Stage manager

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in stage management, or a related subject like:

• performing arts production
• theatre practice
• technical theatre

You can search for approved courses through the Stage Management Association and the Federation of Drama Schools .

You'll often need practical backstage experience to apply for a course. You can get relevant experience from:

• student, amateur or community theatre
• working as a casual stagehand in local theatre venues

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could do a college course, for example:

• Level 3 Diploma in Production Arts
• Level 4 Professional Diploma in Technical and Production Practice for the Creative Industries

The skills you'll learn on these courses could help when you look for a trainee assistant manager job with a stage or production company.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a creative industries production management degree apprenticeship.

You'll usually need experience in production management or production accounting to do this.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to move into stage management after training as an actor. You could also work your way up if you have several years' experience as a backstage theatre technician.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• business management skills
• leadership skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to sell products and services
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Stage managers make sure the sets, equipment and props are ready for the opening of a performance.

In this role you could:

• make sure crew and performers are in the right place at the right time
• organise rehearsals
• work with staff to plan wardrobe, set design, scene changes, sound and lighting
• manage props and dress the set
• liaise with theatre managers and front-of-house staff
• supervise the 'get in' and ‘get out’ – the times when sets and equipment are set up and taken down
• give cues for the performers to go on stage
• cue sound and lighting effects

Location : You could work in a theatre, at a TV studio or at a film studio.
Environment : Your working environment may be noisy, physically demanding and you'll travel often.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £48,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

With experience, you could manage a theatre company, become a theatre producer, or move into TV or film production.

You could run your own business providing services to theatres like props or lighting design, or become a theatre consultant.