Stage manager
Make sure live stage performances run smoothly by managing the crew, performers and technical needs of the show.
Also known as: production manager
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£423
Entry level
£923
Experienced
Monthly
£1,833
Entry level
£4,000
Experienced
Yearly
£22,000
Entry level
£48,000
Experienced
9,300
people are currently employed
High growth
600 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would make sure live stage performances run smoothly. You would organise the practical and technical aspects of rehearsals and shows, and make sure that all crew and performers are in the right place at the right time.
You would probably be helped by a deputy stage manager and one or two assistant stage managers. On smaller productions you might work alone.
You and your team would:
Run rehearsals
Work with others to plan wardrobe, set design, scene changes, sound and lighting
Manage the props budget and organise props and set dressing
Learn the performers’ positions on stage, script changes, and the props, lighting and sound needed for each scene
Work with theatre managers and front-of-house staff
Supervise setting up and taking down before and after each show
Let the performers know when to go on stage
Let the technical crew know when to make sound and lighting changes
You might also join in with putting up the set and any other practical tasks, particularly in small companies or at the start of your career.
Understanding health and safety rules would be very important.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- time management
- making decisions
- taking responsibility
- delegating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Drama
Media
Music
Music Technology
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
Entry is very competitive.
There are no set qualifications required to enter this role but many stage managers train as actors first. Increasingly entrants have a degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in a relevant subject, such as:
technical and production arts
technical theatre
drama
theatre studies
music
You can enter some Technical Theatre or Performing Arts National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
You should check that Drama UK accredits or recognises the degree course you are considering.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate understanding of the industry, creative and organisational skills such as Skills for Work Creative Industries (SCQF level 5).
You normally need experience in amateur or student productions.
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