Theatre stage manager
An essential skill for theatre stage managers is people management, as it is their role to coordinate all aspects of a theatre company to ensure the successful delivery of the performance.
This involves managing rehearsals, actors, technicians, props and costume fittings, as well as liaising with front of house staff and the director.
A stage manager needs to have a good understanding of both the technical and artistic elements of a performance so that they can ensure it is delivered exactly to the director’s requirements. They will be involved from the rehearsal stage through to the live performances, where they will be on hand to deal with any emergencies or issues that may hinder the show.
Larger productions will typically have a stage manager supported by a deputy stage manager and one or two assistant stage managers. However, small shows may just have the stage manager working on their own.
Roles vary depending on the size and type of organisation, but the tasks stage managers will typically be expected to carry out include:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following subjects may increase your chances:
It is particularly useful to study a degree that is accredited by the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT) . A list of relevant courses is available on its website. Some drama schools offer specific degrees in subjects such as theatre stage management and technical theatre.
Entry with an HND is also possible and relevant subjects include performing arts and technical theatre.
It is possible to enter the profession without a degree or HND; however this will be at a junior level such as a member of the stage crew. You may then be able to work your way up to the role of an assistant stage manager and then progress further. This may be difficult though, as you will face competition from those who do have the relevant qualifications.
Postgraduate courses are not essential but they are available and will be helpful to those who do not have a related first degree.
It is extremely useful to have practical experience of theatre work and this will increase your chances of finding work once you have completed your qualifications. Try to gain experience through student, community or amateur theatre groups and get involved in as many different areas of the theatre as possible.
A stage manager must have a range of skills. Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
A driving licence may also be an added requirement in some roles. Being able to read music may be beneficial and is essential in opera, ballet and (to a lesser extent) musical theatre. Familiarity with period costume can be useful, as can sewing skills.
There is stiff competition for jobs in theatre and even experienced stage managers have periods out of work. The summer months, when there is less work, are often referred to as the 'dark period' for theatre companies.
You should contact local stage managers for advice and to find out about any available work during 'get-outs'. Networking is a key factor in getting work - many jobs are filled through contacts made whilst working - so it is wise to keep a log of any contacts you make in the field and stay in touch on a regular basis.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Most training is on the job. Post-entry, few venues or companies can afford to sponsor in-service training and individuals will be expected to take responsibility for their own continued professional development (CPD) in technical areas.
The Stage Management Association (SMA) , which is the professional body that supports and represents stage management in the UK, runs a range of short training courses that are available to members and non-members. The courses aim to help stage managers develop their existing skills and are also useful for those who wish to move into company management and production management. The SMA also arranges numerous networking events which are good for building contacts and keeping up to date with industry news.
The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) also provides useful courses which are good for developing the technical side of the job.
The Society of British Theatre Designers offers some short courses and also provides details about degree exhibitions and shows that are useful to those who are interested in the design of a production.
A new entrant usually starts as an assistant stage manager and, after gaining skills and experience, progresses to deputy stage manager. With further experience, the next step is to become a stage manager and then company stage manager, although this is usually only in the larger theatres. A company stage manager may have additional duties, such as coordinating marketing and liaising with front of house staff.
Some stage managers remain as assistants or deputies for their entire career (especially in larger organisations). Others may move between companies, filling roles as assistant, deputy or stage manager, as required.
Some managers may choose to develop certain skills and move into specialist roles such as theatre lighting director, sound manager or wardrobe manager. This would involve expanding the technical and/or design skills learnt through the stage management role to specialise in the relevant area.
Ambitious stage managers may go on to become theatre managers or producers (sometimes called production managers or production directors). They normally work in larger theatres, run significant budgets and coordinate the whole physical production of a play.
With experience and further training, some stage managers go on to become theatre directors. Others use their skills and experience gained in the theatre to work in production jobs in television or film, where they usually start as trainee floor managers. Some stage managers may move into stage management of large scale music concerts or become events managers.
Geographical mobility is often needed for career development. In order to acquire the best skills and build up substantial experience, it is usually necessary to work with a number of different companies and/or travel with a touring company to a number of different performance venues.
There are theatre stage manager jobs in all parts of the UK. Employers range from small touring companies to medium-sized repertory companies and large-scale commercial theatres, such as those in London’s West End.
Opportunities can be found in:
National theatre companies such as the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company are prestigious employers, as are those that produce opera (English National Opera (ENO) , Scottish Opera and Welsh National Opera ), and dance (English National Ballet , Scottish Ballet , Northern Ballet Theatre and The Royal Ballet ). However, these represent only a fraction of the opportunities available.
In addition to theatre work, stage managers may also be needed at open-air music concerts, festivals and theme parks. Work is available at some holiday camps and on cruise ships, which can be useful during 'dark' periods for stage managers who usually work in provincial theatre.
Recruitment agencies rarely handle vacancies. Many posts are filled through personal contacts. Direct applications to theatre groups and companies, by CV and covering letter, may lead to work.
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