Open roles for the 2026 Water Ballet
There are so many opportunities to get involved in this incredible and joyous community of creators, movers, and shakers. Open roles include stipend positions as well as unpaid volunter opportunities.
All roles are designed for people doing this for the first time, so jump right in!
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Stipend: $1,000
Time Commitment: April–Aug · 5–40 hrs/month (Hours are lighter from April to June and increase in July and August)
What does a Stage Manager do?
Be the Communication Hub
Manage the rehearsal schedule, take notes, and serve as the primary point of contact for the full cast and backstage team.
Keep Everyone Informed
Share Tech Day, Tech Week, and performance call times so everyone knows where to be.
Support the ASM Team
Communicate with Assistant Stage Managers (ASMs), compile rehearsal reports, and share key updates at Production Meetings.
Guide the Show Through Tech
Lead rehearsals, manage cues and transitions, and keep things running smoothly backstage.
Make Smart Calls When Needed
Follow the inclement weather protocol to make timely decisions.
Coordinate Front & Back of House
Work with Front of House and backstage teams to confirm show start times.
What is a Stage Manager?
The Stage Manager is the calm, friendly center of the show, answering questions, solving small problems before they become big ones, and helping all the moving pieces come together once it’s time to perform.
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Stipend: $400
Time Commitment: May–Aug · 5–20 hrs/month (Hours increase during Tech Week and performances: July 18–Aug 2)
What does a House Manager do?
Oversee Ticketing
Manage the box office, including comp and community tickets if applicable.
Welcome the Audience
Lead the check-in process for all ticket levels and ensure reserved and accessible seating is handled correctly.
Manage Front of House Operations
Oversee merchandise inventory and purchases, coordinate security payments, and handle setup and tear-down of the Front of House.
Solve Problems on the Spot
Address any audience issues quickly and thoughtfully, keeping the experience positive for everyone.
Communicate with the Stage Manager
Ensure show start times and audience readiness are coordinated with backstage teams.
What is a House Manager?
The House Manager is the friendly, organized face of the show for our audience, making sure tickets, seating, and front-of-house operations run smoothly so everyone can enjoy the performance.
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Stipend: $450
Time Commitment: April–Aug · 10–20 hrs/month (Hours are lighter from April to June and increase in July and August)
What does a Technical Director do?
Get the Venue Showtime-Ready
Secure all set elements, seating, and facilities so the space is safe and performance-ready.
Oversee Set and Sound
Track tents, audio gear, and other technical equipment, coordinating any purchases with producer approval.
Coordinate Cast Jobs
Organize our swimmers for backstage Green Room, tent setup, and show-day breakdown tasks.
Partner with the Stage Manager
Work together on load-in and load-out, and ensure backstage logistics run smoothly and safely.
What is a Technical Director?
The Technical Director makes sure everything at the pools is ready, organized, and safe for the show, coordinating people, equipment, and space so performances can run smoothly.
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2+ directors per scene
Stipend Pool: $600 per adult scene, $500 per junior scene, $150 for finale
Time Commitment: March–Aug · 10–20 hrs/month
What does a Swimming Scene Director do?
Create the Vision
Develop the artistic vision for your scene in collaboration with the Show Directors.
Choose Music and Choreography
Select scene music (with Show Director and Artistic Director approval) and design choreography that brings your vision to life.
Guide Costumes and Props
Collaborate with Costume and Prop Designers on visual elements.
Lead Rehearsals
Run swimming rehearsals, plan scene content, and coordinate any meetups outside of regular rehearsals.
Support Communication
Reinforce your assigned Assistant Stage Manager’s messages and enforce rehearsal attendance.
Maintain Relationships
Work respectfully with BCRP staff and community pool users to ensure smooth, safe rehearsals.
What is a Swimming Scene Director?
A Swimming Scene Director is the creative leader of their scene, guiding volunteer swimmers and collaborating with the production team to bring a unique, captivating performance to life in the water.
Apply to be a Synchronized Swimming Scene Director
Additional information on 2026 swimming scenes is provided on sign-up form.
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2–3 designers sharing the role
Stipend Pool: $900 (to be split among designers)
Time Commitment: May–July · 10–20 hrs/month
What does a Costume Designer do?
Design for Every Performer
Create costume elements for land actors and swimming performers in collaboration with the Show Director(s) and Swimming Scene Directors.
Lead Volunteer Costuming Meetings
Run 1–2 weekly meetings at HQ during May, June, and July to make fabric into magic
Manage the Budget
Oversee the costume budget and make smart purchasing decisions.
Coordinate Fittings
Ensure every performer has a costume that is performance-ready.
Stay in the Loop
Attend bi-weekly Production Meetings and share updates on costume progress.
What is a Costume Designer?
Costume Designers are the creative engines behind the Water Ballet’s dazzling look. They turn vision into wearable magic, coordinating people, materials, and time to make the show sparkle.
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2-3 designers sharing the role
Stipend Pool: $900 (to be split among designers)
Time Commitment: May–July · 10–20 hrs/month
What does a Props & Set Designer do?
Decorate the Backdrop
Use the existing set framework to transport the audience to another world - in collaboration with the Show Director(s)
Create for Every Scene
Design and build prop elements for land actors and swimming performers in collaboration with the Show Director(s) and Swimming Scene Directors.
Lead Volunteer Prop Meetings
Run 1–2 weekly sessions at HQ during May, June, and July to turn dreams into tangible props and an impactful set.
Manage the Budget
Oversee the prop and set budget and make thoughtful purchasing and material decisions.
Coordinate Build & Setup
Create clear instructions for set setup and breakdown, and run training on Tech Day.
Stay in the Loop
Attend bi-weekly Production Meetings and share updates on prop progress.
What is a Props & Set Designer?
The Props & Set Designer is the playful, inventive force behind the Water Ballet’s visual whimsy. They coordinate materials, volunteers, and time to make the show the spectacular we love.
If you are not interested in taking the plunge into a role listed below but want to help in another way, let us know how!
Have something else in mind for how you can support the Water Ballet? We’d love to hear how!