At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our stage management team and help bring a new musical to life!
- Company: The New Wolsey Theatre, part of a diverse consortium supporting innovative theatre.
- Benefits: Earn £548 per week, plus allowances for travel and relocation.
- Other info: We value diversity and are committed to inclusivity in our hiring process.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting production and gain valuable experience in musical theatre.
- Qualifications: Experience as an ASM in professional theatre is essential; passion for the arts is a must!
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 € per month.
Rehearsals (4 weeks): Monday 16th March 2026
Tech Week: w/c Monday 13th April 2026
Performances & Transfers: Friday 17th April 2026 – Saturday 20th June 2026
£548 per week (Equity Subsidised Rep Grade 2 2025/26 rate rising to the 2026/27 rate from 6th April 2026 – still to be published) based on a 43 hour week from Monday to Saturday inclusive. Overtime, holiday, pension, and extra performances will be paid as per the UK Theatre/Equity agreement.
The New Wolsey Theatre, on behalf of the East Anglian Touring Consortium (EATC), is looking for an Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) with experience of working in professional musical theatre or pantomime for the new musical, 'Caroline.'
Written by Vikki Stone, directed by Douglas Rintoul and Alex Thorpe, and with a cast of 10 actor-musicians, 'Caroline: A New Musical' tells the story of Radio Caroline, the pirate station that broadcast from Eskel and Suffolk in the 1960s. Caroline: A New Musical is the first project from the East Anglian Touring Consortium (EATC), a group of diverse organisations in the East Anglian region seeking to support new mid-scale work.
Performance venues: The New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, New Theatre Peterborough, Norwich Theatre Royal (TBC), Mercury Theatre Colchester, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.
We are committed to following the Theatre Green Book guidance and ensuring environmental sustainability best-practice is incorporated into the realisation and running of this production. We are also committed to ensuring that Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) is central to all our work. Everyone working on this production is expected to be mindful of and contribute towards these commitments.
Dates:
- Rehearsals (4 weeks): Monday 16th March 2026
- Tech Week: w/c Monday 13th April 2026
- Performances (at New Wolsey Theatre): Friday 17th April 2026 – Saturday 2nd May 2026
- Transfer to Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch: w/c Monday 4th May 2026
- Performances at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch: Tuesday 5th May to Saturday 16th May 2026
- Transfer to New Theatre Peterborough: w/c Monday 18th May 2026
- Performances at New Theatre Peterborough: Tuesday 19th May to Saturday 23rd May 2026
- Holiday Week w/c Monday 25th May 2026
- Transfer to Mercury Theatre Colchester: w/c Monday 1st June 2026
- Performances at Mercury Theatre Colchester: Tuesday 2nd June to Saturday 13th June 2026
- Transfer to Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds: w/c Monday 15th June 2026
- Performances at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds: Tuesday 16th June to Saturday 20th June 2026
Rate for the role: £548 per week (Equity subsidised Rep grade 2 2025/26 rate rising to the 2026/27 rate from 6th April 2026 – still to be published) based on a 43 hour week from Monday to Saturday inclusive. Overtime, holiday, pension, and extra performances will be paid as per the UK Theatre/Equity agreement.
If you reside 25 miles or further away from the workplace (NWT) during rehearsals and performances at New Wolsey Theatre, you will receive a relocation allowance of £235 per week (2025/26 rate) rising to the 2026/27 rate from 6th April 2026 (still to be published). If you reside 25 miles or further away from the venue during performances at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, New Theatre Peterborough, Mercury Theatre Colchester, and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds you will receive weekly touring allowance at the 2026/27 rate (still to be published), for reference 25/26 rate is £300 per week. If you reside 15‑25 miles from the workplace/venue, during rehearsals and performances at any venue, you will receive a weekly travel allowance.
About You:
You’ll be working in a stage-management team of three (Company Stage Manager, Deputy Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager). Duties will include prop sourcing and making. During the run, the ASM will work alongside a team of in‑house stage crew/technicians and will have a stage track on the show to include coordinating props and scene changes. Experience of working as ASM in professional musical theatre or pantomime essential. Experience of working with actor‑musicians is desirable.
We’re keen to receive applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those currently less represented in our industry, particularly from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as D/deaf and disabled people, neurodivergent people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and those from lower socio‑economic backgrounds. We are up for exploring support and development needs and are happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable applicants to participate in the selection process, and for the successful applicant to carry out the role. We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with a home base in Ipswich, Suffolk or East Anglia, but we are open to applications from outside this area.
To Apply:
Please click the button at the top of this page to email Sam Bates through admin@wolseytheatre.co.uk, submitting your CV and covering letter, telling us why you would like to work on this project. Click the button at the top of this page to complete our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Online Form. The deadline for applications is 10am on Monday 19th January 2026. We will be inviting shortlisted applicants to a short meeting online to discuss the role. If you need us to make any adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this application and selection process, please get in touch. For example, if submitting a written cover letter is not the best way for you to tell us about your skills and experience, we can accept your application another way, such as video or audio file. However you choose to apply, you will need to tell us about your skills and experience and why you’re interested in the role. If you have any questions or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Lucy Parker, Head of People, through lparker@wolseytheatre.co.uk.
Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) - \'Caroline: A New Musical\' in Ipswich employer: The New Wolsey Theatre Co Ltd
The New Wolsey Theatre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and sustainability. As part of the East Anglian Touring Consortium, employees benefit from collaborative opportunities across various prestigious venues while receiving competitive pay, relocation allowances, and support for professional growth in the dynamic field of musical theatre.
Contact Detail:
The New Wolsey Theatre Co Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) - \'Caroline: A New Musical\' in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow theatre enthusiasts. You never know who might have a lead on your next ASM gig!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that online meeting! Research the production, know your role inside out, and think about how your experience aligns with what they need. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the project! When you get the chance to chat, let them know why 'Caroline: A New Musical' excites you. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your meeting, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) - \'Caroline: A New Musical\' in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are and what makes you tick. Don’t be afraid to show your passion for theatre and why this role excites you.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Stage Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in musical theatre or pantomime, and don’t forget to mention any work with actor-musicians. We love seeing how your background fits with our production!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for 'Caroline: A New Musical'. Be specific about your skills and experiences that relate to the role, and share why you’re excited about being part of this project.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Make sure to submit your CV and cover letter before the deadline, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us!
How to prepare for a job interview at The New Wolsey Theatre Co Ltd
✨Know Your Show
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with 'Caroline: A New Musical'. Research its themes, characters, and the creative team behind it. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you connect your experience to the specific needs of the production.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
When discussing your background, focus on your experience as an Assistant Stage Manager in musical theatre or pantomime. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed props, coordinated scene changes, or worked with actor-musicians. Tailor your responses to reflect the skills they’re looking for.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the production, such as how they plan to incorporate sustainability practices or their approach to diversity and inclusion. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in the company’s values and vision.
✨Be Yourself
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember to be authentic. The team is looking for someone who fits well within their stage management crew. Let your personality shine through, and don’t hesitate to express your passion for theatre and collaboration.
