Stage Manager (SM) : Job Description

There is no single definition or job description for the tasks performed by the person who accepts the title of Stage Manager for any theatrical production. Every theatre or production company has different ideas and expectations regarding the Stage Manager's role in the production process. Each Producer or Director may ask different things of the Stage Manager for each individual production. Therefore, the individual who accepts this position must be as flexible as the job description itself.

* According to Actor's Equity Association (AEA), the union of both professional Actors and Stage Managers, the Stage Manager performs at least the following duties:

• Calls all rehearsals, before or after opening.
• Assembles and maintains the Prompt Book.
• Works with the Director and the Department Heads to schedule rehearsal and outside calls.
• Assumes active responsibility for the form and discipline of rehearsal and performance, and is the executive instrument in the technical running of each performance.
• Maintains the artistic intentions of the Director and Producer after opening.
• Keeps any records necessary to inform the Producer of attendance, time, welfare benefits, etc.
• Maintains discipline.

A Stage Manager's success generally can't be measured in quantitative terms. There are, however, some basic qualities and character traits of good Stage Managers which remain constant.

• A Stage Manager is someone who desires and accepts responsibility.
• A Stage Manager is a tactful communicator with a sense of humor.
• A Stage Manager is organized, adaptable, and thinks quickly on her feet while keeping the goals and priorities of the artistic staff in mind.
• A Stage Manager is often privy to confidential information such as salaries, disciplinary action or health problems. As a condition of this knowledge, a Stage Manager knows when to keep her mouth shut and her eyes and ears open.
• A Stage Manager creates positive energy and inspires those around her to give 110% to the task at hand.
• A Stage Manager has at least some basic knowledge of each aspect of a theatrical production.
• A Stage Manager should be familiar with the requirements of the many unions for Stagehands, Actors and Musicians.

In short, a Stage Manager is an artist, parent, friend, confidant, nurse, drill sargent and cheerleader. Anyone who does not have the potential to possess all of these character traits and is not comfortable with juggling all of these responsibilities and roles at once should think twice before accepting a stage management position. My 10 Golden Rules of Stage Management A Handbook for Stage Managers by Carissa Dollar

1. Learn From Mistakes. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes as we practice our crafts. The best thing anyone can do is to analyze these situations and learn how to avoid making the same mistake again.

2. Don't Panic! Always remain calm, cool and collected. Never, Never yell. All Stage Managers should know the difference between raising their voices to be heard and yelling. If the Stage Manager loses it, everyone will panic.

3. Safety First! The cast shouldn't set foot on the stage unless you would walk on it barefoot. Inspect the set daily for potential problems. Are all stairs and platforms secure? Are all escapes adequately lit and glow taped? Do you know where the first aid kits and fire extenguishers are located? Who is certified in CPR and First Aid? The SM should be!

4. Plan & Think Ahead. What can be done to avoid problems? How can the Stage Managers make life easier for everyone?

5. There Are No Dumb Questions. It is better to ask and fell silly for a few seconds than to cause a disaster later.

6. Prioritize Tasks & Delegate Authority. One person can't do everything. Why do we have assistants if we don't use them?!

7. Early Is On Time. The SM should always be the first person in and the last person out of the theatre for a meeting or rehearsal. I always try to show up about 15 minutes before I really think I need to be there, just in case traffic is bad or any problems or delays occur.

8. Put Everything In Writing. In other words, be a communicator! Dated daily rehearsal notes aid in communication and help to avoid conflicts over when requests or changes were made. (Voice mail and email are also great forms of communication! Get a pager or cel phone so you are easy to reach at all times!)

9. Please & Thank You. Use these word everyday, especially when you are working with volunteers.

10. Stage Managers DO Make Coffee. They also do a million other menial tasks that are meant to make people happy and boost morale. Buy donuts, bake brownies, make sure birthdays are recognized, and hole-punch all paperwork. These little things are really appreciated by everyone.

Director & Stage Manager

[ manager ]