Theatre stage manager

As a theatre stage manager, you'll coordinate all aspects of a production from the rehearsals right through to the final performance, ensuring the smooth and safe running of the show

You'll need to have a strong understanding of both the technical and artistic elements of a performance so you can ensure that it's delivered exactly to the director's requirements.

You'll be on hand to deal with any emergencies that may arise during the creation and running of the production, working closely with the director, producer and actors, as well as the designer and production team, including technicians, props and costume fitters.

Larger productions typically have a stage manager supported by a deputy stage manager and one or two assistant stage managers. For smaller shows, you're likely to work on your own.

Responsibilities

As a theatre stage manager, you'll be at the centre of the production and will provide the link between the artistic vision and technical delivery. Your responsibilities will vary depending on your experience and the size and type of production, but you'll typically need to:

• set up and run rehearsal schedules
• procure props, furniture and set dressings and, in small companies, assist in set construction
• arrange costume and wig fittings
• distribute information to other theatre departments
• manage the props, and possibly the design budgets, liaising with the production manager regarding costs
• supervise the 'get in' to the theatre, when the set, lighting and sound are installed, and the 'get out', when all the equipment is removed
• compile and operate prompt copy - also known as the 'prompt script' or 'the book', which notes actors' moves and cues, and the requirements for props, lighting and sound
• make alterations to the set between scene changes, prompt actors and cue technicians
• operate sound, lights and technical effects (in many cases)
• take charge of the show once it starts, running the backstage and onstage areas during performances
• make sure that what is supposed to happen during a performance happens and handling any problems that occur
• liaise with the director, stage personnel and other technical departments, such as costume, lighting and sound
• call actors for rehearsals and performances
• liaise with resident staff at other performance venues (if touring)
• take notes and write show reports for the director, as well as sometimes helping the actors with notes and feedback
• ensure the company's welfare and maintain a good working knowledge of all relevant health and safety legislation and good working practice.

The Stage Management Association (SMA) has more information on the role of a theatre stage manager.

Salary

• Stage managers typically earn around £25,000 to £40,000, depending on their experience.
• Salaries for highly experienced senior stage managers with an established reputation can rise to in excess of £45,000.
• Salary levels can vary significantly depending on a range of factors including your level of experience, the type of theatre company you work for and your location. Additional payments, such as touring allowances, may be available.

The Independent Theatre Council (ITC) negotiates minimum rates of pay for its members. For current ITC/Equity weekly rates, see ITC Rates of Pay.

For stage manager rates in commercial theatrical productions, see the UK Theatre/Equity commercial theatre rates of pay.

The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) provides SOLT/Equity pay rates for stage managers in West End theatrical productions.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

You must be prepared to work long and irregular hours including evenings, weekends and bank holidays to ensure the smooth running of rehearsals and live performances.

Given the nature of the role, you'll need to be flexible, taking time off around performances and rehearsals, rather than working a conventional nine to five, Monday to Friday week. Rehearsals, for example, can involve extended days, especially in the lead-up to an opening night.

You can expect to work between 40 and 46 hours per week (including travel) but you shouldn't work for more than six consecutive days and you should always have adequate breaks.

Full-time contracts are more common in larger venues, with freelance and fixed term positions more prevalent, particularly in regional theatres and touring productions.

What to expect

• The work is based in theatres and other arts venues. Conditions backstage can be hot, dusty or dark, although this depends on the age and size of the venue. Open-air theatres may be the opposite of this.
• The work can be physically demanding as you may be expected to help move or lift props, especially when working for smaller theatres. You may also need a good head for heights. You'll be expected to 'muck in' and apply your skills to any given priority, especially at the beginning of your career.
• Jobs are available in most areas of the UK, and there are also opportunities to work overseas. Self-employment or freelance work is possible. Experienced stage managers may opt to work freelance in order to gain more varied experience and earn higher rates of pay.
• Occasionally, you may need to travel during the day. If you're in a touring company, you may spend long periods away from home.

Qualifications

Although it's possible to get into theatre stage management with a degree, foundation degree or HND in any subject if you have experience, the following subjects are particularly relevant:

• drama or theatre studies
• music
• performing arts
• stage management
• theatre production
• theatre professional practice.

Members of the Federation of Drama Schools provide conservatoire style vocational training for students who want to be theatre makers, technical theatre practitioners and performers. See the list of partner schools. Learn more about conservatoires.

Other relevant qualifications include the Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts and the Level 4 Professional Diploma in Technical and Production Practice for the Creative Industries. For more information, see the University of the Arts London (UAL) Awarding Body Qualifications.

You can enter the profession without a degree or HND at a more junior level such as a member of the stage crew or theatre technician. You may then be able to work your way up to the role of assistant stage manager and then progress further.

Although a postgraduate qualification isn't essential, a postgraduate degree in stage management or theatre may be useful, particularly if your first degree is in an unrelated subject. Search postgraduate courses in theatre studies.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• excellent communication, planning and organisational skills
• a sharp eye for detail
• the ability to stay calm in a crisis
• persuasiveness, patience, tact and diplomacy, sensitivity and an understanding of the pressure performers are under
• team working skills and the ability to get the best out of people
• good all-round technical/computer skills and awareness of current and emerging technologies
• the ability to work under pressure, especially in the run-up to a performance
• the ability to multi-task and to adapt to changing priorities
• problem-solving skills and the ability to think on your feet
• confident decision-making ability and negotiation skills
• stamina in order to cope with long hours during technical and dress rehearsals, and for touring
• administration skills, business awareness and the ability to manage a budget - if your role involves managing the business side of the theatre and for handling your own tax affairs.

A driving licence can be very useful in this role.

Work experience

Competition for jobs is fierce, and you'll need to have practical experience of theatre work. You can gain this through joining student, community or amateur theatre groups and by getting involved in as many different areas of the theatre as possible. This can help to build up contacts, which may lead to future job opportunities.

Experience as a casual stagehand in local theatres, working backstage setting up and operating equipment during performances, can also be useful. Arrange to speak to the stage manager at your local theatre to talk about possibilities.

If you're studying a relevant degree, such as stage management, make the most of work placements to develop your practical skills and establish a network of contacts.

Try to vary your work experience so you get a feel for how different types of company operate and how sets can differ. Also, watch as many different kinds of productions as you can and attend talks about productions.

Reading specialist press, such as The Stage, will also help you keep up to date with what's happening in the profession and show your commitment.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

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.

Other employers include:

• alternative, community, prison and children's theatre
• fringe theatre
• regional theatre
• theatre-in-education companies
• touring theatre.

There are also opportunities with national theatre, opera and dance companies, although these represent only a fraction of the opportunities available.

In addition to theatre work, stage managers can also work at open-air music concerts, festivals and theme parks.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Arts Jobs
• Mandy
• Stage Management Association (SMA) - you need to be a member to view vacancies.
• The Stage
• UK Theatre

The SMA circulates Freelist every month, a list of members who are currently available for work.

Contact local stage managers for advice and to find out about any available work. Networking is a key factor in getting a job - many vacancies are filled through contacts made while working - so keep a log of any contacts you make in the field and stay in touch on a regular basis. You can also send targeted applications, via CV and cover letter, to theatre companies.

Professional development

Most of your training is likely to be on the job. Few venues or companies can afford to fund in-service training, so you'll be expected to take responsibility for your own continuing professional development (CPD).

It's important to keep your skills and knowledge up to date throughout your career. Getting membership of the Stage Management Association (SMA), the professional body that supports and represents stage management in the UK, is useful. It runs a range of short training courses aimed at enhancing your skills and also provides information, advice and advocacy to members, as well as professional support and development opportunities.

The Association also arranges networking events, backstage tours and talks, which are good for building contacts and keeping up to date with industry news.

Organisations such as the Independent Theatre Council (ITC) and UK Theatre also provide relevant events, training and conferences.

Career prospects

You'll typically start as an assistant stage manager and, after gaining skills and experience, may progress to deputy stage manager. With further experience, your next step is to become a stage manager and then company stage manager, although this is usually only possible in larger theatres.

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.

Geographical mobility will help your career development as you move between theatres, or travel with a touring company, to broaden your experience and skills.

It's possible to develop your skills to move into specialist roles, such as theatre lighting director, sound manager or wardrobe manager. This involves developing the technical or design skills you'll have learned through stage management roles through further training and experience.

You may have the opportunity to become a theatre manager or producer (sometimes called a production manager or production director). This involves working in larger theatres, running significant budgets and coordinating the whole physical production of a play. With experience and further training, some stage managers go on to become theatre directors.

You may be able to use the skills and experience you gain in the theatre to move into production jobs in television or film, where you could potentially work in roles including trainee floor manager. You could also move into stage management of large-scale music concerts or become an events manager.