Stage Manager

Stage Manager - Sophie's Surprise Christmas Party

Venue: Underbelly Boulevard Soho, London
Event: Sophie's Surprise Christmas Party
Role: Stage Manager
Contract: Freelance
Reports to: Producer / Show Directors

Dates: Monday 2nd November - Sunday 10th January 2027 ( full show schedule can be found on https://underbellyboulevard.com/tickets/sophies-surprise-christmas-party/ )

Rate: £700 per week, pro rata 6 day week. (Freelance contract)

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced, confident and highly organised Stage Manager to join the team for Sophie's Surprise Christmas Party at Underbelly Boulevard Soho.

This is a hands-on Stage Management role requiring someone who is comfortable taking responsibility for the smooth running of a live event, coordinating performers and crew, managing backstage operations and ensuring the stage is delivered safely and professionally throughout the evening.

Alongside the traditional responsibilities of an SM, the successful candidate must have practical experience working with aerial performers and lifting performers using a 3:1 mechanical advantage system.

Key Responsibilities

Stage Management

• Take overall responsibility for the smooth and safe running of the stage and backstage areas.
• Liaise closely with the Producer, Directors, performers, technicians and venue team.
• Run rehearsals, technical checks and get-ins and outs as required.
• Complete all relevant show and venue show reporting in a timely manner.
• Coordinate performers and venue crew throughout the event.
• Maintain and communicate the running order and show schedule.
• Conduct pre-show checks and ensure all performers, props, costumes and stage elements are ready.
• Assist with pre-setting of props and equipment
• Call and coordinate cues during the performance.
• Manage backstage communications and ensure everyone is clear on timings and responsibilities.
• Deal calmly and professionally with last-minute changes or unexpected issues.
• Maintain a clear and organised backstage environment.
• Ensure the stage and backstage areas are reset and ready for each section of the event.

Aerial / Performer Lifting

A key requirement of this role is the ability to safely and confidently lift aerial performers using a 3:1 system.

The successful candidate will need:

• Demonstrable experience operating or assisting with 3:1 aerial lifting systems.
• Experience working with aerial performers in a live performance environment.
• A strong understanding of safe lifting practices, load management and performer communication.
• The ability to carry out appropriate pre-use checks of the lifting system and associated equipment.
• The confidence to coordinate aerial movements as part of rehearsals and live performance.
• The ability to communicate clearly with aerial performers and the technical team before and during lifts.
• A strong understanding of personal limits and the ability to stop or escalate an operation if conditions are not safe.

Relevant aerial / rope access / theatrical rigging experience is essential. Candidates should only apply if they have genuine, practical experience with the type of lifting system required.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Professional Stage Management experience in live events, theatre, cabaret, circus or similar environments.
• Proven experience running a live show and managing backstage operations.
• Practical experience lifting aerial performers using a 3:1 system.
• Strong understanding of backstage and technical theatre protocols.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Calm, proactive and solution-focused under pressure.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with a wider production team.
• Strong commitment to health and safety.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, performance-led environment.
• Good knowledge of show calling, cueing and rehearsal processes.

Desirable

• Previous experience working on similar live entertainment venues.
• Experience with circus, aerial, cabaret or variety performance.
• Experience working with flown performers and theatrical rigging.
• First Aid qualification.
• Relevant technical theatre, rigging or aerial qualifications/training.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Calm under pressure
• Highly organised and reliable
• Safety-conscious
• Confident communicating with performers and crew
• Hands-on and practical
• Proactive and solutions-focused
• Professional but personable
• Comfortable taking responsibility and making clear decisions during a live event

Important Safety Requirement

Because this role involves the lifting of performers, experience and competence with the specific aerial lifting system is a non-negotiable requirement. The Stage Manager will be expected to work within the venue's procedures, the production's risk assessments and relevant industry safety requirements, and to liaise with appropriately competent technical/rigging personnel where required.

To Apply

Please send:

• A current CV
• A brief summary of your relevant Stage Management experience
• Details of your aerial experience, specifically your experience using 3:1 lifting systems
• Relevant qualifications or training
• Availability for the event and any required rehearsal/technical days