Assistant Stage Manager/Captioner (Early Stage Professional Programme): National

48 Thoughts Per Minute

Role: Assistant Stage Manager/Captioner (Early Stage Professional Programme)

By The Paper Birds. Co-Written with Jessica Fostekew. A co-production with New Wolsey Theatre. Co-commissioned by Corn Exchange Newbury & Warwick Arts Centre. Funded by Arts Council England and Essex County Council.

The Paper Birds are excited to be recruiting an Assistant Stage Manager/Captioner as part of our Early Stage Professional Programme, joining our upcoming production of 48 Thoughts Per Minute. This is a fully paid opportunity for a theatre-maker/professional aged 18-30, based in Maldon or the wider Essex area, who is at the beginning of their theatre career or recently qualified in a professional degree.

Key dates

• Rehearsals:
• W/c 7 December Corn Exchange Newbury
• W/c 14 December Corn Exchange Newbury
• W/c 4 January Lakeside Theatre, Colchester
• W/c 11 January The Albany
• W/c 18 January DanceEast/New Wolsey Theatre
• W/c 25 January Technical rehearsals and opening performances at New Wolsey Theatre

Performances

• 1 February to 30 March 2027

Please note that the above dates are subject to confirmation and applicants must be available for the full rehearsal and performance period.

Responsibilities

• Covering the calling of the performances in the absence of the Stage Manager on Book.
• Operating the show's live captioning system and audience interaction system during performances.
• Preparing and checking caption files and performance text.
• Ensuring captions are correctly timed and synchronised with the live performance.
• Working closely with the Stage Manager and performers to maintain accurate captioning.
• Monitoring the captioning system throughout each performance and troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• Supporting with setup and get-ins.
• Supporting the touring company with fit-ups, resets and get-outs.
• Assisting with general stage management and prop duties as required.
• Maintaining and checking captioning equipment and associated technology.
• Liaising with venue teams to ensure the captioning system can be installed and operated effectively.
• Supporting safe working practices throughout and touring period.
• Maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Contributing to a positive, collaborative and inclusive touring environment.
• Undertaking other reasonable backstage duties appropriate to the role and the needs of the production (laundry calls during the tour, prop repairs etc).

Qualities, Skills and Experience

• Obtains a degree in stage management or has entry level professional experience in theatre, ideally in stage management and touring in the UK, or a related role.
• Has excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Is confident in learning new systems.
• Is comfortable following live performance cues and responding quickly when things change.
• Has excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Is organized, reliable and able to work independently.
• Is comfortable working as part of a small touring company.
• Has an understanding of accessibility and the importance of accurate, timely captioning.
• Can remain calm and solutions-focused during live performances.
• Is an attentive listener who takes direction confidently, responds quickly and accurately, and can anticipate the needs of the team before they arise.
• Is a collaborative team player who understands the importance of trust and ensemble in a devised theatre environment, contributing generously to a positive working environment.

Desirable Qualities, Skills and Experience

• As part of our commitment to supporting and developing local theatre makers, we are particularly interested in hearing from those with a strong connection to Maldon or the wider Essex region. If you are from Maldon/Essex please make that clear within your application.
• Previous experience operating live captions or text systems is desirable but not essential if the applicant can demonstrate strong stage management or live event experience and a willingness to learn the system.
• Full driving licence for the UK

Fees and Contract

The Paper Birds work in line with ITC Fair Work Agreements.

The current 2026/27 ITC/Equity minimum rate for a trained professional is £631 per week or £180 per day, with the appropriate grade and rate confirmed in the contract. The production will follow the relevant agreement in relation to working hours, rest, travel, accommodation, holiday pay and applicable allowances. Where the role requires relocation or overnight stays, applicable travel, accommodation and subsistence arrangements will be provided in line with the relevant agreement.

Equality, Diversity and Access

The Paper Birds are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable working environment. We welcome applications from people who are deaf, disabled or neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and from communities currently underrepresented in the theatre industry.

Please let us know if you have any access requirements or require adjustments to participate fully in the recruitment process.

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