Professional Employment with NMU Theatre & Dance
As needed, the Department of Theatre and Dance at Northern Michigan University employs professional directors, designers, stage managers, guest artists, and other theatre and dance professionals to work on our productions. These employment opportunities are paid positions and are not open to current NMU students.
Rates & Requirements
Please see the links below for current position rates and requirements. Positions become available on a rolling basis, so check back frequently for new opportunities!
How to Apply
To apply for one of the positions listed, please email your resume and a cover letter/letter of interest to our Production Manager, David Pierce, at davpierc@nmu.edu.
Current Employment Opportunities
We are currently looking to fill the following positions:
Production: A Holiday Double Feature: A Charlie Brown Christmas & The Nutcracker
Positions Available: Production Stage Manager, Lighting Designer
Important Dates:
First Rehearsal: October 17
Tech: December 1-8
Performances: December 9-10 and 14-17
*This show will have student matinee performances at 10:00am and 12:00pm on December 9 and 16.
Production Meetings: Wednesdays at 12:00pm (30 min starting first week of rehearsals)
Production: Salome
Positions Available: Production Stage Manager, Costume Designer
Important Dates:
First Rehearsal: January 16 (this is subject to change)
Tech: February 16-23
Performances: February 24-25 and March 1-4
Production Meetings: Wednesdays at 12:30pm (30 min starting first week of rehearsals)
Production: Grease
Positions Available: Production Stage Manager, Lighting Designer, Costume Designer
Important Dates:
First Rehearsal: March 13
Tech: April 6-13
Performances: April 14-15 and 19-22
*This show will have a student matinee performance at 10:00am on April 21.
Production Meetings: Wednesdays at 12:00pm (30 min starting first week of rehearsals)
Contract Rates
A Holiday Double Feature: A Charlie Brown Christmas & The Nutcracker
Production Stage Manager: $2000
Lighting Designer: $1500
Salome
Production Stage Manager: $2000
Costume Designer: $2000
Grease
Production Stage Manager: $2000
Lighting Designer: $2000
Costume Designer: $1500
Position Requirements
Production Stage Manager: Work with director of specific production to coordinate/run rehearsal process including but not limited to, actor sign in, recording blocking, recording line notes, communicating to design team any necessities discovered during rehearsal process, generating and distributing daily rehearsal reports, calling breaks during rehearsal, attending weekly production meetings, and taking any notes. Be present at all performance to call the show. Rehearsals will likely run Monday-Saturday 7p-10p. This position will also be given at least ONE student assistant. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word/Google Docs, Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets, and email. This position requires the ability to work with a computer. Must have strong communication skills. This position reports to the Production Manager.
Lighting Designer: Work with director of specific production to create a lighting design specific to the production. Attend design meetings and present lighting concept to rest of team. Draft and submit lighting plot and related paperwork by designated date. Be present and actively lead focus. Actively participate in tech process programming individual cues required for each scene. Attend all scheduled production meetings. Must be familiar with ETC Eos Software. Must have strong communication skills. This position will work in conjunction with a student Master Electrician and staff Lighting Shop Supervisor. This position reports to the Production Manager.
Costume Designer: Work with director of specific production to create a costume design specific to the production. Attend design meetings and present costume concept to rest of team. Draft and submit renderings and related build information to costume shop by designated date. Must be available (not in person) for costume fittings and communication with costume shop. Actively participate in dress rehearsal process. Attend all scheduled production meetings. Must have strong communication skills. This position works in conjunction with staff Costume Shop Supervisor. This position reports to the Production Manager.