Stage Manager Duties for Concerts
Stage managers have to be present as rehearsals and performances to supervise and direct the onstage production elements of a concert. A stage manager's duties for a concert varies, depending on the type of concert performed and the size and type of the venue used, but duties generally include running the lights and sound, coordinating events, cueing onstage action and providing for the needs of the act.
Other People Are Reading
-
Lighting
-
For a large concert in a big venue, stage managers may be responsible for control and supervision of the lighting and sound of a production. This includes the stage lighting and the room lighting. The stage manager's duties include setting the houselights to provide a suitable atmosphere and controlling the spotlights for the stage lighting. The stage manager is directed as to what lighting is needed in the concert at certain times, and his duty is to ensure the correct lighting throughout the concert. A lighting technician is usually involved in this process as well.
Sound
-
The stage manager's duties may also include being responsible for the sound within the concert, including the volume of microphones and amplifiers. Again, this role requires liaison with the act to find out what levels of sound are required throughout the concert. At times, concert acts come to a venue with their own lighting and sound technicians, in which case the stage manager facilitates their roles.
-
Liaising with Performers
-
The stage manager may also be required to provide for the needs of the musicians and guest artists. This means ensuring that the performing act has everything they've requested before, during and after the show. For example, the act may request water, juice or towels during the concert. The stage manager liaises with the performers, telling them when it's time to go on stage and when to leave the stage, as well as calling other cues throughout the concert.
Backstage
-
The stage manager may also work backstage to control and regulate the backstage area. The stage manager's duties can involve a security-type role, in which he checks everybody's backstage passes and enforces regulations, clearing the area of people who should not be backstage. The backstage area can become crowded and noisy, so the stage manager's duty is to keep the area as organized as possible. Another duty of the stage manager may also be curtain changes. This duty involves ensuring curtains are opened and closed at the correct times within the act, for example, when the show opens, for intermission and at the final curtain call.
-
References
- Photo Credit John Rowley/Photodisc/Getty Images
