Company Manager

Starlight is Kansas City’s oldest and largest outdoor performing arts organization, stewarding a $20M+ annual budget and a year-round staff of 45+ full-time employees alongside hundreds of seasonal team members and volunteers. As a civic treasure and cultural destination, Starlight presents Broadway musicals, concerts, special events and community programming that collectively reach hundreds of thousands of guests each year through approximately 100 events annually. Starlight Theatre Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law. Starlight is committed to maintaining a work environment free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.

Role Purpose

The Company Manager serves as the primary liaison between company members of Starlight’s production of Newsies and the Executive Producer/administrative office. This is an independent contributor position with no direct reports, responsible for all administrative activities supporting the production. This role is classified as an independent contractor and does not constitute an employment relationship. The contractor is responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes and will receive a Form 1099. Contractor is responsible for maintaining their own insurance coverage, including health and liability coverage unless otherwise specified. Payments will be issued on scheduled dates with invoice requirement.

The role requires exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, live-entertainment environment. A pre-season preparation period can be completed remotely, with on-site presence required once rehearsals and production activities begin in Kansas City.

This contract is for the 2026 production of Newsies, with the potential for renewal for the 2027 producing season. Starlight is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access, and the Company Manager is expected to uphold these values throughout the production process.

Engagement Schedule

Phase 1 — Remote/ Hybrid Pre-Production (July 27– August 22, part-time, approximately 10–15 hours/week)

Contract coordination, travel booking, housing arrangements for out-of-town artists, onboarding paperwork, program copy compilation, and contact sheet development. This phase can be completely remote once initial onsite meetings occur. Specific schedule to be mutually determined by Company Manager and supervisor in advance.

Phase 2 — Rehearsals & Performances (August 24–September 13, full-time, on-site)

On-site company management throughout the two-week rehearsal process and performance run (September 8–13). Responsibilities include daily liaison duties, timesheet tracking , meet-and-greets, opening night coordination, and all company management functions through closing.

Phase 3 — Wrap-Up (September 14–18, part-time, remote)

Final timesheet and union remittance tracking, expense reconciliation, and closing administrative paperwork.

Compensation

This is a flat-fee contract of $6,000, paid in four equal installments of $1,500 on the following dates contingent upon full completion of each work requirement per phase:

• Thursday, July 30, 2026

• Thursday, August 20, 2026

• Thursday, September 3, 2026

• Thursday, September 17, 2026

Housing is not provided for this role.

Required Accountabilities & Deliverables

• Serve as Starlight’s liaison at all rehearsals and performances, fostering a welcoming and positive environment for all company members.

• Support Starlight Management in the tracking, drafting, execution, and filing of artist contracts.

• Receive onboarding paperwork submit weekly timesheets for company members; track dues, pension, and health reports for the Finance Department for applicable unions (e.g., AEA, SDC).

• Assist the Executive Producer in tracking payment of all fees for designers, assistants, and directors. This role supports accurate budget-to-actual tracking but does not hold budget authority.

• Arrange travel and secure short-term local housing for all out-of-town artists.

• Coordinate meet-and-greets and all other events involving company members.

• Maintain current contact information for agents, cast, and creative team members.

• Compile materials and copy for printed programs and circulate for approval.

• Plan opening night celebrations and gifts for company members.

• Manage local transportation arrangements for company members as required.

• Manage company ticket requests, including production-related seats on opening night.

• Handle general production concierge needs, including emergency health and wellness appointments.

The above listing is not all-inclusive; other duties may be assigned to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (theatre management, arts administration, or similar). Five to ten years of relevant experience in company management, general management, or production management for professional theatre. Candidates with direct AEA company management experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Preferred Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in theatre administration and working knowledge of relevant union agreements (AEA, SDC) for the live theatre and events industry.

• Understanding of large-scale musical productions, including general production processes and budget tracking.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Familiarity with IPS payroll, Venue Ops, and/or Tessitura ticketing platform is a plus but not required; training will be provided on internal systems.

• Strong project management skills with an ability to support financial tracking and analysis.

• Effective communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and balance multiple initiatives and solve complex problems proactively.

Other Working Conditions

During the on-site phase, this position involves regular outdoor work in all weather conditions at Starlight’s iconic outdoor venue in Swope Park. The work schedule is driven by the rehearsal and performance calendar and administrative needs, including nights, weekends, and typical holidays. Some weeks may include 12+ hour days and 45+ total hours. This role may require extended periods of standing, walking, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and engagement process in accordance with applicable law. Neither party shall be liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under this agreement if such delay or failure is due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, weather conditions, natural disasters, fire, flood, acts of government, labor disputes, epidemics, pandemics, or other unforeseen circumstances (“Force Majeure Event”).

In the event of a Force Majeure Event, the affected party shall promptly notify the other party and make reasonable efforts to resume performance as soon as practicable. If the Force Majeure Event results in the cancellation or substantial disruption of the production, Starlight reserves the right to modify or terminate this agreement, with compensation adjusted based on work completed to date. Compensation for uncompleted work will be at the sole discretion of Starlight, based on services rendered

Final candidates may be subject to background checks and must be authorized to work in the United States. The Independent Contract may be terminated by either party with written notice under mutually defined terms. This role requires handling confidential organizational and personal information, which must be protected in accordance with organizational policies. The Contractor retains control over the manner and means of performing the work, subject to agreed-upon deliverables and deadlines. Payments will be issued on the fixed dates listed above, provided that the Contractor has submitted a complete and accurate invoice in advance of each payment date. Payments are processed through Accounts Payable and are not subject to the organization’s employee payroll processes. The contractor is responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes and will receive a Form 1099. Contractor is responsible for maintaining their own insurance coverage, including health and liability coverage unless otherwise specified. An Independent Contractor is covered under Starlight’s workers’ compensation policy if they do not have insurance coverage of their own. The Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Starlight Theatre Association from any claims arising out of the Contractor’s performance of services. Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to create an employer-employee relationship. The contract clauses shall be governed by the laws of the State of Missouri.