Stage managers are responsible for organizing the running of theaters day-to-day. Their work involves everything from setting up rehearsals to forming meetings post-show. But what’s the career path in this profession? How can you get a position like this?
Make Sure That You Have The Right Qualifications
Unlike some technical careers, becoming a stage manager doesn’t require you to have specific qualifications. However, it can be useful to have an educational background that relates to the industry.
Producers often look for people with drama or theater studies degrees. However, music and performing arts are also acceptable. Additionally, if you can get your foot in the door with a theatre, you may be able to learn on the job. Proving you have the right skills can matter more than having the “right” degree.
Get The Skills You Need
Why are some stage managers, such as Travis Preston, so successful? Primarily, it comes down to their skills, something you’ll need to develop if you want to go far in this industry.
Specific skills you need include an eye for detail, good negotiation skills, and the ability to think on your feet. You also need to be able to think under pressure particularly when things go wrong.
Most professional stage managers have exceptional communication and organization skills. They understand how to bring people together and speak to them in a language that they understand.
Being able to think creatively about how to solve problems is also critical. The theater isn’t a carefully calibrated production process, like in a factory. Things can and do go wrong all the time. And you need to be ready to deal with issues when problems crop up.
Aim For An Entry Level Position First
If you think that you can waltz into a local theater and start managing productions from day one, you’re sadly mistaken. In most cases, you’ll need to work your way up from an entry-level position.
Most budding stage managers begin as production assistants, assistant stage managers or backstage crews. Here, you’ll learn the ropes of the profession, preparing you for greater responsibility in the future.
Once you have some experience under your belt, you can then move on to stage managing or working as a deputy stage manager. If you’re lucky enough to be a part of a larger theater group, the position of “company stage manager” might be available.
Stand Out
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, stage managers need to stand out. You need to impress the people you work with, proving to them that you have creative potential. Prove you’re a dependable problem solver and you should do just fine in this career.
Stage management is not just a formulaic job. It’s actually very inventive. You’re free to experiment with the best approaches. If you can help improve the efficiency of theater productions, producers will reward you with consistent work.
