Stage Manager
As theatres across the country gear up for pantomime season, ever wondered who’s really running the show backstage? This month’s career is: Stage Manager! Stage Managers are the calm, organised force behind every production, making sure rehearsals run smoothly and performances go off without a hitch. If you love the buzz of live performance but want to be the one holding it all together behind the scenes, this could be the role for you.
It’s time to take your place backstage…
Job Description
Salary (Avg.)£28,000
Stage Managers are responsible for the smooth running of a production, from rehearsals through to the final curtain call. You’ll coordinate actors, schedules, props, sets and technical cues, acting as the vital link between the director, cast and technical crew. During rehearsals, you’ll take detailed notes and build the ‘show bible’ – the master document that records every cue, move and line so the show can run night after night. Once performances begin, you’ll ‘call the show’, giving live cues for lighting, sound and set changes. It’s a role that demands calm under pressure, sharp organisation and a genuine love of theatre.
Qualifications and Skills
There’s no single route into stage management, making it an accessible career for those willing to gain experience.
- University/College route: A degree or further education course in Stage Management, Technical Theatre or Production Arts can provide a strong foundation and industry contacts.
- Apprenticeship route: Some theatres and production companies offer Technical Theatre or Production apprenticeships, combining paid work with training.
- Experience route: Many Stage Managers start out working backstage on school, am-dram or fringe productions, building experience as an Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) before progressing.
Whichever route you take, building a strong network within the theatre industry and gaining hands-on backstage experience is key to progressing.
What you can be doing now
Get involved in school or local theatre productions in any backstage capacity you can – from helping with props and sets to assisting with rehearsals. This hands-on experience is invaluable and helps you build the organisational and teamwork skills Stage Managers rely on every day. Take on responsibility where you can, whether that’s organising a school event or managing a group project, to build your confidence in leading and coordinating others. Watching productions and paying attention to what happens both on stage and behind the scenes will also help you understand how a show comes together.
Take control behind the curtain and become a Stage Manager!
