AEA Stage Manager Jobs – Contemporary American Theater Festival 2026 – WV

Shepherdstown, WV – The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) is seeking Equity stage managers for its 2026 Summer Season, offering a significant opportunity for experienced theatrical professionals. Applications are being accepted through February 23, 2026, with the season running from July 10 to August 2.

The festival, nestled on the campus of Shepherd University approximately 1.5 hours from both Washington, D.C. And Baltimore, has a long-standing reputation for developing and producing new American plays. Founded in 1991 by Ed Herendeen, CATF has grown into a $2.5 million organization, having premiered 144 new plays by 104 playwrights, including 66 world premieres and 11 commissioned works. Many of these productions have gone on to significant recognition, including Broadway, London, and off-Broadway runs, as well as adaptations into major motion pictures.

This year’s season includes a diverse lineup of plays: The Bridge, written by Harmon dot aut and directed by Craig Lucas; Miss May Does Not Exist, written by Beth Kander; Refugee Rhapsody, written by Yussef El Guindi and directed by Zi Alikhan; The Smoker, written by Lisa D’Amour and directed by Shelly Butler; and ¡VOS!, written by Christina Pumariega.

The stage manager positions offer a weekly minimum of $1,035 (LORT D) until June 28, 2026, increasing to $1,097 (LORT D) after June 29, 2026. Assistant stage manager positions are compensated at a weekly minimum of $850 (LORT D) until June 28, 2026, rising to $901 (LORT D) after June 29, 2026.

Typical contract dates, though potentially varying slightly by production, are as follows: Prep Week begins June 2, with First Rehearsal scheduled for June 9. Tech week is slated to begin either June 28 or June 30, depending on the specific production. Previews will run from July 5 to July 10, with each show receiving two scheduled previews. Official openings are planned for July 10 and July 11, and all shows will close on August 2.

The festival is led by Artistic Director Peggy McKowen and Managing Director Amy Wratchford. Interested candidates are directed to submit their resumes through the CATF careers page at https://catf.bamboohr.com/careers, specifically looking for the “AEA Stage Manager-2026” and “AEA Assistant Stage Manager-2026” postings.

CATF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, stating that Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination and that the organization encourages submissions from performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, ages, and abilities. This commitment extends to its internal operations, with the organization highlighting its Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive (ARAO) values.

The play selections for the 2026 season offer a glimpse into the festival’s dedication to contemporary and thought-provoking work. The Bridge, directed by Craig Lucas, explores the life of an Autistic artist experiencing homelessness, described as “brilliant, funny, & heartbreaking.” Miss May Does Not Exist, penned by Beth Kander, delves into the complex dynamics of a legendary comedy duo and the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry. Yussef El Guindi’s Refugee Rhapsody examines themes of love, jealousy, and the refugee experience, while Lisa D’Amour’s The Smoker offers a darkly comic look at community and connection. Finally, Christina Pumariega’s ¡VOS! intertwines the stories of women in Argentina across decades of political upheaval.

This call for stage managers represents a key step in preparing for a season that promises to be both artistically ambitious and socially relevant, continuing CATF’s tradition of bringing new American voices to the stage.