OPT Stage Manager Jobs
Stage Manager jobs on OPT require employers willing to file an H-1B visa 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 OPT Stage Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 299+ 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 299+ 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 JobsPosition Information
Working Title Assistant Production Manager/Stage Manager
Position Number FA458
FLSA Exempt
Appointment Type Full Time
Sensitive Position No
Campus Security Authority Yes
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities”. A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.
Chief Objective of Position
Assists in providing administrative planning, budgeting and supervisory direction for all production activities in the Ferguson Center for the Arts to ensure maximum use of facility and ensure safety of all involved. Will be called on to supervise and assist in other allied activities connected with the operation of the other facilities and events scheduled at the University as determined by the Administration.
Work Tasks
At the direction of the Production Manager, the Assistant will schedule work calls, prepare estimates, procure equipment, schedule, execute and fulfill production advance calls, manage and lead technical crews, function as a crew member, serve as a stage manager calling shows, managing casts - sometimes fulfilling the responsibilities of both company manager and stage manager, train new crew members and students.
Develop and maintain very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Fully support the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
Follow workplace safety regulations and adhere to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position. Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position
- Knowledge of standard theatrical tools, systems, and equipment, including lighting, sound, rigging, staging, and backstage operations.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and accepted safety practices in a performing arts environment.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills. Results-focused. Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to assist in the coordination and execution of all production elements for major professional touring attractions.
- Ability to support and assist the Production Manager in a high-volume, multi-event venue.
- Ability to function as a Stage Manager, including working with cast, crew, designers, and visiting artists.
- Ability to schedule and run rehearsals as assigned.
- Ability to call cues and manage live performances.
- Ability to maintain backstage order and enforce performance protocols.
- Ability to substitute into various positions on a traditional technical crew.
- Ability to function as both a crew leader and a crew member depending on production needs.
- Ability to supervise, mentor, or coordinate student workers, interns, and over-hire crew.
- Ability to assist with production scheduling, space management, and coordination of multiple events.
- Ability to assist with production timelines, load-ins, load-outs, and strike operations.
- Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals.
- Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to work productively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to learn and use production-related software applications as needed.
- Physical ability to work long hours as required.
- Physical ability to lift, stand, climb, and work in confined or elevated spaces.
- Ability to work highly irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on event schedules.
- Commitment to a collaborative, service-oriented production environment.
Required Education
Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree with work experience that equates to an advanced degree.
Additional Consideration - Education
Master’s degree in Theatre or related field with an emphasis in technical theatre and/or stage management, or a Bachelor’s degree with significant work experience that equates to a Master’s degree is required.
Experience Required
- Technical theatre or production experience in a multi-use performing arts facility.
- Experience in stage management for live performance, including rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances.
- Experience collaborating with artists, designers, production staff, and visiting technical personnel.
- Experience using personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and production-related software applications.
- Experience in theatre operations, technical production, facility operations, and maintenance.
Additional Consideration - Experience
Management experience coordinating and supporting all technical aspects of productions in a complex, multiple-use environment. Experience making critical operational decisions and solving problems in real time. Demonstrated experience working with professional touring productions and presenting organizations. Experience advancing productions and working from technical riders, schedules, and production documentation. Experience supervising or coordinating technical staff, student workers, and/or over-hire crew. Experience collaborating with artists, designers, production staff, and visiting technical personnel. Theatre experience in a college/university setting.
Salary Information
Starting at $50,887, Commensurate with Education and Experience.
CNU Information
Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.
Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.
Is this position telework eligible? No
Application Instructions
Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.
This position will be posted until filled; however, review of applications will begin on 05/03/2026.
Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.
EEO/Diversity Statement(s)
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.
Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement
Position Information
Working Title Assistant Production Manager/Stage Manager
Position Number FA458
FLSA Exempt
Appointment Type Full Time
Sensitive Position No
Campus Security Authority Yes
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities”. A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.
Chief Objective of Position
Assists in providing administrative planning, budgeting and supervisory direction for all production activities in the Ferguson Center for the Arts to ensure maximum use of facility and ensure safety of all involved. Will be called on to supervise and assist in other allied activities connected with the operation of the other facilities and events scheduled at the University as determined by the Administration.
Work Tasks
At the direction of the Production Manager, the Assistant will schedule work calls, prepare estimates, procure equipment, schedule, execute and fulfill production advance calls, manage and lead technical crews, function as a crew member, serve as a stage manager calling shows, managing casts - sometimes fulfilling the responsibilities of both company manager and stage manager, train new crew members and students.
Develop and maintain very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Fully support the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
Follow workplace safety regulations and adhere to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position. Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position
- Knowledge of standard theatrical tools, systems, and equipment, including lighting, sound, rigging, staging, and backstage operations.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and accepted safety practices in a performing arts environment.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills. Results-focused. Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to assist in the coordination and execution of all production elements for major professional touring attractions.
- Ability to support and assist the Production Manager in a high-volume, multi-event venue.
- Ability to function as a Stage Manager, including working with cast, crew, designers, and visiting artists.
- Ability to schedule and run rehearsals as assigned.
- Ability to call cues and manage live performances.
- Ability to maintain backstage order and enforce performance protocols.
- Ability to substitute into various positions on a traditional technical crew.
- Ability to function as both a crew leader and a crew member depending on production needs.
- Ability to supervise, mentor, or coordinate student workers, interns, and over-hire crew.
- Ability to assist with production scheduling, space management, and coordination of multiple events.
- Ability to assist with production timelines, load-ins, load-outs, and strike operations.
- Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals.
- Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to work productively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to learn and use production-related software applications as needed.
- Physical ability to work long hours as required.
- Physical ability to lift, stand, climb, and work in confined or elevated spaces.
- Ability to work highly irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on event schedules.
- Commitment to a collaborative, service-oriented production environment.
Required Education
Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree with work experience that equates to an advanced degree.
Additional Consideration - Education
Master’s degree in Theatre or related field with an emphasis in technical theatre and/or stage management, or a Bachelor’s degree with significant work experience that equates to a Master’s degree is required.
Experience Required
- Technical theatre or production experience in a multi-use performing arts facility.
- Experience in stage management for live performance, including rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances.
- Experience collaborating with artists, designers, production staff, and visiting technical personnel.
- Experience using personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and production-related software applications.
- Experience in theatre operations, technical production, facility operations, and maintenance.
Additional Consideration - Experience
Management experience coordinating and supporting all technical aspects of productions in a complex, multiple-use environment. Experience making critical operational decisions and solving problems in real time. Demonstrated experience working with professional touring productions and presenting organizations. Experience advancing productions and working from technical riders, schedules, and production documentation. Experience supervising or coordinating technical staff, student workers, and/or over-hire crew. Experience collaborating with artists, designers, production staff, and visiting technical personnel. Theatre experience in a college/university setting.
Salary Information
Starting at $50,887, Commensurate with Education and Experience.
CNU Information
Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.
Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.
Is this position telework eligible? No
Application Instructions
Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.
This position will be posted until filled; however, review of applications will begin on 05/03/2026.
Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.
EEO/Diversity Statement(s)
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.
Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement
See all 299+ OPT Stage Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Stage Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 visa 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.
Apply early in your OPT window
H-1B cap registration opens in March for an October start date. Joining a company by mid-year of your OPT gives your employer time to register you before cap season closes, avoiding a gap in your work authorization.
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 OPT: Frequently 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.