Stage Manager
What is the work like?
As a stage manager, you would make sure that live stage performances run smoothly. You would organise all practical and technical aspects of rehearsals and performances, and make sure that crew and performers are in the right place at the right time.
You would usually be supported by a deputy stage manager and one or two assistant stage managers, although on smaller productions you could work alone. You and your team would be responsible for:
- organising rehearsals
- working with other theatre departments to plan wardrobe, set design, scene changes, sound and lighting
- managing the props budget and organising all props and set dressing
- keeping the ‘prompt copy’ of the script (noting the performers’ positions on stage, script changes, and the props, lighting and sound needed 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 set up and taken down after the show)
- cueing performers to go on stage
- cueing the technical crew to operate sound and lighting.
You might also need to join in with set building and any other practical tasks, particularly in small companies or at the start of your career.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
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 it is more common for stage managers to have a university or drama school qualification in stage management.
Relevant qualifications in stage management and technical theatre include:
- degrees and professional diplomas at drama school – see the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT) website for information on accredited courses
- BTEC HNDs in Performing Arts (Production)
- foundation degrees and degrees in theatre practice, theatre arts or stage management.
You should check exact entry requirements with course providers. Funding for some accredited courses may be available through the Dance and Drama Award Scheme.
Practical backstage experience is as important as having qualifications when it comes to finding paid work. You can get relevant experience from being involved in student, amateur or community theatre, or from working as a casual stagehand in local theatre venues.
See the related profiles for more information about starting out in backstage and technical theatre jobs.
What further training and development can I do?
You will develop your skills on the job as you progress from assistant to deputy to stage manager.
You may find it useful to take 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 – see their websites for more information.
Few theatre companies can afford to pay for training courses, so you will usually need to take responsibility for your own professional development.
Where can I go for more information?
11 Southwark StreetLondon
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
London
EC1M 3JB
Tel: 020 7242 9250
London
EC1M 3JB
Tel: 020 7242 9200
London
WC1H 0JJ
Tel: 020 7387 3650
Upper St Martin’s Lane
London
WC2H 9EG
Tel: 020 7379 6000
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for assistants and deputies are around £15,000 to £20,000 a year.
- With experience, salaries can reach £40,000 a year or more, depending on your track record and the budget available.
Minimum rates for stage managers are set by Equity, the performers' and entertainment workers' trade union.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your hours would often be long and unsocial. You would work during the day in the rehearsal and planning stages, but during performances you would work mainly in the evenings. You would often be the last to leave the venue late at night after the ‘get out’.
You might be permanently based at one venue, or you might travel to different venues when on tour. Conditions backstage can be hot, dusty or dark, although this depends on the age and size of the venue.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a keen interest in theatre and live performance
- 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.
What opportunities are there?
Most work is with theatre companies and concert production companies. You can also find some opportunities in corporate events, theme parks, holiday camps and on cruise ships. Freelance and contract work is common.
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 trade press, although it is more common to find work through networking and contacts. If you are a member of the Stage Management Association, your details are also sent to potential employers when you are available for work.
With experience, you could manage a theatre company, become a theatre producer, or move into TV production as a floor manager.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
The Stage
Stage Jobs Pro
Get Into Theatre listings of theatres and theatre companies
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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