Assistant Stage Manager

Position Title: Assistant Stage Manager – Black Bone

Status: Seasonal/Contract

Location: 1160 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615

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Job Summary and Key Priorities:
Definition Theatre is seeking an Assistant Stage Manager for our upcoming Production Black Bone by Tina Fakhrid-Deen directed by Carla Stillwell.

The Assistant Stage Manager is an integral part of our stage management team. The Assistant  Stage Manager will attend rehearsals, previews, and performances. Work closely with the Stage Manager, Artistic Team, and Production Management to provide organization and support throughout the process. This may include tracking blocking, costumes and props, setting up the space, costume care, being on book for actors, running lines, and other capacities. The ability to work independently and in a collaborative, dialectical manner Run and maintain a crew track during the show. That may include setting/moving and striking props, operating rigging and scene change equipment.

About the Play: 

A winner of Amplify Series Two, Black Bone is a sharp satirical fantasy that blurs the line between game show theatrics and real life. The play follows a group of Black academics at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who discover that one among them is “passing” as Black. Chaos quickly unfolds—mutiny erupts, panic spreads, and the consequences turn deadly. In a desperate bid for survival, we are posed with the question of how is Blackness defined or performed—and who gets to decide who’s in and who’s out?

Production Schedule: 

• Rehearsals – April 29-May 22, 2025 (Weds and Fridays off)
• Load-in – May 15 – 21, 2025
• Tech Starts – May 22 – 28, 2025
• Final Dress – Thursday, May 29, 2025
• Previews – May 30 – June 2, 2025
• Opening – Thursday, June 5, 2025
• Regular Run – June 6 – 29, 2025
• Closing/Strike  – June 29, 2025

Role Qualifications:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dialogue-rich environment
• Previous stage management or production experience preferred
• Positive attitude, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment

Compensation: $3,000

How to Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter through this application form.

Definition is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. It is important to us to reflect the communities we serve. Definition thus recruits, hires, trains, compensates, and promotes our staff regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

Background:

Definition Theatre has been a vibrant force for over a decade, celebrating stories created with, inspired by, and intended for people and communities of color. Through the act of making, Definition expands perspectives, stewards resources, and bridges the possibilities found at the intersection of art, innovation, and education. Known for bold and impactful productions, we’ve brought to life plays by Oscar-winner Tarell Alvin McCraney, Pulitzer Prize-winners James Ijames and Jackie Sibblies Drury, and Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. We strive to promote equity, foster empathy, and enhance the quality of life for our community members by offering opportunities for creative, entrepreneurial, and cultural expression. Our work emphasizes collaboration in theater-making and raises awareness of career paths in the arts. In 2024, Definition leased and equipped a storefront space in Hyde Park, enabling us to engage artists and expand programs as we prepare for our permanent home in Woodlawn on the southside of Chicago. This new theater, community center, and business incubator will amplify and preserve BIPOC voices, promote social justice, and empower the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to drive positive progress through the transformative power of the arts.

Our Culture:

Definition is a people first, solution based organization. We value diverse perspectives, radical authenticity, and a community-driven approach. We dream big, offering flexibility to staff while we work to achieve our mission. As such, we are proud to offer competitive compensation and an environment that is friendly to remote working and work/life balance.