Stage managers have overall control and organisation of everything that happens on the stage during the performances. They help directors to realise their vision for their productions by ensuring that all the other departments are working to co-ordinated goals, are on time and on budget.

On performance nights the stage manager will ‘call’ all stage lighting and sound cues, ensure actors are ready (and where they need to be) and liaise with front of house staff for a successful start at 7.45pm and again after the interval. The stage manager has ultimate responsibility for the production during the run.

The stage manager also ensures that all members of the cast are members of the company, chasing membership forms and payments where necessary. They also coordinate and help provide the programme information about the cast and crew.

How it works

The stage manager attends the pre-production meeting to meet the other team members (wardrobe, props, lighting and so on), see the stage design and collect the budgets. They then help the director to set up the studio for the rehearsals by finding rehearsal furniture, marking out a floor plan with coloured tape etc. They can if they wish attend all rehearsals, but often leave the cast and crew to work on the early studio rehearsals, rejoining the team once rehearsals transfer from the studio to the stage, where they are responsible for switching on the stage working lights, opening and closing the auditorium and stage areas etc.

Once the technical and dress rehearsals are over, the stage manager takes over the show and runs each performance. On show nights they will check the auditorium before the audience arrives to ensure nothing has been left out, and at the end of the night close down the stage and switch off all working lights before leaving.

Commitment and reward

Stage management is demanding and time-consuming, yet also very rewarding. Nowhere can you be so close to the show as in the stage manager’s seat. It is a role that is ideally suited to well organised and efficient people – think of it as similar to an office manager.

You will see a show grow from the basic grass roots to the last-night celebrations. You will experience nerves along with the cast and a huge sense of achievement when you see the audience enjoying themselves.

It would be usual to shadow an experienced stage manager on a show before being given your own show to run, unless there were extenuating circumstances.

What to do next

For more information and to find out how to get involved in the stage management team, contact Sue Wilkinson.

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