal schedules
- Liaise with the Production Manager regarding budgets
- Plan and supervise the ‘get in’ and ‘get out’ for puppets, lighting, and sound
- Develop and edit evolving versions of the storyboard and list of scenes in both digital and large, hardcopy formats for cast and crew to refer to
- Manage all cues for performers and tech crews during rehearsals and performances
- Manage the backstage and onstage area during performances
- Plan/supervise the unloading and loading of the storage pod on rehearsal and performance nights
- Set and communicate calls for all performers and tech crews in collaboration with Co-Directors
- Prioritize the physical and emotional safety of every participant
- Participate in digital communication (email, text, phone) promptly
- Participate in a variety of clean-up activities and final wrap-up survey after November 4.
- As this is a temporary, independent contractor position, candidates are required to have access to materials and technologies necessary for the job.
Terms
| Location | Twin Cities Metro, Minnesota |
| Type | Independent contractor, temporary |
| Category | Art and Art Admin |
| Apply By | June 8, 2026 |
| Hiring Date | Approx. July / August |
| Job Dates | August 1 to November 15 |
| Stipend | $1000 |
| BareBones Build Up Attendance Stipend | $100 |
The BareBones Board/Hiring Committee wishes that we could pay more. We recognize compensation is more like symbolic appreciation rather than a livable wage. This show would not be possible without many people's in-kind donations (love hours). In addition to the listed stipend, BareBones provides all staff with snacks or meals at most meetings, builds, and rehearsals, and access to request small funds for basic needs if needed to fully participate in BareBones duties.
Please Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
How to Apply
Please apply via the BareBones job application Google form, by June 8, 2026. Any applications sent via other methods will not be reviewed. Email [email protected] with any questions.