SUBTITLE: Captain the chaos. Wrangle the fun. Create the spectacle.

Stipend: $2,000

Time Commitment: Jan–Aug · 20–40 hrs/month

What does a producer do?

• Care About the $$

  Oversee the show’s budget, watch the waves of spending, and lead fundraising efforts with support from the Board.

• Keep the Show on Track

  Establish deadlines and benchmarks, make sure everyone knows what needs to happen when, and keep the whole process moving with purpose.

• Assemble & Lead Your Crew of Heroes

  Hire and oversee the Stage Manager, Production Manager, Marketing Lead, Tech Director, and Show Director(s). You are the captain of a small, gleefully chaotic ship.

• Reflect After the Final Bow

  Review the work of key team members once the show wraps, celebrating wins and spotting opportunities for the next production to shine even brighter.

What is a producer?

The producer is the invisible magic that keeps the entire production afloat with the power of spreadsheets, communication, empathy, and chutzpah.

Apply to Produce the 2026 Water Ballet

SUBTITLE: Be the glue. Keep things moving. Support the team behind the scenes.

Stipend: $1,500

Time Commitment:  Feb–Aug · 15–30 hrs/month

What does a Production Manager do?

• Be the Great Connector

  Bring everyone together and keep information flowing between Designers, Show Director(s), and Swimming Scene Directors, so no one is ever working in a silo.

• Build the Design Team

  Hire set, costume, prop, and sound Designers with the Show Director(s).

• Own the Timeline

  Create and oversee department timelines, track progress, and make sure every team stays on schedule as the show takes shape.

• Run Production Meetings

  Lead bi-weekly meetings April–July. Set the agenda. Keep it focused. Maintain momentum.

• Volunteer Logistics

  Track volunteer hours for department work at HQ and coordinate the people-power that turns plans into tangible things.

• Support the Creative Process

  Step in when designers need backup, problem-solving, or a calm, steady voice.

What is a Production Manager?

The Production Manager is the calm in the creative storm, translating big ideas into actionable plans, keeping teams aligned, and making sure the right work happens at the right time, so the show can shine.

Apply to be the 2026 PM

SUBTITLE: Communication Master. Keep everyone in sync. Help the show flow.

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.

Apply to be the 2026 SM

SUBTITLE: Sell the tickets. Welcome the Crowd. Keep the Show Smooth.

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.

Apply to be the 2026 House Manager

SUBTITLE: Set the Stage. Keep It Safe. Make It Shine.

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.

Apply to be the 2026 TD

SUBTITLE: Bring a scene to life in the pool. Shape the choreography, music, and community.

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 2026 Synchronized Swimming Scene

Additional information on 2026 swimming scenes is provided on sign-up form.

SUBTITLE: Bring the sparkle. Create costumes that dazzle on land and in the water.

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.

Apply to be a 2026 Costume Designer

SUBTITLE: Build the silly and spectacular. Waterproof the dreams. Craft sets and props that make the Water Ballet magical.

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.

Apply to be a 2026 Props & Set Designer

SUBTITLE: Support Swimming Scene Directors. Help swimmers stay on track. Keep the scene moving.

1 per synchronized swimming scene

Stipend: $50 per scene

Time Commitment: June–July · 1 hr/week

What does an Assistant Stage Manager do?

• Be the Communication Hub

  Keep your scene’s performers informed about rehearsals, call times, and inclement weather incidents.

• Support the Stage Manager

  Share your scene’s updates and readiness with the Stage Manager before and during the shows.

• Track Attendance

  Maintain rehearsal attendance records and flag any issues to the Swimming Scene Directors.

• Wrangle Props and Speaker

  Assist Swimming Scene Directors in moving props, speakers, and other materials to rehearsals and performances.

What is an Assistant Stage Manager?

The ASM is the friendly, organized point person for swimmers in a specific scene. They help coordinate the scene with the overall show.

Apply to be a 2026 ASM

SUBTITLE: Help place that gorgeous set for showtime

Stipend: $150

Time Commitment: Tech Day and show weeks

What does a Sets Support Captain do?

• Lead volunteers to construct, position, and disassemble the set under the guidance of the Set Designer. 

What is a Sets Support Captain?

• The Sets Support Captain is a behind-the-scenes hero who turns hex keys into magic and helps transform the stage into a show-stopping spectacle.

Apply to be the 2026 Sets Support Captain

SUBTITLE: Real-life Tetris with weird and wet items

Stipend: Volunteer/Unpaid

Time Commitment: Tech Day and show weeks

What does a PODS Captain do?

• Lead a crew of volunteers to pack and unpack storage PODS, making sure props, costumes, and set pieces fit safely and efficiently.

What is a PODS Captain?

• The PODS Captain is the master of real-life Tetris, turning chaos into order and keeping the show’s materials ready for action.

Apply to be the 2026 PODS Captain

SUBTITLE: Set up the stage and backstage and keep it from flying away

Stipend: Volunteer/Unpaid

Time Commitment: Tech Day and show weeks 

What does a Tent Captain do?

• Lead volunteers to set up and break down stage and backstage tents, securing them with sandbags, water bags, and barrels. Work closely with the Technical Director and Stage Manager to make sure everything is safe and ready.

What is a Tent Captain?

• The Tent Captain is the spatial mastermind who keeps tents standing tall, volunteers coordinated, and the stage ready for action. Bonus points if you love yelling “5-6-7-8, lift!”

Apply to be the 2026 Tent Captain

SUBTITLE: Help our Front of House team shine before and between shows

Stipend: Volunteer/Unpaid

Time Commitment: Show weeks

What does a Front of House Support Captain do?

• Assist the House Managers in getting materials out of storage PODS, placing reserved seating signs, and preparing the pool for audiences before and between shows.

What is a Front of House Support Captain?

• The Front of House Support Captain helps our Front of House ensure that the audience experience is smooth and welcoming. Ideal for someone already swimming in the show. Bonus points if you have strong opinions on the best seats in the house.

Apply to be the 2026 Front of House Support Captain

SUBTITLE: Keep our cast fueled and happy backstage

Stipend: $200

Time Commitment: Show days

Estimated purchase amount: $750 (Reimbursements provided on a rolling basis)

What does a Green Room Captain do?

• Purchase and transport bulk snacks and meals for actors, swimmers, and everyone backstage, keeping the Green Room stocked and ready for show days.

What is a Green Room Captain?

• The Green Room Captain is the backstage hero who keeps performers energized and happy. Ideal for someone already swimming in the Water Ballet. Bonus points if you have a Costco or Sam’s Club membership!

Apply to be the 2026 Green Room Captain

SUBTITLE: Keep our lifeguards fed and ready for action

Stipend: Volunteer/Unpaid

Time Commitment: Tech Day and show days

Estimated purchase amount: $500 (Reimbursements provided on a rolling basis)

What does a Lifeguard Food Captain do?

• Purchase and deliver meals and snacks for lifeguards on Tech Day and show days, keeping our team energized and ready to keep everyone safe.

What is a Lifeguard Food Captain?

• The Lifeguard Food Captain is the champion of hungry guards, making sure they are fueled to dive into action. Ideal for someone already swimming in the Water Ballet. Bonus points if you have strong opinions on the best pizza and tacos in town.

Apply to be the 2026 Lifeguard Food Captain