Stage manager
Stage managers co-ordinate productions and make sure they run smoothly from rehearsals through to performance.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a stage manager, you could:
- organise technical and performance rehearsals
- create a production plan for sound, lighting, scenery and costumes
- manage sets, furniture and props
- give cues to performers and co-ordinate sound and lighting effects
- work with theatre managers, technicians and front-of-house staff
- supervise the setting up and taking down of sets and equipment
Working environment
You could work in a theatre, at a TV studio, at a film studio or at a music venue.
Your working environment may be physically demanding and you'll travel often.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- manage a theatre company
- become a theatre producer
- move into TV or film production
- run your own business providing services to theatres like props or lighting design
- become an agent
- work as a theatre consultant, using your expertise to advise on the development of performing arts venues
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- business management skills
- leadership skills
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in stage management, or a related subject like:
- performing arts production
- theatre studies
- stage management and technical theatre
You can search for approved courses through the Stage Management Association and the Federation of Drama Schools.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
You could do a college course, for example:
- production arts practice - technical theatre and stage management option
- technical and production practice for the creative industries
- drama and theatre
The skills you'll learn on these courses could help when you look for a trainee stage manager job with a theatre or production company.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You may find openings for technical apprenticeships, which could lead into stage management, as your career develops.
You could contact theatres directly to see if they have any apprenticeship training opportunities available. Some of the larger theatres run their own schemes, for example the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company.
You may be able to apply for a Creative Industries Production Management Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.
You'll usually need experience in production management, technical theatre or production accounting to do this.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
You may be able to move into stage management after training as an actor. You could also work your way up if you have several years' experience as a:
- backstage theatre technician
- deputy stage manager
- stagehand
Career tips
You'll often need practical backstage experience to apply for courses and training.
You can get relevant experience from:
- student, amateur and community theatre
- working as a casual stagehand in local theatre venues
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Stage Management Association for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can learn more about becoming a stage manager from the Stage Management Association and Get Into Theatre.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.