Kobotech Stage Manager at Grant Park Music Festival

Position: Kobotech Stage Manager at The Grant Park Music Festival

Reports to: Kobotech Production Manager at Grant Park Music Festival

Classification: Full-time Seasonal, Salaried, Non-Exempt

Season Work Dates: May 20 - August 22, 2025

Location: Jay Pritzker Pavillion at Millennium Park, Chicago, IL

Supervises: Assistant Stage Manager

Position Summary:

The Kobotech Stage Manager at the Grant Park Music Festival is a key production

role within Kobotech. The Stage Manager is a well-rounded concert and live event

manager who works closely with a team of highly motivated and skilled theatrical

technicians and administrative staff to produce one of Chicago’s most visible

outdoor summer events – the Grant Park Music Festival, featuring the Grant Park

Orchestra and Chorus. As directed by Kobotech Production Manager, the Stage

Manager is responsible for the planning, setup, and execution of all stage-related

logistics for rehearsals, performances, and special events. This role ensures that

all technical, equipment, and stage management needs are met, creating a seamless

performance environment for musicians, conductors, and guest artists. The ideal

candidate flourishes in high-paced environments and has a nuanced understanding of

orchestral production needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

 Develop and execute orchestra and percussion stage plots for 20 orchestral

programs during the 10-week performance season.

 Communicate with Music Director, Guest Conductors, Visiting Artists, Audio

Team, and Production Management regarding artistic, logistical, and equipment

needs for each program.

 Oversee daily setup for a total of 50 rehearsals and 30 concerts as part of the

regular orchestra and chorus schedules.

 Ensure rehearsal and performance compliance with labor agreements in

collaboration with Orchestra and Chorus Managers.

 Troubleshoot technical or logistical issues that arise during rehearsals and

performances.

 Serve as a primary communication channel for musicians, conductors, and guest

artists regarding stage setups and any changes, concerns, or needs as they

emerge.

 Coordinate with backstage crew and artists during rehearsals and performances

to execute efficient stage changes and entrances.

 Foster a positive, efficient, inclusive, and collaborative production staff

culture.

 Promote a safe working environment, ensuring compliance with health, safety,

and venue regulations.

 These duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and are subject to review

in conjunction with the postholder and Production Manager.

Skills, Knowledge, and Essential Attributes:

 Minimum of 3-5 years of professional stage management experience

 Familiarity with orchestral production strongly preferred

 Facility with office software including G-Suite, Dropbox, Microsoft 365

 Experience with or willingness to learn basic drafting software such as Visio

or AutoCAD

 Superior attention to detail

 Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

 Patience and calm under pressure and with a variety of personalities

 Creative problem-solving

 Availability for full festival schedule, including daytime rehearsals and

evening, weekend, and holiday performances

Compensation and Benefits:

 Weekly Salary range $1,000 - $1,150, based on qualifications and experience

 Earned Paid Sick Leave (PSL) and Paid Time Off (PT0)

 Immediate availability of employee only contributions to company 401(k) plan

About the Grant Park Music Festival:

The Grant Park Music Festival is an outdoor free festival of classical music

performed at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park in Chicago. Over 10

weeks during June – August, the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus present 30

mainstage concerts of 20 different programs. Full season listing at:

https://www.grantparkmusicfest...

About Kobotech:

Kobotech, Inc. is dedicated to producing world-class events that leave lasting

impressions on attendees. By joining our team, you will play a vital role in

upholding our reputation for excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction. We

are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every

team member can thrive.

Celebrating 30 years in business, Kobotech specializes in providing complete

production management and technical staffing services for producers of concerts,

special events, theatre, and film. Our portfolio includes iconic venues such as

the Chicago Cultural Center, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, where

Kobotech manages production elements for The Grant Park Music Festival, Chicago’s

annual Blues, Gospel, and Jazz Festivals and Taste of Chicago in Grant Park.

Kobotech, Inc. is certified by the American Small Business Association and by the

City of Chicago as a Minority Business Enterprise.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter via email to

hiring@kobotech.com, with a subject line "Stage Manager GPMF". Applications will

be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Kobotech, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all

backgrounds to apply.