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Since stage management is such a tough gig to get, it is always worth having a couple of back up plans to get further opportunities during your down seasons. This means that knowing what your transferable skills are is a must for applying for other jobs or putting your CV about.

Many of the skills you need to be a stage manager are actually along the same lines of being a film producer. Now, you probably aren’t going to jump straight to Hollywood blockbuster in one go, but if you take some time to cultivate these skills by making a short film of your own, you can at least begin to put together a small portfolio. Trying something new like this is a great way to diversify your career, but it is also a good chance to see whether you could shift into a new career path.

Hone Your Directing Skills

Making a short movie is a great way to show off some of your skills in directing. As the director of a film, you will have full control of what is going on and how the story is told, giving you a huge amount of creative freedom to play with.

Your movie doesn’t have to be a huge and dramatic tale, in fact, the more you want to hone your directing skills, the smaller the story should be. Try focusing on just one or two characters and really developing them and giving them a depth only the camera can explore. This will help you to refine your technique and figure out how to persuade actors to do as they’re told, as well as learn more about the craft of acting from them.Think About the Filming

While a stage manager doesn’t necessarily have a lot of filming experience, you will have a good understanding of stagecraft including lighting, set design and sound. Using a camera to capture the drama, rather than simply presenting to an audience as in a theatre, is quite a different experience and it is well worth learning.

If you aren’t entirely sure where to start, begin by contacting local camera crews and working with them to develop your own style and technique. They will also be able to help you develop your own skills and create something wonderful to add to your portfolio.Show Off Your Design Skills

Design is just as important in film as it is on stage, though you may find it a little easier since you can source your location for filming, whereas everything has to be brought to a theatre. One of the easiest spaces you could use might be your house – here you have all the domestic spaces any story could require. Just empty out a room and then refill it with the props and furniture you need.

Do think about where the camera will be looking, though, and how you would like to present the scene before you move large furniture. You may also wish to think carefully about mirrors and shiny surfaces where the camera may pick up a reflection.