Freelance Stage Managers (MIF25)

We are looking for a number of Freelance Stage Managers to work with us on a variety of events, shows and exhibitions as part of our year-round programme at Aviva Studios and for Manchester International Festival 2025 (MIF25). We are looking for people at all levels of experience in a range of art forms and events.

Freelance Stage Managers (MIF25) call out brief- download here

Please feel free to contact us at if you require any support in completing your application.

Factory International invites artists from across the globe to create extraordinary new work at Aviva Studios and for Manchester International Festival, which is staged every two years at venues and found spaces across Manchester.

We want to bring together a talented pool of Stage Managers to work across a wide range of productions, artworks and commercial events. Projects range in scale and time frames but we are particularly interested to hear from people with availability across June and July 2025. We are seeking committed and passionate people to deliver an internationally significant creative and cultural programme, which takes dedication but is immensely rewarding.

We match people to projects that fit their skills and experience, which means your start date and contract length will depend on the project you work on - you could be working on a project for Aviva Studios, MIF25 and/or touring productions to international venues. The general role description for Stage Managers is below.

HOW TO APPLY

If you're interested in working with us, connect with us here, where you will be asked to respond to the following questions:

1. The area(s) you are interested in working in (e.g. live events, music, theatre, dance, opera, art installations, exhibitions, site-specific work, outdoor events, etc.)
2. The skills and experience you are able to contribute and the option to provide additional information about yourself (e.g. CV, link to your LinkedIn/Mandy profile)
3. Information about any non-availability from 19 th May - 22 nd July 2025

At the same time you can opt to add a Connect profile meaning you'll get information about upcoming roles/opportunities in any other areas you'd like to express interest for.

WHAT'S NEXT

We will contact you as and when we have a project that we feel is a good match for you. We will inform you of the project's timescale, compensation and other details and invite you to an interview.

ROLE DESCRIPTION: FREELANCE STAGE MANAGER

As a Freelance Stage Manager you will work with the show specific Producer and Factory International's Technical team to deliver the technical aspects of commissions on a variety of scales in conventional and found spaces.

This may include:

• Supervising rehearsals and performances, including creating rehearsal calls and planning costume fittings
• Procure props, furniture and set dressing as required and manage the department budget
• Managing performer welfare
• Creating a prompt copy of the script
• Running technical rehearsals
• Attending production and pre-production meetings as required
• Working closely with lead artists and technical team to develop a concise running of the performance from a stage management perspective
• Liaising with volunteers, venue and FOH staff to ensure the smooth running of the project
• Maintaining a clear line of communication with the Factory International Producer
• Delivering attendance and show reports
• Implementing appropriate risk assessments and health and safety requirements
• Keeping accurate running paperwork which will be kept as part of the show bible

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

We currently have positions open for a range of projects for MIF25 (premiering in June/July 2025). By responding to this call out, you will automatically be considered for the available positions and your CV will be kept on file for future Factory International projects, in line with our data protection timeframes.

When applying please do not rely solely on ChatGPT/AI software for your answers as it may not fully reflect your skills and experience and how they align with this role and we may decide to discount your answer if we believe it is solely generated by AI.