Role
As the job-title suggests, the role combines that of Stage Manager and Company Manager. It is very diverse, overseeing the management of the production and being in charge of everything on and off stage during performances.
Key Skills
- Excellent communication.
- Good time-management.
- Calm, particularly when working under pressure.
- Excelling at problem solving and use of initiative.
- Good at budgeting.
- Organisation and efficiency.
- Sense of humour.
Courses
- BA (Hons) Theatre Practice - Stage Management – Central School of Speech and Drama Click Here
- Foundation Degree in Technical Theatre & Stage Management- Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Click Here
- Foundation Degree in Stage Management & Technical Theatre – London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art Click Here
- Technical Theatre – Stage Management – Guildhall School of Music and Drama Click Here
- BA (Hons) Theatre Production Arts – Mountview Academy of Performing Arts Click Here
- BA (Hons) Stage Management – Rose Bruford College Click Here
- Foundation Degree in Stage Management & Technical Theatre – Academy of Live and Recorded Arts Click Here
- BA (Hons) Professional Stage Management – Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Click Here
- BA (Hons) Stage Management & Technical Theatre– The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Click Here
- BA (Hons) Stage Management – Birmingham City University Click Here
- Foundation Degree in Stage Management and Technical Theatre – Newcastle College Click Here
Other courses are available. Those above represent a sample from various drama schools and universities.
Responsibilities
- Managing the technical aspects of the production.
- Pastoral care of the company.
- Completing administrative tasks, including legal and contractual work.
- Paying the cast and production staff.
Training
Vocational training in Stage Management is widely available in drama schools. Selection is by interview and GCSE and A Level/BTEC qualifications are a requirement of most courses, or previous experience in the theatre industry.
Practical experience on school productions or with a local amateur theatre is an advantage when applying to drama schools.
While people do enter the industry without formal training, your employment prospects are greatly enhanced if you’ve completed a recognised course.
Further Reading
- Stage Management: The Essential Handbook by Gail Pallin, 2010
- The Stage Guide to Stage Management by Barbara Eifler, 2008
- Basics – A Beginner’s Guide to Stage Management by Peter Colemen, 2007
