J-1 Visa Stage Manager Jobs
Stage Manager roles in the U.S. are accessible to international professionals through J-1 visa sponsorship, typically under the Trainee or Specialist program category. Designated sponsors issue your DS-2019 once a host theater, production company, or venue confirms your placement and training objectives.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Ohio University’s School of Theater seeks a visiting faculty member in Stage Management to join us as we prepare to move into the dynamic Patton Center for Arts Education, a new building designed with a focus on the next generation of multi-discipline artists. With alumni working in arts industries worldwide, the School of Theater has built its reputation on the development of individual artistic capacity. We strive to encourage our students to realize their own unique potential and vision. This faculty member would contribute to the delivery of the overall curriculum of the Production Design and Technology Area, and provide artistic and educational leadership for the MFA and BFA programs. With a balanced focus on both the theoretical/aesthetic phenomena of design and the practical applications of realized productions, the School of Theater values process-based methodologies that prepare students to be theater innovators for the 21st century.
The School of Theater is comprised of 26 faculty and staff who support over 200 undergraduates and 30 graduate students in BFA, BA, and MFA programs. We produce a full season of shows each academic year and are proud to host Tantrum Theater, Ohio University’s professional theater, as well as Vibrancy Theater.
This position focuses on undergraduate teaching within a BFA training program that integrates professional practice, production-based learning, and close faculty mentorship. The successful candidate will be a teacher–practitioner who prepares students for careers in stage management across theater, musical theater, opera, dance, and emerging performance forms. The position includes both classroom instruction and active mentorship of student stage managers on productions. The School is particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to a high-impact, production-driven training model with early and sustained student engagement in realized work.
This is a nine-month appointment beginning on August 16, 2026. This position may be renewable up to three years.
Responsibilities:
Teaching:
- Teach undergraduate courses in stage management, including introductory through advanced levels
- Deliver instruction in rehearsal and production management; prompt book development and production paperwork and documentation; leadership, communication, and collaboration in production environments
- Contribute to curriculum development that reflects current professional standards and evolving industry practices
- Support cross-disciplinary learning with students in acting, directing, design, and technology
Production Mentorship:
- Mentor undergraduate stage managers assigned to School of Theater and College productions
- Guide students through all phases of production, including: pre-production planning; rehearsal process; technical rehearsals and performances; attend weekly production meetings and key rehearsals; foster a progressive training model in which students advance in responsibility across their degree
Program and Institutional Service:
- Participate in recruitment, admissions, and portfolio review processes for BFA applicants
- Advise and mentor undergraduate students on academic progress and career pathways
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and production leadership on season planning and scheduling
- Supervise PACE student in the coordination of General Auditions and Callbacks
- Contribute to service at the School, College, and University levels
Professional Engagement:
- Maintain an active professional profile in stage management or a related field
- Bring current industry practices into the classroom and production environment
- Support student career development through professional networks, internships, and industry connections
This position requires days, nights, and weekends, including, but not limited to, technical and dress rehearsals. Hours required as dictated by academic and production schedules.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
MA or MFA terminal degree in Stage Management, or closely related field by the start date of appointment or may request approval for consideration using the equivalent or tested experience outlined in Ohio University policy 18.001.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience as an AEA union member or extremely strong knowledge of AEA rules and contracts.
- Demonstrated professional experience in stage management.
- Strong organizational skills, high degree of interpretive, interpersonal, problem solving and communication skills.
- Experience in a BFA conservatory-style training program
- Professional experience across multiple performance genres (theater, musical theater, opera, dance)
- Experience mentoring students in production-based learning environments
- Demonstrative ability to engage with works that investigate many perspectives.
- Ability to work in a collaborative relationship with faculty, staff, and students of all areas.
DEPARTMENT
School of Theater
PAY RATE
Salary is commensurate with experience and credentials and is accompanied by our generous university benefits such as tuition for self and dependents, a comprehensive insurance package (including but not limited to health, prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance), an excellent retirement plan including company contributions, parental leave, adoption reimbursement, and more. OHIO is also proud to offer wellness programs, on-site wellness facilities, and a generous employee assistance program. Additional Information is available at
TOTAL COMPENSATION ESTIMATOR (FOR FULL-TIME BENEFITS ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES)
Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:
Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.
See details on what we offer in one place and compare different options for retirement and insurance.
Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.
JOB OPEN DATE
05/01/2026
POSTING CLOSE DATE
The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by May 31 2026.
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
full-time term
JOB CATEGORY
Visiting Professor
MONTHS
9 month
PLANNING UNIT
College of Fine Arts
WORK SCHEDULE
This position requires days, nights, and weekends, including, but not limited to, technical and dress rehearsals. Hours required as dictated by academic and production schedules.
CAMPUS
Athens
APPLICANTS MAY CONTACT THIS PERSON IF THEY HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS POSITION.
Merri Biechler, biechler@ohio.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Ohio University is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.
INTRODUCTION
Ohio University’s School of Theater seeks a visiting faculty member in Stage Management to join us as we prepare to move into the dynamic Patton Center for Arts Education, a new building designed with a focus on the next generation of multi-discipline artists. With alumni working in arts industries worldwide, the School of Theater has built its reputation on the development of individual artistic capacity. We strive to encourage our students to realize their own unique potential and vision. This faculty member would contribute to the delivery of the overall curriculum of the Production Design and Technology Area, and provide artistic and educational leadership for the MFA and BFA programs. With a balanced focus on both the theoretical/aesthetic phenomena of design and the practical applications of realized productions, the School of Theater values process-based methodologies that prepare students to be theater innovators for the 21st century.
The School of Theater is comprised of 26 faculty and staff who support over 200 undergraduates and 30 graduate students in BFA, BA, and MFA programs. We produce a full season of shows each academic year and are proud to host Tantrum Theater, Ohio University’s professional theater, as well as Vibrancy Theater.
This position focuses on undergraduate teaching within a BFA training program that integrates professional practice, production-based learning, and close faculty mentorship. The successful candidate will be a teacher–practitioner who prepares students for careers in stage management across theater, musical theater, opera, dance, and emerging performance forms. The position includes both classroom instruction and active mentorship of student stage managers on productions. The School is particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to a high-impact, production-driven training model with early and sustained student engagement in realized work.
This is a nine-month appointment beginning on August 16, 2026. This position may be renewable up to three years.
Responsibilities:
Teaching:
- Teach undergraduate courses in stage management, including introductory through advanced levels
- Deliver instruction in rehearsal and production management; prompt book development and production paperwork and documentation; leadership, communication, and collaboration in production environments
- Contribute to curriculum development that reflects current professional standards and evolving industry practices
- Support cross-disciplinary learning with students in acting, directing, design, and technology
Production Mentorship:
- Mentor undergraduate stage managers assigned to School of Theater and College productions
- Guide students through all phases of production, including: pre-production planning; rehearsal process; technical rehearsals and performances; attend weekly production meetings and key rehearsals; foster a progressive training model in which students advance in responsibility across their degree
Program and Institutional Service:
- Participate in recruitment, admissions, and portfolio review processes for BFA applicants
- Advise and mentor undergraduate students on academic progress and career pathways
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and production leadership on season planning and scheduling
- Supervise PACE student in the coordination of General Auditions and Callbacks
- Contribute to service at the School, College, and University levels
Professional Engagement:
- Maintain an active professional profile in stage management or a related field
- Bring current industry practices into the classroom and production environment
- Support student career development through professional networks, internships, and industry connections
This position requires days, nights, and weekends, including, but not limited to, technical and dress rehearsals. Hours required as dictated by academic and production schedules.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
MA or MFA terminal degree in Stage Management, or closely related field by the start date of appointment or may request approval for consideration using the equivalent or tested experience outlined in Ohio University policy 18.001.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience as an AEA union member or extremely strong knowledge of AEA rules and contracts.
- Demonstrated professional experience in stage management.
- Strong organizational skills, high degree of interpretive, interpersonal, problem solving and communication skills.
- Experience in a BFA conservatory-style training program
- Professional experience across multiple performance genres (theater, musical theater, opera, dance)
- Experience mentoring students in production-based learning environments
- Demonstrative ability to engage with works that investigate many perspectives.
- Ability to work in a collaborative relationship with faculty, staff, and students of all areas.
DEPARTMENT
School of Theater
PAY RATE
Salary is commensurate with experience and credentials and is accompanied by our generous university benefits such as tuition for self and dependents, a comprehensive insurance package (including but not limited to health, prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance), an excellent retirement plan including company contributions, parental leave, adoption reimbursement, and more. OHIO is also proud to offer wellness programs, on-site wellness facilities, and a generous employee assistance program. Additional Information is available at
TOTAL COMPENSATION ESTIMATOR (FOR FULL-TIME BENEFITS ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES)
Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:
Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.
See details on what we offer in one place and compare different options for retirement and insurance.
Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.
JOB OPEN DATE
05/01/2026
POSTING CLOSE DATE
The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by May 31 2026.
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
full-time term
JOB CATEGORY
Visiting Professor
MONTHS
9 month
PLANNING UNIT
College of Fine Arts
WORK SCHEDULE
This position requires days, nights, and weekends, including, but not limited to, technical and dress rehearsals. Hours required as dictated by academic and production schedules.
CAMPUS
Athens
APPLICANTS MAY CONTACT THIS PERSON IF THEY HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS POSITION.
Merri Biechler, biechler@ohio.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Ohio University is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.
See all 482+ Stage Manager jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Stage Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Stage Manager
Document your production credits precisely
J-1 Trainee and Specialist applications require a detailed training plan. List each production by venue capacity, your specific role, and technical systems you operated. Vague credits like 'assisted stage management' won't satisfy a designated sponsor's training plan requirements.
Target regional theaters with established international programs
LORT and regional theaters that regularly host international artists already understand the DS-2019 process and host-employer obligations. Approaching these venues shortens the time between your job offer and sponsor enrollment compared to first-time host employers.
Clarify the two-year home residency rule before accepting an offer
Some J-1 participants are subject to a two-year home-country residency requirement after the program ends, which affects future U.S. visa eligibility. Confirm your country and funding source with your designated sponsor before signing any host-employer agreement.
Use Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned stage manager roles
Search Migrate Mate to identify U.S. production companies, theaters, and entertainment employers whose roles align with J-1 Trainee and Specialist categories, so you're targeting hosts who are already familiar with sponsorship structures.
Align your training plan with OFLC occupational categories
Your designated sponsor will map your training objectives to a recognized occupational category. Stage Manager falls under production and performing arts occupations. Reviewing O*NET for the Stage Manager profile helps you frame your skills in language sponsors and OFLC recognize.
Negotiate training plan scope with your host before sponsor enrollment
Designated sponsors won't issue a DS-2019 until the host employer signs a formal training plan. Agree on specific skill areas, supervision structure, and program duration with your host venue before the sponsor submits your application to avoid delays.
Stage Manager jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Stage Manager JobsStage Manager J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Stage Manager positions?
Most Stage Manager placements fall under the J-1 Trainee or Specialist category. Trainee applies if you're within five years of graduating from a performing arts or theater program, or within five years of starting your career. Specialist is the right category if you're an established professional with recognized expertise in stage management seeking advanced practical experience at a U.S. host organization.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Stage Manager role?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization such as Cultural Vistas, CIEE, or AIPT, not your employer. The theater or production company is your host. The designated sponsor reviews your training plan, issues the DS-2019 form, and monitors compliance throughout your program. Your host employer cannot sponsor the J-1 directly without that designation.
How do I find U.S. employers that will host a J-1 Stage Manager?
Migrate Mate lets you search for Stage Manager roles at U.S. employers whose hiring patterns align with J-1 sponsorship structures. Focus on LORT theaters, touring production companies, and university performing arts centers, which have the staff and organizational capacity to fulfill host-employer obligations like signing training plans and providing supervision.
Does the J-1 Trainee category have a time limit for Stage Managers?
Yes. The J-1 Trainee program allows a maximum of 18 months of training in the United States. Some designated sponsors cap individual programs at 12 months depending on the training plan and host organization. You cannot extend beyond 18 months under the Trainee category, so plan your program timeline and departure date before enrollment begins.
Can I work on a Broadway or touring production under a J-1 visa?
Yes, if the production company is willing to serve as your J-1 host employer and a designated sponsor approves the training plan. Broadway and major touring productions often work with union crews, so confirm with the host whether your J-1 training role fits within their production structure and any applicable union agreements before your sponsor submits the DS-2019 application.
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