How to Be Dance Company Stage Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 30, -0001 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Stage managers play a key role in the success of a dance company. They are responsible for maintaining the show flow, ensuring that all necessary elements are in place for the performance, and managing the crew for the production. Their responsibilities include ensuring the safety of the dancers, coordinating with the technical staff, organizing rehearsals, and supervising the staff and crew during the performance.

As a result of their hard work, they can ensure that the production runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing the dancers to perform to their full potential. Furthermore, they provide a sense of security to the dancers, allowing them to focus on their artistry and enjoy the performance.

Steps How to Become

Get a Degree. The first step to becoming a Dance Company Stage Manager is to get a degree in theater, dance, or a related field. A degree will give you the knowledge and experience you need to manage a dance company.
Gain Experience. Get experience in the field by working as an assistant stage manager, technical director, or production assistant at a local theater or dance company. This experience will help you understand the job of a stage manager, as well as give you the necessary skills.
Network. Make professional contacts in the theater and dance world by attending events and joining organizations such as the Stage Managers Association. This will help you find potential employers and build your reputation.
Find a Job. Look for job openings at dance companies or theaters. You can also contact stage management companies and inquire about job openings.
Prepare for Auditions. If you are hired for an audition, demonstrate your skills by being organized, prepared, and professional.
Get Certified. Consider getting certified as a Certified Dance Company Stage Manager (CDCSM). This certification is available through the Professional Association of Theater Stage Managers and requires passing a written exam.
Stay Up-to-Date. Keep up with current trends in theater and dance by attending workshops, reading trade magazines, and joining professional organizations. This will help you stay abreast of the latest developments in the field and make you a more valuable asset to your employer.

In order to become a successful Dance Company Stage Manager, it is necessary to possess certain skills and competencies. These include strong organizational skills, the ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks efficiently, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong problem-solving abilities, and a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of theatre. the stage manager must be familiar with all aspects of production, including lighting, sound, staging, and costuming.

Finally, having a creative eye for detail and an understanding of the choreography will give the stage manager an edge in helping to bring out the best in the dancers and the overall production. All these skills and competencies are essential for a successful Dance Company Stage Manager.

You may want to check Dance Company Tour Manager, Dance Company Public Relations Manager, and Dance Production Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Coordinate the production schedule, ensuring that all production elements are completed on time.
Create and maintain production paperwork including technical, organizational, and administrative documents.
Communicate effectively with production staff, cast, and crew to ensure a smooth production process.
Lead daily production meetings and ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner.
Supervise rehearsals and performances, ensuring that all performers and technical crew are prepared and ready for each performance.
Manage the stage crew and other personnel, assigning tasks and delegating responsibilities.
Oversee the loading-in and loading-out process of all sets, props, lighting, sound, and other elements.
Work closely with the lighting and sound designers to ensure that their designs are implemented properly.
Monitor rehearsals and performances to ensure safety protocols are followed.
Troubleshoot technical difficulties and resolve any issues that may arise during the production process.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Knowledge of theatrical production techniques and processes
Ability to communicate effectively with crew members and dancers
Ability to anticipate technical needs of performance
Knowledge of audio, lighting, and other technical equipment
Familiarity with safety regulations
Ability to manage budgets and schedules
Experience with event planning and coordination
Ability to work effectively under pressure

Having the right skills as a Dance Company Stage Manager is essential for the successful production of a performance. Being well organized and having strong communication skills will help the Stage Manager to effectively coordinate the different components of a show. Having a good understanding of the creative vision and being able to interpret it into technical requirements is critical.

The Stage Manager must also be able to anticipate potential problems and provide solutions in a timely manner. Good problem-solving skills and the ability to think on their feet are essential. the ability to collaborate with other departments, such as musicians and costume designers, is important for creating a cohesive production.

Without these skills, it would be difficult for any Dance Company Stage Manager to bring a production to life.

Dance Company Touring Videographer, Dance Performance Artist, and Dance Company Business Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with stage management for a dance company?
How do you handle stressful situations or tight deadlines?
What methods do you use to ensure that the stage setup is efficient and effective?
How would you handle a disagreement between the choreographers and the dancers?
How do you go about organizing and managing the resources needed for a performance?
How would you handle a situation where a dancer is injured during a performance?
Describe a challenge you have faced as a stage manager and how you overcame it.
How do you ensure that everyone involved in a performance is on the same page?
What strategies do you use to ensure that a performance runs smoothly?
What do you think sets you apart from other stage managers?

Common Tools in Industry

Promptbook. A complete guide for the production of the show, including cues, cast and crew information, and a complete schedule. (eg: The promptbook for the dance show included a list of all the performances, a detailed rehearsal schedule, and cast and crew contact information. )
Show control system. A computerized system used to control lighting, sound, and other theater automation systems. (eg: The show control system was used to automate the light changes during the dance performance. )
Digital audio console. A mixing board used to control the sound of the performance. (eg: The digital audio console was used to adjust the volume of the music during the dance show. )
Cue script. A document with all the cues that need to be called during the performance. (eg: The cue script listed all the lighting, sound, and other cues needed for each dance number. )
Rehearsal notes. Detailed notes about each rehearsal of the show. (eg: The rehearsal notes included notes on the blocking, timing, and other factors which needed to be adjusted during the dance show. )
Props list. A list of all props needed for the show, including rental information. (eg: The props list for the dance show included a description of each prop and where it could be rented from. )
Performance schedule. A detailed timeline of when each performance will take place. (eg: The performance schedule for the dance show listed all performances, including times and locations. )

Professional Organizations to Know

The League of American Orchestras
Association of Performing Arts Professionals
United States Institute for Theatre Technology
Dance/USA
International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees
Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
Society of Professional Audio Recording Services
International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians
International Association of Lighting Designers

We also have Dance Fitness Instructor, Dance Company Touring Artist, and Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cue-to-cue Rehearsal. A practice session in which the cast and crew run through individual cues, rather than complete scenes.
Technical Rehearsal. A full rehearsal of the show, in which the set, props, lighting and sound are incorporated into the performance.
Line Memorization. The process of learning all of the lines of the play in order to be able to perform them on stage.
Prompt Book. A book that contains all of the technical cues, blocking, and lines necessary to produce a production.
Show Call. The call time for actors and crew to arrive at the theatre for a performance.
Cuesheet. A document containing all of the technical information about a production, including lighting, sound, and video cues.
Dress Rehearsal. A final rehearsal of the show with all of the technical elements, prior to opening night.
Run Through. A rehearsal in which the cast and crew run through the entire show without stopping.
Cue Stack. A list of all of the technical cues that must be called during a performance.
Strike. The process of dismantling the set and props after a production has closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Dance Company Stage Manager?

The primary responsibility of a Dance Company Stage Manager is to coordinate production activities and manage the technical aspects of rehearsals and performances.

What qualifications are necessary for a Dance Company Stage Manager?

Qualifications for a Dance Company Stage Manager include knowledge of technical theatre, excellent organizational and communication skills, and experience in stage management.

What type of production activities do Dance Company Stage Managers coordinate?

Dance Company Stage Managers coordinate activities such as setting up the stage, managing props and costumes, coordinating rehearsals, and supervising the backstage crew.

How many people do Dance Company Stage Managers typically oversee?

Dance Company Stage Managers typically oversee a team of 10-20 people including actors, technicians, and other production staff.

How does a Dance Company Stage Manager ensure that performances run smoothly?

A Dance Company Stage Manager ensures that performances run smoothly by overseeing all technical aspects of the production, communicating with the cast and crew, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise during rehearsals or performances.

Web Resources

Stage Manager | Berklee www.berklee.edu
Stage Manager | Department of Theatre and Dance theatreanddance.appstate.edu
Assistant Stage Manager | Department of Theatre and Dance theatreanddance.appstate.edu