Stage Manager

Also known as:

Theatre Stage Manager

Introduction

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

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Work Activities

Stage managers usually start off as assistants and then take on more responsibility. Assistant stage managers (ASMs) obtain 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 notes all script changes and records all the actions of actors. This information is used to co-ordinate sound effects and scene and lighting changes. The DSM calls actors/actresses for rehearsals and costume fittings. During the performance the DSM prompts actors/actresses 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 SM organises actors, passes on requests from the director and liaises with the production manager. In large theatres, they may work in a control box and use an intercom to communicate with lighting and sound technicians. In some theatres, such as those in the West End, there is a company stage manager who is senior to the stage manager.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must be reliable, resilient and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines. You should have practical skills and artistic flair. Like all managers, you need to be a good communicator, able to motivate others and work in a team. You will have to use your own initiative. You must be completely committed to the theatre, as pay is low and hours long and unsocial.

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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 below are approximate.

Stage managers in subsidised repertory theatre earn in the range of £19,500 - £26,000 a year. In national companies they earn in the range of around £27,000 - £36,500 a year.

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

Most stage managers work on a freelance basis.

Membership of Equity can be considered proof of professional experience. However, stage managers arrive in the industry via many different routes. Most join straight from training, often from drama school stage management courses.

Competition for all stage manager jobs is incredibly fierce.

Posts are advertised in 'The Stage', which is published weekly. However, it is important to develop a wide network of contacts, as many jobs are found by personal recommendation.

The Stage Management Association accepts as members students from courses accredited by the National Council for Drama Training, or professional stage managers with appropriate references. Membership benefits include access to the jobs area of the website and bi-monthly issues of Cueline members' magazine.

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Adult Opportunities

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 (eg, Access to Media) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

• 46% of people in occupations such as stage management are self-employed.
• 14% work part-time.
• 5% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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