Stage managers make sure that live stage performances run smoothly. They organise all the practical and technical aspects like scene changes, props, lighting and sound, and make sure that all crew and performers are in the right place at the right time.

They could work alone or lead a team including a deputy stage manager, one or two assistant stage managers and several stagehands. The stage management team is responsible for:

• organising rehearsals
• planning wardrobe, set design, scene changes, sound and lighting with other theatre departments
• managing the props budget and organising all props and set dressing
• keeping the ‘prompt copy’ of the script - noting the performers’ positions on stage, any script changes, and the props, lighting and sound needs for each scene
• liaising with theatre managers and front-of-house staff
• supervising the 'get in' and ‘get out’ (when the set and equipment are installed and then taken down after the show)
• cueing actors to go on stage and technical crew to operate sound and lighting.

On smaller productions or at the beginning of their career, they often need to ‘muck in’ with set building and any other practical tasks.

Hours and Environment

As a stage manager you will often work long and unsocial hours. You will mainly work during the day in the rehearsal and planning stages you will mainly work during the day, but during performances you will usually work in the evenings. You will often be the last to leave the venue late at night after the ‘get out’.

Conditions backstage environment can be hot, dusty or dark, although this depends on the age and size of the venue.

You may spend long periods away from home, if touring with a production.

Skills and Interests

To be a stage manager you need:

• a keen interest in all aspects of theatre
• excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills
• confidence and decisiveness 
• flexibility and the ability to multi-task
• patience and tact
• the ability to remain calm under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• attention to detail
• good IT and budget management skills
• awareness of health and safety.

Entry

To become a stage manager, you will need a high level of knowledge and experience in theatre practice. You could move into the job after training as an actor or working your way up through backstage work, but most employers now expect you to have a degree or diploma in stage management.

Drama schools offer full-time intensive three-year degrees or one- or two-year professional diplomas in stage management and technical theatre. See the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT) website for information on accredited courses (contact details in the Further Information section below).

Some universities and colleges also offer HNDs in Performing Arts (Production) and foundation degrees and degrees in theatre practice, theatre arts or stage management.

You will usually need at least two A levels/Highers or a BTEC/SQA National Diploma in Performing Arts to get onto a degree or drama school diploma in stage management. You may be accepted without these qualifications if you have enough relevant previous experience. Check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Funding for some accredited courses may be available through the Learning and Skills Council's Dance and Drama Award Scheme.

You should also gain practical experience of stage management - this is as important as having qualifications when it comes to finding work. You can get relevant experience from:

• student theatre productions
• amateur theatre
• community or fringe theatre
• working as a casual stagehand in local theatre venues.

See the Prop Maker, Lighting Technician, Theatre Sound Engineer and Stagehand profiles for more information about starting out in backstage and technical theatre jobs.

Training

You will usually learn on the job while progressing from assistant to deputy to stage manager.

It can be useful to develop your skills with short courses in technical areas, health and safety and production management. The Stage Management Association and the Association of British Theatre Technicians both offer a range of relevant courses. You can find more information on their websites – see the Further Information section below for contact details.

Few theatre companies can afford to pay for training courses, so you will usually need to take responsibility for your own professional development.

Opportunities

As a stage manager you could work in:

• national theatre companies, opera and ballet houses
• West End theatres and regional repertory theatres
• touring productions
• music concerts
• corporate events
• stage shows at theme parks, holiday camps and on cruise ships.

Competition for jobs is strong, although there are more opportunities for regular work in stage management and technical theatre than in performing. Almost all graduates of NCDT-accredited stage management courses find work.

Some jobs are advertised in The Stage, and by Equity’s Job Information Service. However, it is common to get work through networking and contacts. The Stage Management Association also sends details of members available for work to over 900 potential employers every month.

You can work your way up from assistant to deputy to stage manager. After some years' experience as a stage manager you could manage a theatre company or become a theatre producer. It can also be possible to move into TV production as a floor manager.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. Minimum rates for stage managers are set by Equity, the performers' and entertainment workers' trade union.

New assistant stage managers usually start on around £15,000 a year.
Deputy stage managers usually earn around £17,000 to £20,000 a year.
Experienced stage managers can earn £20,000 to £40,000 a year.

Established stage managers can earn more, particularly in London's West End theatres. Earnings can depend on reputation and track record, and the size of the production.

Many stage managers work freelance and are paid a fee per contract for each production or season.

Further information

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