Assistant Stage Manager
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra £29,000-£34,500 Closing date 30 March 2026
The RPO is looking for an enthusiastic individual with a practical flair to join our Stage Management team,
assisting with logistics on the day, and ensuring that all practical arrangements are in place for the
musicians to perform at the very highest standard. The Assistant Stage Manager works closely with
musicians, conductors, soloists and technical teams to deliver orchestral experiences on stage, whether
for rehearsals and concerts, recording sessions, or international tours.
Joining a creative and committed team, this role offers an opportunity to work on a variety of concerts
and experiences with the RPO’s two orchestras (RPO & RPCO) at a range of venues from iconic concert
halls to some of the most exciting and diverse locations around the world. No two days are the same!
Training will be provided and there will be opportunities for professional development including Health &
Safety, Hearing Protection, First Aid and use of stage planning and diary software programmes.
Stage Planning & Management
• Assist SOM and SSM with stage planning for concert, rehearsal and recording venues and, when
required, prepare stage plans for review. (Training on Microsoft Visio software will be provided.)
• Assist with the loading and unloading of instruments and music scores between the RPO’s
warehouse, trucks and venues, ensuring that all instruments and scores are always handled with the
highest level of care and are correctly stored within the truck
• Arrive promptly and as agreed with the SOM at venues in advance of the Orchestra’s arrival
• Working from agreed stage plans, ensure that stages at rehearsals, recording sessions and
performance venues in both the UK and abroad are correctly laid out to meet the requirements of
the Orchestra and conductors, including placing of all necessary equipment, such as chairs, music
stands, conductor’s podium and rostrum, overhead stage lighting, stand lighting, electrical outlets,
extension cords and large instruments.
• Lay out music pads for the Orchestra and Conductor’s scores as required
• Work with the Orchestra Manager and internal/external Production Managers on the day to assist
with the smooth running of the shows on the day
• Ensure that stage management during performances is carried out effectively and that presentation
on stage is of the highest standard
• Maintain excellent relations with the Musicians, resolving their requirements and bringing any
issues to the attention of the SOM
• Work with venues’ stage and technical teams to ensure the Orchestra is best represented and
maintain positive working relationships with them at all times
• Ensure that all reportable incidents are notified to the SOM and that any information required for
insurance claims is provided accurately and promptly
• Adhere to RPO dress standards for backstage work and on stage
Instruments Inventory
• Assist the SOM with purchase of orchestral equipment, obtaining quotes and processing of invoices
as required
• Work with other Team members to maintain the Company musical equipment store and garage
(warehouse) in good order
• Assist the SOM with ensuring the database of instruments and equipment is kept up-to-date
Health and Safety
• Maintain good health and safety practices, reporting any issues that arise to the SOM
• Assist with the set-up and running of hearing protection dosimeters for events, maintain accurate
record keeping of the data readings (training will be provided) and provide reports for the
Company’s Health and Safety records as required
• Undertake mandatory Health and Safety training
Other
• Adhere to environmental procedures including efficient travel, power saving and safe disposal of
equipment
• Such other duties as may reasonably be requested by the SOM or as required by the Company
assisting with logistics on the day, and ensuring that all practical arrangements are in place for the
musicians to perform at the very highest standard. The Assistant Stage Manager works closely with
musicians, conductors, soloists and technical teams to deliver orchestral experiences on stage, whether
for rehearsals and concerts, recording sessions, or international tours.
Joining a creative and committed team, this role offers an opportunity to work on a variety of concerts
and experiences with the RPO’s two orchestras (RPO & RPCO) at a range of venues from iconic concert
halls to some of the most exciting and diverse locations around the world. No two days are the same!
Training will be provided and there will be opportunities for professional development including Health &
Safety, Hearing Protection, First Aid and use of stage planning and diary software programmes.
Stage Planning & Management
• Assist SOM and SSM with stage planning for concert, rehearsal and recording venues and, when
required, prepare stage plans for review. (Training on Microsoft Visio software will be provided.)
• Assist with the loading and unloading of instruments and music scores between the RPO’s
warehouse, trucks and venues, ensuring that all instruments and scores are always handled with the
highest level of care and are correctly stored within the truck
• Arrive promptly and as agreed with the SOM at venues in advance of the Orchestra’s arrival
• Working from agreed stage plans, ensure that stages at rehearsals, recording sessions and
performance venues in both the UK and abroad are correctly laid out to meet the requirements of
the Orchestra and conductors, including placing of all necessary equipment, such as chairs, music
stands, conductor’s podium and rostrum, overhead stage lighting, stand lighting, electrical outlets,
extension cords and large instruments.
• Lay out music pads for the Orchestra and Conductor’s scores as required
• Work with the Orchestra Manager and internal/external Production Managers on the day to assist
with the smooth running of the shows on the day
• Ensure that stage management during performances is carried out effectively and that presentation
on stage is of the highest standard
• Maintain excellent relations with the Musicians, resolving their requirements and bringing any
issues to the attention of the SOM
• Work with venues’ stage and technical teams to ensure the Orchestra is best represented and
maintain positive working relationships with them at all times
• Ensure that all reportable incidents are notified to the SOM and that any information required for
insurance claims is provided accurately and promptly
• Adhere to RPO dress standards for backstage work and on stage
Instruments Inventory
• Assist the SOM with purchase of orchestral equipment, obtaining quotes and processing of invoices
as required
• Work with other Team members to maintain the Company musical equipment store and garage
(warehouse) in good order
• Assist the SOM with ensuring the database of instruments and equipment is kept up-to-date
Health and Safety
• Maintain good health and safety practices, reporting any issues that arise to the SOM
• Assist with the set-up and running of hearing protection dosimeters for events, maintain accurate
record keeping of the data readings (training will be provided) and provide reports for the
Company’s Health and Safety records as required
• Undertake mandatory Health and Safety training
Other
• Adhere to environmental procedures including efficient travel, power saving and safe disposal of
equipment
• Such other duties as may reasonably be requested by the SOM or as required by the Company