Production Stage Manager | MSC

About RWS Global

RWS Global is the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports, creating customized guest experiences spanning theatrical productions, live events, immersive destinations, multimedia, consumer products and more. RWS Global is headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati, Shanghai, Orlando, Sydney and Riyadh with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base. With a focus on entertainment and sports experiences, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theaters, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals and performers worldwide.

The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, MSC Cruises, Roompot, Rugby World Cup, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Chicago the Musical, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more.

About the role…

The Production Stage Manager is responsible for the overall operation of the venue. Reports to shoreside RWS Manager, Production Operations, and on-board MSC Cruise Director. The Production Stage Manager will be responsible for calling the show each night, as well as maintaining technical and artistic quality control of the performances and events that take place in the venue. They will be responsible for Company Management related duties and handle Cast and Technician concerns. They will work closely with the Technicians to ensure the venue is being run safely and efficiently and work with the Dance Captain to ensure that all necessary rehearsals are taking place. This role will serve as the main point of communication with RWS shoreside management as well as onboard MSC management. During installs and cast changeovers this role will serve as communication between the Install Team and onboard management.

What’s expected…

• Communicate professionally with RWS and MSC management, cast, technicians, and onboard maintenance teams.
• Manage and oversee technical, operational, and personnel needs of all daily performances, events, trainings, and rehearsals that take place within the venue.
• Hold weekly meetings with Cast and Technicians as well as with external departments as needed.
• Communicate with necessary personnel to ensure the safe execution and operation of all experiences within the venue.
• Produce a daily schedule for cast and crew with collaboration from necessary on-board parties including but not limited to Cruise Director and Dance Captain.
• Call cues for shows and oversee all performances and events in the venue seven (7) nights per week.
• Ensuring that the shows meet and maintain the high-quality artistic, and safety standards established by RWS and MSC.
• Acquire and demonstrate awareness of both RWS’ and the venue’s safety procedures including Emergency Action Plans, PPE Requirements, and additional protocols.
• Handle all Company Management related concerns from the Cast and Technicians, including but not limited to roommate disputes, filling maintenance requests, handling disciplinary issues, and addressing general concerns.
• Produce nightly performance reports detailing audience reactions, technical issues, cast concerns, and other pertinent show related information.
• Regularly schedule and enforce safety inspections of all equipment.
• Be able to assist as needed with all events, trainings, and happenings that occur within the venue, including but not limited to technical set ups and playbacks.
• Assist with other production related duties as necessary and reasonably requested which includes general maintenance for technical equipment, scenic, and prop elements.
• Play an active role in cast changeovers and installations of new programming.
• Keep a working knowledge of RWS Technicians’ show tracks and duties to be able to oversee the training of new technicians.

What you bring…

• Ability to communicate with multiple supervisors while maintaining transparency and open communication.
• Ability to balance artistic needs with technical elements and safety in mind.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate the need for technical support for various events and performances.
• Have a valid passport not expiring within 6 months past the length of the contract.
• Have or the ability to obtain visas required given the sailing itinerary of the ship.
• Ability to complete the MSC required pre-employment medical screening, including comprehensive vaccination requirements.
• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (or proof of exemption) including one booster shot.
• Bachelor’s degree in theatre (production or technical) or equivalent in field experience required.
• Excellent communication and time management skills, as well as work ethic and attitude.
• Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge and understanding of other languages a plus.
• Basic knowledge of technical equipment inclusive of sound, lighting, and video. Automation and rigging a plus.
• Cruise Line or Touring Experience suggested, but not required.
• Ability to stay professional in high stress situations working under tight deadlines, while still accomplishing daily work and producing and maintaining a high-level product.
• Ability to communicate with multiple departments onboard, understanding how the entertainment team folds into the bigger operation.
• Ability to think on your feet and jump in quickly to help when needed.
• Willingness to lend a hand even when asked to do something out of your direct scope of work.
• Ability to work seven (7) days per week for periods of up to 6 to 8-months at a time.
• Comfortable working in across multiple venues, learning multiple tracks for running shows and events as needed.
• Comfortable living and working in close quarters with co-workers from varied backgrounds.
• Ability to stand for long periods and consistently lift 50lbs/25kg in fulfillment of responsibilities.
• Comfortable working at height in harnesses, Genies, and ladders is a plus.
• Ability to learn and abide by all onboard safety regulations as outlined in ship's Safety Management System.

What we bring…

• Onboard handover and training with previous PSM.
• Food & Lodging included.
• Single Occupancy Cabin.
• Select privileges in passenger dining facilities.
• Select access to guest gym facilities.
• Upon embarking the ship, reimbursement for visas and MSC required pre-embark medical.
• Friends and Family cruise discounts – information provided by on board management team.

Contract Dates… Flexible start and end dates.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At RWS Global, our team of bold makers and mold breakers is made of a diverse group of people who we believe make our work stronger. Our stage actively chooses to uplift applicants with diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, sexes, national origins, political affiliations, socio-economic status, veteran and Disability status, and other intersectional dimensions of diversity. We believe the diversity of our people is the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our company’s achievement as well. We are committed to ongoing learning and developing and implementing programs and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in all areas of employment as well as through our creative process and projects.