Stage Manager Jobs for OPT Students
Stage Manager jobs on OPT require employers willing to file an H-1B or offer cap-exempt sponsorship, since live production roles often fall outside standard specialty occupation patterns. Most opportunities are in theater, television, and live events. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, shapes which contracts are realistic to pursue.
See All Stage Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 1,874+ Stage Manager jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 1,874+ 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 JobsSalary: $1,159.00 - $1,508.00 Weekly
Location: Cedar City, UT
Job Type: Shakespeare Seasonal
Job Number: 202400224
Division: President's Office
Closing: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Tony-award winning UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, a professional theatre company in residence at Southern Utah University, is accepting applications for Production Staff for the 2026 season. The Utah Shakespeare Festival produces an eight-show repertory season and three Greenshows across four venues in the summer/fall of each year. Position details below. Contract start dates and lengths vary. Equity contracts are LORT B and LORT D (Repertory).
- Stage Manager (AEA): Contracts start in late April or early June and run through early September or early October depending on show assignments.
- Assistant Stage Manager (AEA): Contract starts in late April and runs through early September.
Date of first consideration: 11/26/2025.
Essential Functions
All jobs may involve moving a variety of physical objects, including furniture, props, and scenery pieces. Due to the repertory nature of the USF season, all stage managers are likely to be in rehearsal/performance for more than one show at the same time.
- Stage Manager (AEA):
- Coordinate and execute assigned shows in collaboration with an SM team.
- Oversees rehearsals and calling of assigned productions.
- Works in collaboration with SM staff scheduler to schedule rehearsals.
-
May cover secondary rehearsals as needed. Will also be assigned to cover (understudy) the calling of other shows as needed.
-
Assistant Stage Manager (AEA):
- Assist SM with coordination and execution of assigned shows.
- Responsible for creation and maintenance of the majority of show paperwork for assigned shows.
- Oversees all backstage operations during tech and performances.
- May cover secondary rehearsals as needed.
- Will also be assigned to cover (understudy) ASM or SM tracks on other shows as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- Previous professional stage management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous AEA stage management.
- Current member of Actors' Equity Association (AEA).
Documents Needed To Apply
- 3 professional references.
Position is contingent on funding. Due to recent changes in H1B visa fees, Southern Utah University is no longer able to sponsor international faculty and staff that require an H1B visa and are currently living outside of the United States.
Southern Utah University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.
In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check.
To apply, please visit https://apptrkr.com/6922665
jeid-d901e1598a2c154797924a71d8cd5ba5
Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
Salary: $1,159.00 - $1,508.00 Weekly
Location: Cedar City, UT
Job Type: Shakespeare Seasonal
Job Number: 202400224
Division: President's Office
Closing: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Tony-award winning UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, a professional theatre company in residence at Southern Utah University, is accepting applications for Production Staff for the 2026 season. The Utah Shakespeare Festival produces an eight-show repertory season and three Greenshows across four venues in the summer/fall of each year. Position details below. Contract start dates and lengths vary. Equity contracts are LORT B and LORT D (Repertory).
- Stage Manager (AEA): Contracts start in late April or early June and run through early September or early October depending on show assignments.
- Assistant Stage Manager (AEA): Contract starts in late April and runs through early September.
Date of first consideration: 11/26/2025.
Essential Functions
All jobs may involve moving a variety of physical objects, including furniture, props, and scenery pieces. Due to the repertory nature of the USF season, all stage managers are likely to be in rehearsal/performance for more than one show at the same time.
- Stage Manager (AEA):
- Coordinate and execute assigned shows in collaboration with an SM team.
- Oversees rehearsals and calling of assigned productions.
- Works in collaboration with SM staff scheduler to schedule rehearsals.
-
May cover secondary rehearsals as needed. Will also be assigned to cover (understudy) the calling of other shows as needed.
-
Assistant Stage Manager (AEA):
- Assist SM with coordination and execution of assigned shows.
- Responsible for creation and maintenance of the majority of show paperwork for assigned shows.
- Oversees all backstage operations during tech and performances.
- May cover secondary rehearsals as needed.
- Will also be assigned to cover (understudy) ASM or SM tracks on other shows as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- Previous professional stage management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous AEA stage management.
- Current member of Actors' Equity Association (AEA).
Documents Needed To Apply
- 3 professional references.
Position is contingent on funding. Due to recent changes in H1B visa fees, Southern Utah University is no longer able to sponsor international faculty and staff that require an H1B visa and are currently living outside of the United States.
Southern Utah University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.
In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check.
To apply, please visit https://apptrkr.com/6922665
jeid-d901e1598a2c154797924a71d8cd5ba5
Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Stage Manager
Target union production companies
Broadway, regional theater, and major television productions operating under IATSE or USA agreements tend to have HR infrastructure familiar with work authorization. These employers are more likely to have sponsored visas before and understand the process.
Frame your role as a specialty occupation
Stage Management requires a bachelor's degree in theater, production management, or a related field. When discussing your background, connect your degree directly to your responsibilities to strengthen the specialty occupation argument for H-1B sponsorship.
Prioritize long-running productions over short contracts
A six-week regional run won't support an H-1B petition. Seek resident theater positions, television staff roles, or production companies with ongoing slates where multi-year employment makes visa sponsorship a practical investment for the employer.
Highlight production management crossover skills
Employers in film, television, and live events sometimes classify stage managers under production coordinator or operations titles. Demonstrating fluency in scheduling software, budgeting, and crew logistics broadens the range of roles that may qualify and attract sponsors.
Ask about cap-exempt sponsorship at universities
Colleges and universities with performing arts departments regularly hire stage managers for productions and academic programs. These employers are H-1B cap-exempt, meaning sponsorship can happen at any time of year without waiting for the annual lottery.
Stage Manager jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Stage Manager JobsSee all 1,874+ 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 JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can a Stage Manager job qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, stage management can qualify as a specialty occupation if the role requires a bachelor's degree in theater, production management, or a closely related field. The employer must demonstrate the degree requirement is standard for the position. Roles at established production companies, networks, or universities are the strongest candidates for approval.
Are Stage Manager jobs typically listed as OPT-friendly?
Most production employers do not advertise visa sponsorship in job postings. The conversation usually happens after an offer or during final interviews. Migrate Mate filters specifically for employers who have sponsored work visas before, making it a practical starting point for OPT students searching for stage management roles.
Does a STEM OPT extension apply to Stage Manager roles?
Stage management degrees are not typically classified under STEM fields, so most students in this field are not eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your standard OPT period is 12 months. If your undergraduate degree was in a STEM-designated program and you moved into stage management, consult your DSO to confirm your eligibility.
What types of employers are most likely to sponsor a Stage Manager on OPT?
Television networks, major regional theaters, Broadway production companies, and universities with active performance programs have the most established sponsorship track records. Short-run touring productions and independent event companies rarely have the legal infrastructure to support a petition. Focusing on staff or resident positions rather than per-production contracts significantly improves your chances.
Can I work as a freelance Stage Manager while on OPT?
Self-employment is permitted on OPT, but each engagement must directly relate to your degree field. You must work a minimum of 20 hours per week in qualifying employment to remain in valid status. Freelance stage management work for multiple productions can satisfy this requirement, but keep thorough records of contracts and hours in case your DSO or USCIS requests documentation.
See which Stage Manager employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Stage Manager Jobs