How to Become a Stage Manager
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Stage Manager
What does a Stage Manager do?
A Stage management is a broad field that is generally defined as the practice of organization and coordination of an event or theatrical production. Stage management may encompass a variety of activities including the overseeing of the rehearsal process and coordinating communications among various production teams and personnel. Stage management requires a general understanding of all aspects of production and offers organisational support to ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently. A stage manager is an individual who has overall responsibility for stage management and the smooth execution of a theatrical production. Stage management may be performed by an individual in small productions, while larger productions typically employ a stage management team consisting of a head stage manager, or production stage manager, and one or more assistant stage managers.
Stage management may encompass a variety of activities including the overseeing of the rehearsal process and coordinating communications among various production teams and personnel.
Stage management requires a general understanding of all aspects of production and offers organisational support to ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently.
Stage management may be performed by an individual in small productions, while larger productions typically employ a stage management team consisting of a head stage manager, or production stage manager, and one or more assistant stage managers.
The title of stage manager was not used until the 18th century, though the concept and need for someone to fill the area of stage management can be seen with the Ancient Greeks.
Between the Renaissance and 17th century, the actors and playwright handled stage management aspects and stage crew.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Stage Manager
Best tips for those who want to become a Stage Manager
Here are some tips to become a Stage Manager.
DON’T TAKE ANYTHING TOO SERIOUSLY.
IF IT’S NOT FUN, YOU’RE DOING SOMETHING WRONG.
It doesn’t matter where you started.
Find ways to get hands-on experience.
However literate you think you are, keep reading.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Stage Manager
Best colleges and universities for Stage Manager
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Stage Manager
Is being a Stage Manager Worth it?
Even though they tend to get on your last nerve when they forget a cue or forget to mop the stage, the techies are your children.
Bringing a show to the stage nightly requires a complex ecosystem of cast and crew, all led by stage managers.
Inside the stage management office, an unassuming room filled with charts, binders, and notes, White convenes with the two other stage managers who keep the show running.
During rehearsals, the stage manager takes notes for the director, actors and technicians, including movements across the stage, script changes and light, sound and scenery needs.
During technical rehearsals and shows, the stage manager uses this script to let each technician know when to take a cue, such as changing the lighting look or playing music.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Stage Manager
What skills do you need to be a Stage Manager?
Although this job may seem to be a more junior position, there are still certain skill sets which an applicant needs to possess to do well. In order to support the team, a strong grasp of these skills is necessary: Desktop Publishing Tools, Drawing, Graphic Design, Image Editing, Motion Graphic Design, Print Design. Profecciency in the following is key: Graphic Design Software. Experience and professionalism are always important to landing any job, and a mastery of these skills will help amplify your qualifications.
Stage managers are in charge of the entire production, so you must be a good leader for this job.
Just because you are an organized human being doesn’t mean you have the skillset to be an excellent stage manager.
Basic knowledge of psychology will take you pretty far in stage management.
There are no specific qualifications required to become a Stage Manager.
These are the desirable skills to have to become and ideal candidate for a stage management role.
Step 6: View average salary for Stage Manager
How much does a Stage Manager make?
The average salary range for a Stage Manager is from $51,394 to $67,718. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Step 7: Find relevant Stage Manager jobs, and apply.
Looking for Stage Manager jobs?
Here are some Stage Manager jobs in the United States.