How to Become a Professional Stage Manager
The stage manager is responsible for keeping the show running smoothly behind the scenes. This role is as important to ensuring a good theater production as the actors and director. If you are interested in becoming a professional stage manager, follow these steps to get started.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Read books about being a stage manager such as Tom Kelly's "Backstage Guide to Stage Management" and Lawrence Stern's "Stage Management."
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2
Go to college and get an education in theater. This is not a requirement for stage manager jobs, but it is a great way to get the well rounded knowledge that you need to be effective. Going to school also provides opportunities to manage actual campus theater productions.
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3
Think about doing post graduate work. Continue your education and get an Master of Fine Arts degree, which you can also use to teach. Consider pursuing an internship with a regional or professional theater to gain valuable networking opportunities.
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4
Gain as much experience as a stage manager as possible. Get involved in community theater and look for opportunities to intern. If you cannot obtain a position as a stage manager or production assistant right away, work for the theater in another capacity.
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5
Observe other stage managers. Get in touch with community or professional theaters in your area. Ask the stage manager if you can observe during a show or sit in on a rehearsal.
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6
Network--because so much of theater employment is about "who you know." Join the Stage Managers' Association or other professional organizations. Go to workshops and conferences to meet other theater professionals.
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Tips & Warnings
Buy a copy of the "Regional Theater Directory" from the American Theaterworks. The book lists most of the theaters in the United States by state and contains information about internships and production assistant opportunities.
If you decide to attend a university, take classes in directing. One of the stage manager's most important tasks is to maintain the show once it opens.
Order the "Directory of Professional Theater Training Programs" and the "Regional Theater Directory" from American Theaterworks. These books list all of the graduate programs and theaters by state.
