How to Become a Good Stage Manager

Edited by Flickety, Maluniu, Sondra C, Krystle and 7 others

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In the world of professional theatre, the stage manager is one of the most important players. The most important job of the Stage Manager is to maintain the artistic integrity of the show once it has opened. During rehearsals, the Stage Manager is the hub of information. He or she takes blocking notation, runs design meetings, sets up the rehearsal space, and is the great communicator to everyone.

EditSteps

1. 1
   Start early. If you are still in high school, becoming a stage manager may be as simple as asking the director of the show if you may hold this position of awesome power. However, it is best to first volunteer to be an assistant stage manager so you can learn the ropes before diving in head first.
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   Get the training needed. If you are working professionally, you should have a background in all things tech. A director will not hire someone who can't even turn on the light board! Prepare a resume. It is an interview like any other job.
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   Be early and then late. The stage manager should be the first one to arrive and the last one to leave.
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   Establish control from the very first audition. Though a stage manager should not be feared, they should be respected. No need to scare people into listening to you, but don't be afraid to be firm when you need to be. Expect respect from the beginning of the process and respect the ones around you as well.
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   Say little. One way to ensure that the others working on the show will listen to you is to say little. Try to only speak when there is something important to say. People will learn that when you talk it is something important, and they will listen.
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   Be hands on and ready to pitch in on everything. There is no such thing as "Not my job". Even if it's mopping the stage, do it if it needs to be done! This shows that you are not afraid to do a little grunt work and might ensure your job.
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   Pay attention throughout the rehearsal process. Part of your job is to call light, sound, fly, motor, and any other technical cues during the show. Having a thorough understanding of the entire show is necessary to running a smooth tech process.
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   Be aware that everyone in the production is looking to you to set the tone of the production. If things get stressful, keep a positive, problem-solving attitude; this will help everyone involved remain calm.
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   Dress conservatively. Dress comfortably but with no bare midriffs, cleavage or seductive outfits. You want the actors to respect your authority, not to be looking down your dress.
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    Your loyalty needs to lie with your show and your Producer. Do not gossip with anyone about your problems with the show or how things are being run.
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    Think ahead. Anticipate the shows needs.
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    Do not be intimidated by actors. Take no notice of their star status, age or intimidating manner towards you. Be sweet, professional, kind and firm. If you give an inch, things go rapidly downhill from there. No one will respect you for giving in.
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    Look out for the actors as a group. If there is an opportunity to do a basic kindness, do it. Look to their mental health if the rehearsals are very stressful or emotionally charged. Yoga warm ups before rehearsal or at break are a great stress buster.
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    At rehearsals, always set the tone for a calm and professional atmosphere. Play quiet music, keep loud talk to a minimum and, if possible, work to give the director a few moments alone to gather his thoughts when he walks into the theater. If you begin with a calm atmosphere, you won't have to ask for quiet.
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    If you have assistants, make sure to delegate tasks to them. Always find the time to follow up with their assignments. If their completion of the task was not to your liking, use constructive criticism, but do not sugar coat it. If they did well, praise is sometimes more valuable than financial rewards. Give credit where credit is due. If your assistant does something wonderful, don't take credit for his work. You will look smarter and more professional by surrounding yourself with competent people. Their success only makes you look better.