Stage manager

Stage managers assist the director, designer, cast and the rest of the artistic team by making sure that rehearsals and performances run smoothly. They also check that all the other elements, such as lighting, costumes and scenery are co-ordinated.

Also known as:

• Theatre stage manager

Work activities

Stage managers usually start off as an assistant and then take on more responsibility as they progress in their career. Assistant stage managers (ASMs) get hold of and prepare props, arrange costume fittings, deal with scene changes and remind actors about rehearsal times. ASMs may also be asked to operate sound and other technical equipment.

An ASM can progress to the more responsible position of deputy stage manager (DSM). The DSM is present at the rehearsal room, when the director is working with the actors, and notes any script changes and records the actions of actors. This information is used to co-ordinate sound effects and scene and lighting changes. In large theatres, this may involve working in a control box and using an intercom to communicate with lighting and sound technicians. The DSM calls actors for rehearsals and costume fittings. During the performance, the DSM prompts actors and cues lighting, sound and technical stage effects.

Both the ASM and DSM are answerable to the stage manager (SM), who is ultimately responsible for the smooth co-ordination of the performance. The work of the SM is essentially people management. They organise actors, pass on requests from the director and liaise with production managers. In small touring theatre companies, SMs may also drive, load and unload trucks and set up equipment. In some theatres, such as those in the West End of London, there is a company stage manager who is senior to the stage manager.

Personal qualities and skills

As a stage manager, you need to be:

• A good communicator.
• Reliable and resilient.
• Able to handle pressure and deadlines.
• Capable of working as part of a team.
• An effective motivator.
• Flexible, with the ability to react quickly.
• Good at organising your own work and the work of others.
• Able to use your initiative.
• Practically skilled, with artistic flair.
• Interested in theatre.

Future skills needs have been identified for this industry. These are:

• Creative skills, in areas of growth such as street arts.
• Technical skills.
• Leadership and management skills.
• Education and community development skills.
• Fund-raising skills.

Pay and opportunities 

Salaries for stage managers vary widely depending on the company and type of contract under which they are employed. The pay rates given are approximate. Stage managers earn in the range of £22,000 and, at the upper end, £48,000, and are likely to work between 39 and 41 hours per week.

Early starts, late finishes, weekend work and working on public holidays may all be required. While on tour, stage managers stay in temporary accommodation and may spend weeks away from home.

Competition for all stage manager jobs is strong, as there are generally more applicants than places available. Many new entrants join straight from training, often from drama school stage management courses.

Opportunities for stage managers occur in venues in towns and cities throughout the UK, and in major theatre production centres such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh. Employers include receiving houses (theatres where new shows are brought in each week); producing theatres; commercial touring production companies; small-scale productions and Theatre in Education (TIE) companies. Other employment is with production firms that arrange corporate events. Opportunities occur for stage managers to work abroad in touring productions. Many stage managers work on a self-employed, freelance basis.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in newspapers, in industry publications such as The Stage (weekly and online), on job boards, on employers’ websites, and on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services. Theatre job vacancies are also advertised on the following websites:

• Arts Jobs.
• Get into Theatre.
• National Theatre.
• StarNow.
• The Guardian – Theatre Jobs.

However, it is important to develop a wide network of contacts, as many jobs are found by personal recommendation.

Entry routes and training 

Many stage managers train at drama schools. Relevant courses often cover technical theatre as well as stage management and are available at different levels, such as National Diploma, HND, foundation degree and degree. Applicants for technical theatre courses are often asked to take a portfolio of work to their interview. This could include sketches, photos, prompt books, etc. The Stage Management Association accepts students, graduates (of Federation of Drama Schools courses) and professional stage managers as members.

Another route into this profession is the level 7 (degree) apprenticeship in the role of creative industries production manager, which specialises in a number of roles, including stage manager.

Once employed, it is possible to make use of relevant in- and external training and short courses.

There is a clear route in stage management, from assistant, to deputy, to stage manager (sometimes known as company stage manager). Some stage managers move into theatre administration or management roles.

Qualifications

Entry requirements for stage management courses vary considerably. Selection is competitive and many applicants have A-levels (or equivalent) and practical backstage experience. Check prospectuses carefully.

To begin a degree apprenticeship, you will need two A-levels and GCSEs in English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills and abilities, gained as a stage assistant or stagehand, are useful. Having a track record of managing productions, at an amateur or student level, can also be useful. Voluntary work in local theatre companies is often seen as relevant.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g., Access to Media) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

Related careers

• Arts administrator
• Event manager
• Manager
• Music manager
• Studio/floor manager