Interlochen Center for the Arts
Interlochen, MI
US
Janice Sickle-Witte
At Interlochen, we celebrate creativity, individuality, and collaboration, all within a vibrant community dedicated to advancing the arts. We offer a dynamic environment that encourages artistic risk-taking, nurtures talent, and fosters interdisciplinary connections. By joining our team, you become part of a tradition that balances innovation with heritage, supporting the artistic journeys of students, faculty, and staff as they strive for excellence. Come be a part of our mission to elevate the arts and inspire future generations.
Position Summary: The Production Operations and Stage Manager is a year-round production leadership position responsible for coordinating stage operations, managing stage equipment inventories, and supervising seasonal and student stage staff, while supporting performance logistics across Interlochen’s performance venues.
This position is a stage-management-driven role that applies professional stage-management practices to classical music ensembles, ballet productions, interdisciplinary performances, chamber music, recitals, touring engagements, and institutional programming. The role functions as a primary production specialist supporting classical music performances while collaborating across multiple artistic disciplines.
The Production Operations and Stage Manager acts as a key production contact for classical music groups across campus and provides seasonal leadership and supervision of Classical Music Stage Managers and Stagehands during Interlochen Arts Camp.
The ideal candidate combines strong stage management experience with an understanding of classical music performance environments and demonstrates collaborative leadership, operational organization, and adaptability within a fast-paced artistic setting.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Stage Management and Production Operations
Plan, coordinate, and execute stage setups for classical and contemporary music performances, dance, and other interdisciplinary events across multiple venues
Serve as stage manager for assigned performances, including select high-profile concerts, tours, ballet productions, and institutional programming.
Develop and maintain standardized stage plots and setup documentation for recurring performance configurations
Coordinate staging requirements with artistic directors, conductors, guest artists, faculty, and production staff.
Ensure implementation of stage safety practices during load-ins, rehearsals, performances, and strikes.
Collaborate with audio, lighting, video, and stage operations teams to ensure cohesive production execution.
Support efficient backstage workflow and maintain clear communication among departments during performances.
Other duties as assigned
Seasonal Staff Supervision and Leadership
Recruit, hire, and train seasonal Classical Music Stage Managers and Stagehands for summer camp operations.
Assign performance responsibilities and oversee daily operational deployment of seasonal staff.
Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development support.
Conduct regular check-ins and performance evaluations with supervised staff
Foster a collaborative and professional work environment aligned with Interlochen’s standards and values.
Ensure all supervised staff adhere to institutional policies, safety protocols, and professional standards
Other duties as assigned.
Stage Inventory and Facility Management
Maintain comprehensive inventories of performance equipment, including chairs, music stands, risers, podiums, and related equipment
Develop and implement inventory tracking systems to monitor equipment condition, location, and availability
Coordinate equipment maintenance, repairs and replacement schedule.
Manage storage spaces and ensure organized, efficient access to stage equipment.
Research and recommend new equipment purchases that enhance production capabilities
Other duties as assigned.
Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in theatrical and performance environments with extensive interaction with internal and external stakeholders. Evening and weekend work is required based on performance schedules and production needs.
Required Experience:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Stage Management, Theatre Production, Music or related field preferred or equivalent experience.
Experience: Mid-level professional position requiring demonstrated stage management experience in live performance environments.
Certifications, Licenses, or Special Training:
Must meet and maintain background screening requirements as detailed in policy 12.HR.01 Pre-Employment and Employee Background Checks.
Valid driver’s license and driving record that meets the eligibility requirements of ICA’s insurance carrier (for all positions requiring driving).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary production team.
Strong organizational and logistical coordination skills.
Clear and professional verbal and written communication abilities
Familiarity with classical music performance practices and orchestral environments preferred.
Ability to read music or understand ensemble structure preferred.
Experience in additional technical theatre disciplines (lighting, sound, or stage operations) is a plus.
Ability to maintain positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and visiting artists.
Demonstrate respect for cultural, ethnic, spiritual, and linguistic diversity and values, including differences in personal goals, lifestyle choices, and varying family backgrounds and histories.
For a complete job description and to apply, go to https://interlcohen.org/carers or the direct link https://interlochen.submit4jobs.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=85509.viewjobdetail&CID=85509&JID=367599&BUID=3296#/jobDescription/367599/
Application Materials:
Cover Letter
Resume
Benefits Package:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Vacation, Sick, Holiday and generous winter holiday time off
Life insurance
Voluntary life insurance
Short and long-term disability
Employee development & tuition reimbursement programs
Defined contribution 401(a) plan, managed by TIAA
Free or discounted employee tickets to Interlochen performances and events *some exceptions apply
Early event ticket purchase before general public sales begin
Free Stone Cafeteria meal on shift
Dennison Recreation Center accessibility (includes spouses)
Priority access to Interlochen employees at Pitter Patter Day Care Center (less than one mile from campus)
Employee Referral Program (cash payments)
Tuition discounts for employee’s children at Academy, Camp and Interlochen Online
Parental leave (12 weeks paid for Pregnancy/Maternity/Childbirth leave, 6 weeks paid for Parental leave).
May 1, 2026 -
$49,000.00 – $49,000.00 per year