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An editor has suggested that this article be merged with: "How to Become a Good Stage Manager" Per the merge policy, if these topics are determined to be similar but distinct, then the articles will remain separate. Please comment on the discussion page. Notice added on 2011-08-09. |
Being a part of a live performing art production can be very exciting, and very fulfilling, especially if you play such a major role. Being a stage manager is being the central brain of any sort of production, whether it be a musical or a small chior concert at your high school. Moreso, it can look amazing on a resume for future jobs!
Edit Steps
- 1Know the qualifications and characteristics of a stage manager. The characteristics that qualify one to become a stage manager include the following: leadership and management skills; team mate; assumes responsibility; dependable; loyal; discrete; ability to maintain cool and collected; good sense of humor; and great communication skills.
- 2Know the jobs of a stage manager. A stage manager is the key position of any production. They take blocking notations, note who is absent or who steps foot into a meeting, schedule meetings and call times, consitently communicate with the director and choreographer, writing up reheasal reports, and pretty much being a part of every single aspect of a production.
- 3Volunteer. Go to your high school or local playhouse. They are always looking for volunteers that have extra time on their hands. They don't pay much (or none at all), so go into it with an open mind and open heart.
- 4Start from the bottom. To be on your way to the top of the ladder, start out as a stage hand or stage crew, or even the spotlight. Starting as a spotlight operator, you will be able to hear every command the stage manager gives.
- 5Wear black and dress conservitavely. Wearing black is a must in all theatres; it keeps us from being too visible on the wings of the stage or in the side of the audience. Dressing conservitavely is a must for most professional jobs (all theatre jobs are professional).
- 6Working every job before becoming a stage manager is a must. It will help you understand what each team member is doing and how difficult their job is. Also, if you are looking to be hired at a high-end theatre, they look for people who know all the ropes. This can include light board, spotlight, lighting design, stage crew (or stage hand), assistant to the director, or an assistant stage manager.
- 7Have time. You need to have enough time in your schedule to be early to every single meet (whether it be a meeting, rehearsal, dress rehearsal, or a performance), to set up for whatever the event, and to clean up, and lock up the meeting space.
- 8Be assertive. Usually stage managers are said to be rude and snotty. But not every stage manager should be like this. You must remain calm, cool, and collected. However, stand your ground when needed. Do your very best to not snap.
- 9Customer service! Yes, it exists in a theatre, even at a high school. If someone complains about gum on the floor, assure them it will be taken care of immediately, and then get someone from your crew or the House Management crew to clean it up if you are in a tight spot.
- 10If you don't know what you are doing, act like you know what you're doing. If you panic, so will everyone else. You want every single crew member to be calm in a pinch. Things will be solved quickly this way.
- 11Take some classes at a community college or high school. Some classes include: Touring Production, Stage Lighting, and Theatre Management.
Edit Tips
- Have plenty of time on your hands and be extremely flexible.
- This is not a job for the shy or timid.
- Be assertive.
- You have to be able to deal with lack of sleep. Some stage managers work from 12pm until 3 or 4am.
- Always do your best! Meaning 200% of what you got!
Edit Warnings
- Try not to have any other job. This takes full attention and committment.
- Even though you are a crucial player, you can be fired and replaced easily if you aren't doing your job or striving to be the best.
- Never, ever, on any occasion, start a rumor or badmouth behind someone's back. This is probably the most unprofessional thing anyone can do.
- If anything happens back stage, since you're in charge, it's your fault, so make sure everything's in tip top shape!
Edit Things You'll Need
- Try reading "The Stage Management Handbook", written by Daniel Ionazzi. This was my fundamental go-to book for nearly everything I ever learned.
- Confidence!
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Article Info
Last edited:
April 8, 2012 by Smeet
Categories:
Merge | Theater | Arts and Entertainment
