Stage Manager
A Stage Manager is like a project manager for theater productions, live events, and performances. They are the person who keeps everything running smoothly both during rehearsals and actual shows. Think of them as the coordinator who makes sure actors are where they need to be, props are in place, lighting and sound cues happen at the right time, and all technical aspects work together. They're often called the "backbone of production" because they maintain communication between directors, performers, technical crew, and other staff members. Similar roles might be called Production Manager or Show Caller, especially in television or concert settings.
Examples in Resumes
Served as Stage Manager for 12 theatrical productions, coordinating cast of 30+ performers
Lead Stage Manager for regional theater's annual holiday production, managing $100K production budget
Assistant Stage Manager for Broadway touring production, coordinating technical elements across 20 venues
Typical job title: "Stage Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Stage Managers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Networking
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a major technical failure during a live performance?
Expected Answer: A senior stage manager should discuss their emergency protocols, backup plans, communication strategies, and how they would keep performers calm while resolving the issue. They should mention specific examples from their experience.
Q: How do you manage complex production budgets and scheduling?
Expected Answer: They should explain their experience with creating and maintaining production schedules, managing overtime, coordinating multiple departments, and tracking expenses while staying within budget constraints.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you maintain effective communication between different departments during a production?
Expected Answer: Should discuss their methods for daily communication, such as production meetings, rehearsal reports, call sheets, and how they ensure all team members stay informed of changes and updates.
Q: What's your process for creating and maintaining a prompt book?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they organize cues, blocking notes, set changes, and other essential information, as well as how they keep it updated throughout the production process.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic responsibilities of a stage manager during rehearsals?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain taking attendance, recording blocking, maintaining rehearsal schedule, and communicating with production team members.
Q: How do you prepare a basic rehearsal report?
Expected Answer: Should describe the essential elements of a rehearsal report including attendance, schedule adherence, notes for different departments, and any issues that need attention.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic scheduling and coordination
- Recording blocking and notes
- Running basic cue sequences
- Creating rehearsal reports
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing full productions independently
- Coordinating multiple departments
- Running complex technical rehearsals
- Budget tracking
Senior (5+ years)
- Managing large-scale productions
- Training and supervising other stage managers
- Advanced problem-solving during live shows
- Production planning and budgeting
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with creating or maintaining prompt books
- Poor communication or organizational skills
- Inability to remain calm under pressure
- Lack of basic understanding of technical theater terms
- No experience with scheduling or coordinating groups
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