Careers

Company Stage Manager

behind the scenes of the production
Play

Get insights from Company Stage Manager Katy Bryant

“Company Stage Management is about looking after the company. It’s about being the link between the production at the theatre and the producer’s office, and about making sure that the show runs smoothly and safely each evening.”

Katy Bryant

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. 

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

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

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

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.

Courses

Other courses are available. Those above represent a sample from various drama schools and universities.

See also