Stage manager is the utmost category of the theater industry and has a lot of knowledge of his field. Its helping hand is assistant manager, deputy manager, technical manager, and company manager. These all have the responsibility to run the show smoothly.

It manages all the equipment for the show, actors, and cast staff members to perform well on stage shows. “SM” also worked alongside the director and producer to understand the farsightedness of production. SM coordinated with all his staff about scheduling, preparing for rehearsal, etc. 

There are many responsibilities of them, so here some are under the following:

Recording the director’s decision and making a note for actors. He’s also doing the messaging to the designer and stage crew. Create a prompt book and take all the information in it, like sound, technical, and lighting.

He manages the rehearsal and production in stage management and also records the director’s decision. His technique of conveying messaging was good for the designers and staff crew. He is also working on a prompt book that manages lighting, sound, set cues, etc.

When the show starts, first ensure that all equipment is performing according to the plan. Actually, the supervising all around the preshow and making notes. Before the show, everyone is ready to begin their entrance.

Assisting and organizing the company roaster list that is in the list of all cast crew member numbers. If someone gets late and is missing in the attendance.

One of the best and most important things in stage management is communication. If communication is not clear, that doesn’t understand the concept of work. So, directors to producers, deputy stage managers to assistant stage managers, and actors to technicians—all need communication.

He noted down the points during rehearsal and wrote down mistakes. After the rehearsal, showing the mistakes and trying to improve their things that are lacking in it.

He overlooked the things that are electrical equipment like plugs, wiring, sockets, etc. Managers take care of furniture during shifting and also sound equipment like speakers, sound boards, amplifiers, and microphones.

Schedule rehearsals are needed in stage management to understand and play the role. When all are set for rehearsal and monitor technical issues that involve performance and delaying the work.

‘’SM’’ worked with the director, so he received feedback from stage conditions about technical, stage crew, and actors. This will help the value addition of lighting, sound system, and adjusting the set.

After doing all these changes, I told them for the next rehearsal.

They manage the work and also rest time for everyone. They also distribute the work, keep an eye on progress, and give deadlines. The management staff also arranges the meeting with the directors and producer.

They tell about the electrical connection that should not be loose. They make the fire evacuation plan in case of emergency. Furthermore, they deal with the first aid kit box when someone gets injured or hurt.

They close an eye on the show during live performances or in the backstage room when there are any mistakes. They also take immediate action on stage. When there is any stage crew performing the duties poorly, replace him with a new one.

1. Earn an undergraduate degree.

The degree you get is a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a focus on specific field study. Then you want to grow yourself as a bachelor of music and creative arts.

2. Build work experience in the industry.

A lot of SM starts their career as stage crew, lighting wardrobe assistant, spotlight operator, or even more. An usher can help you gain experience as a beginner. These things will help you as technical theater and build confidence in the industry.

3. Take courses in sound and lighting design.

A key job duty of this position involves coordinating sound and lighting, necessitating proficiency in both areas. To achieve this, courses in sound engineering and lighting design are essential, covering topics such as acoustics, recording techniques, live sound production, lighting technology, photometric calculations, and electrical systems.

4. Earn a diploma in theatrical or film production.

After finishing your studies, pursuing a diploma in theatrical or film production can help prove your skills. These programs, typically lasting one to two years, cover essential topics like stage management, video technology, and scenic construction.

5. Complete a course in personnel management.

Managing in the large and small teams in industry. The course covers negation techniques and HR best practices. The course helps you manage the staff and actors.

Skills are basic things for every job to ease you and give you respect in the field. Following skills, you must learn:

• Multitasking ability
• Cool-minded in every situation
• Well knowledge of the theater industry
• Communication 
• Speaking ability
• Good listener 
• Don’t panic in a crunch situation.
• Helpful for others
• Scheduling the group of people
• Proficiency with power and hand tools
• Setting up things and grip on math skills
• Stress management skills
• technical tasks for theatrical productions
• Communication skills
• solving problems under immense pressure
• Manage props and dress the set.
• Interpersonal communication
• handle conflict at work and solve problems

The career you’re looking for in stage management is good as far as gaining experience in theater companies. You started your career in an entry-level position, then, step by step, moved to a higher position and a larger company. 

Stage manager job requirements are to handle the whole stage as a head of stage management and facilitate communication to all the members, like technical staff, lighting, and sound during live performances.

Have you ever seen the kit of a manager, or what is in it? So he brings all things that need comfort and productivity. Here are the following under things in kit:

The salary of a stage manager depends on the number of years spent in professional, certificate, and skills. It is varying from country to country, city to city, but in the USA, average salaries are

Per day	$24
Per week	$247
Per month	$3,967
Per year	$56,027

Above salary depends on your company and theater as well as commercial production.