Position Summary:

The Kobotech Stage Manager at the Grant Park Music Festival is a key production role within Kobotech. The Stage Manager is a well-rounded concert and live event manager who works closely with a team of highly motivated and skilled theatrical technicians and administrative staff to produce one of Chicago’s most visible outdoor summer events – the Grant Park Music Festival, featuring the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus. As directed by Kobotech Production Manager, the Stage Manager is responsible for the planning, setup, and execution of all stage-related logistics for rehearsals, performances, and special events. This role ensures that all technical, equipment, and stage management needs are met, creating a seamless performance environment for musicians, conductors, and guest artists. The ideal candidate flourishes in high-paced environments and has a nuanced understanding of orchestral production needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute orchestra and percussion stage plots for 20 orchestral programs during the 10-week performance season.
• Communicate with Music Director, Guest Conductors, Visiting Artists, Audio Team, and Production Management regarding artistic, logistical, and equipment needs for each program.
• Oversee daily setup for a total of 50 rehearsals and 30 concerts as part of the regular orchestra and chorus schedules.
• Ensure rehearsal and performance compliance with labor agreements in collaboration with Orchestra and Chorus Managers.
• Troubleshoot technical or logistical issues that arise during rehearsals and performances.
• Serve as a primary communication channel for musicians, conductors, and guest artists regarding stage setups and any changes, concerns, or needs as they emerge.
• Coordinate with backstage crew and artists during rehearsals and performances to execute efficient stage changes and entrances.
• Foster a positive, efficient, inclusive, and collaborative production staff culture.
• Promote a safe working environment, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and venue regulations.
• These duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and are subject to review in conjunction with the postholder and Production Manager.

Skills, Knowledge, and Essential Attributes:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional stage management experience
• Familiarity with orchestral production strongly preferred
• Facility with office software including G-Suite, Dropbox, Microsoft 365
• Experience with or willingness to learn basic drafting software such as Visio or AutoCAD
• Superior attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Patience and calm under pressure and with a variety of personalities
• Creative problem-solving
• Availability for full festival schedule, including daytime rehearsals and evening, weekend, and holiday performances

About Kobotech Inc.

Kobotech, Inc. is dedicated to producing world-class events that leave lasting impressions on attendees.Celebrating 30 years in business, Kobotech specializes in providing complete production management and technical staffing services for producers of concerts, special events, theatre, and film. Our portfolio includes iconic venues such as the Chicago Cultural Center, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, where Kobotech manages production elements for The Grant Park Music Festival, Chicago’s annual Blues, Gospel, and Jazz Festivals and Taste of Chicago in Grant Park.Kobotech, Inc. is certified by the American Small Business Association and by the City of Chicago as a Minority Business Enterprise.About the Grant Park Music Festival: The Grant Park Music Festival is an outdoor free festival of classical music performed at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park in Chicago. Over 10 weeks during June – August, the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus present 30 mainstage concerts of 20 different programs. Full season listing at: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2025-season

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