Stage manager jobs

The majority of a stage manager's job is done on stage productions, including musical concerts, dance shows, and plays. Throughout the production and rehearsal process, they offer invaluable assistance in the form of practical and organizational support to the directors, performers, designers, and technical crew. Additionally, they supervise the activity that occurs onstage and backstage during performances to ensure that the show is performed without a hitch.

What responsibilities does a Stage Manager have?

A production's stage manager acts as the "hub" of the wheel, providing the production with a central, stable core from which the "spokes" of the production radiate outward. Stage managers are responsible for facilitating communication between all of the creative and technical departments of the production, acting as the director's right hand, supervising the sets, props, lighting, and sound, and calling out all of the technical cues during performances. Although the specifics of the function vary depending on the art form in question, stage managers in all disciplines have the overarching responsibility of ensuring that the show runs without a hitch from the very first rehearsal to the very last curtain call.

Both the Rehearsal and the Performance

Stage managers are responsible for the scheduling and direction of rehearsals, during which they also:

Take notes on the judgments that the director makes on blocking as well as any remarks he or she has for the performers;

Communicate to the designers and stage crew the desires of the director;

Make the prompt book, sometimes known as "the bible," which is a hefty binder that contains the cues for the production's sound, lighting, and set, in addition to other important information.

The opening act and the performance

Once a performance has begun, it is the stage manager's responsibility to monitor and maintain the show's high standards, including but not limited to the following:

directing preshow operations such as inspections on the equipment and the venue's safety measures;

Conducting warm-up exercises and going through notes with the performers;

ensuring that everyone is prepared for the curtain call and is in their respective wings at the appropriate time for their entrances;

Providing the workers with technical instructions over a wireless headset.

The Way of a Career

A good number of stage managers begin their careers as stagehands or as members of a technical crew. After gaining experience as assistant stage managers (ASMs) on one or more shows, they eventually advance to the role of stage manager. Since stage managers are among the most senior professions in the theater industry, climbing the ranks requires either working on performances that are larger and pay more, or shifting gears to become a producer or director of productions. Stage managers often have additional responsibilities as technical theater artists, such as lighting technicians, costumers, carpenters, or painters. These additional jobs may provide additional money for stage managers. They even have the potential to advance to the position of technical theater directors.

Obtaining Employment

Stage managers are independent contractors who may find employment in the performing arts sectors of theater, dance, or live music. Theater producers, theater groups, dancing organizations, tour managers, and other types of entertainment businesses might recruit them. Before applying for stage manager jobs, aspiring stage managers should get as much knowledge as they can about the numerous technical theater disciplines and gain experience working as an assistant stage manager on one or more plays.

Competencies in the Professions

A comprehensive understanding of theatrical technology.

Making use of cues

Scheduling

Personnel and project management

Communication in both written and spoken form

Multitasking

Collaboration

Good under pressure

Interpersonal Skills

Drive, devotion, and the ability to juggle several responsibilities are hallmarks of successful stage managers. These are the kind of individuals that get a kick out of putting in long hours planning and organizing massive projects, taking copious notes, and coordinating the activities of big groups of people. The ability to communicate verbally and in writing is an absolute need for someone who acts as a connection between the different technical departments, the performers, and the director. When things go wrong during live performances, as they certainly will, the finest stage managers are able to keep their composure and find solutions to difficulties, even when they are under a great deal of stress.

The Work World

While working on a show, stage managers have very active lifestyles that are always moving forward. In the days, weeks, and months leading up to opening night, time is spent in rehearsals during the day and frequently into the evening as well. After the curtain has been raised on a production, the stage manager is required to be present at each evening performance as well as each matinee performance for the length of the run. It's not uncommon for stage managers of traveling companies to spend extended periods of time away from home. It is possible for larger shows to employ a stage management crew, which will help to alleviate some of the burden.

Stage managers frequently have additional occupations in addition to their stage management work, especially if they are not employed full-time by a theater, dance, or symphony organization. Stage managers sometimes have to combine their stage management duties with other responsibilities. It's possible that they are technical positions inside their field, but they might also be unconnected part-time occupations.