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

Jan 19, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree in Theatre or a Related Field. A minimum of a bachelors degree in theatre or a related field is usually required to become a studio stage manager. This degree should include courses in theatre production, production management, stage management, and theatre history.
Gain Experience in the Theatre. Once you have your degree, you should get as much experience in the theatre as you can. Start out as an intern or assistant stage manager and build up to stage manager. This will give you a good understanding of the industry and help you understand what it takes to be a studio stage manager.
Become Certified. Many employers prefer to hire certified studio stage managers. You can become certified through organizations such as the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). This certification is voluntary, but it demonstrates your knowledge and experience in the field.
Build Your Network. Networking is an important part of becoming a studio stage manager. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and get to know other professionals in the industry. This will help you stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in the field, as well as help you find job opportunities.
Get Hired. Once you have your degree, experience, certification, and network, you can start looking for job opportunities. You can search online job boards or contact production companies and theatres directly. You may also want to consider working as a freelance studio stage manager or offering your services on a contract basis.

Staying ahead and efficient as a Stage Manager requires careful planning and organization. It begins with creating a detailed timeline of tasks that need to be completed, from pre-production through to post-production. As the production progresses, Stage Managers should regularly check off items from the timeline to ensure that all work is being done on schedule.

it is important for Stage Managers to remain in close communication with other members of the production team, such as the director, producer, and cast, to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that everyone is aware of any changes in the timeline or expectations. Lastly, Stage Managers should be proactive in anticipating any potential problems or issues that could arise during the production process and plan ahead to minimize disruptions and stay ahead of the game. By taking a proactive approach and staying organized, Stage Managers can ensure that the production runs smoothly and efficiently.

You may want to check Studio Animator, Studio Intern, and Studio Art Director for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare stage for rehearsals and performances, including setting up and adjusting lighting, sound and rigging equipment.
Work with the director and designer to ensure that the performance meets creative expectations and runs smoothly.
Schedule, coordinate, and supervise rehearsals.
Monitor safety during rehearsals and performances.
Coordinate the activities of performers, crew, and technicians on stage.
Ensure that cues are called accurately and on time.
Provide feedback to the director and designer as needed.
Oversee the maintenance of equipment and supplies in the theatre.
Manage the box office and concessions during performances.
Prepare written reports, such as run sheets and contact lists.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Leadership: Ability to direct and manage a team in a professional and organized manner.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of professional theater production equipment, lighting, sound, props, and staging.
Organizational Skills: Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute events with attention to detail and deadlines.
Problem Solving: Ability to identify problems and develop effective solutions quickly.
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to collaborate with staff, performers, and other stakeholders.
Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and adjust plans as needed.
Safety Awareness: Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures for theatrical productions.
Stress Management: Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize efficiently.

Being a successful stage manager requires many different skills, but one of the most important is the ability to remain organized and manage time efficiently. An effective stage manager must be able to create and manage timelines, delegate tasks to the production crew, anticipate potential problems and find solutions quickly. Poor time management can result in missed deadlines and inefficiency, which can lead to production delays or worse.

the stage manager must be able to clearly communicate instructions to the production crew, as well as maintain a positive attitude and remain calm under pressure. The ability to problem solve quickly and stay organized is essential for successful stage management; without it, a production could easily fall apart.

Studio Accountant, Studio Lighting Technician, and Studio Videographer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in stage management?
How familiar are you with studio and theatre production?
How do you handle stressful situations and tight deadlines?
How do you prioritize tasks and handle competing demands?
How do you manage conflicting personalities in a production environment?
What strategies do you have for staying organized?
How do you ensure safety on set?
What safety protocols are you familiar with?
What team-building strategies do you use to keep a crew motivated?
How have you adapted to new technologies and processes on set?

Common Tools in Industry

Cue Light System. A system that allows stage managers to signal cues to performers during a show. (eg: using colored lights to signal when performers should enter/exit the stage)
Headset. A wireless communication system used by the stage manager to call out cues to the crew or performers. (eg: using a headset to communicate with the lighting and sound technicians)
Script Holder. A device for keeping track of the script and cues for a show. (eg: a clipboard or book stand to hold scripts and cue sheets)
Stopwatch. A device used to time cues, transitions and other show elements. (eg: a timer used to signal when a scene should end)
Walkie-Talkie. A device used to communicate with crew members who are not in the same room as the stage manager. (eg: a two-way radio used to call out cues over a long distance)
Megaphone. An amplification device used to call cues to the crew or performers in large venues. (eg: a hand-held microphone used to project the stage manager's voice over a long distance)
Cue Sheet. A document listing all of the cues, transitions and other show elements that need to be called during a performance. (eg: a printed document containing all of the cues and timing for a show)

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
Association of Theatre Movement Educators (ATME)
Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SSDC)
National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT)
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
League of American Theatres and Producers (LATP)
Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE)
Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS)
International Live Events Association (ILEA)
International Theatre Institute (ITI)

We also have Studio Drummer, Studio Hair and Makeup Artist, and Studio Sound Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Prompt Book. A comprehensive document containing the script, blocking, scenic and costume designs, prop lists and other stage direction information.
Cue-to-Cue. A rehearsal method where scenes are rehearsed from one cue to the next, rather than running a full scene.
Line Notes. Instructions written by the director to an actor, usually given in the margins of a script, to indicate how the line should be delivered.
Dress Rehearsal. A rehearsal to which the cast wears their costumes and makeup, and the stage is set as it will be on opening night.
Call Sheet. A document that lists the start times, scene numbers and blocking for each actor for a specific rehearsal.
Strike. The process of taking down and removing all of the shows props, sets and costumes from the stage.
House Manager. The individual responsible for maintaining order in the theater before, during and after the performance.
Tech Rehearsal. A rehearsal where the technical elements (lighting, sound, projections, etc. ) are added to the performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Studio Stage Manager? A1: A Studio Stage Manager is a professional responsible for managing the technical aspects of studio productions, including coordinating the casting, crew, and equipment, as well as overseeing the set design, lighting, and sound. Q2: How many crew members are typically staffed in a studio production? A2: The number of crew members typically staffed in a studio production depends on the scope and complexity of the production, but a typical studio production may have approximately 10-15 crew members. Q3: What roles are typically found on a studio production crew? A3: A typical studio production crew may include a Production Manager, Director, Director of Photography, Camera Operator, Production Designer, Gaffer (lighting technician), Grips (camera support technician), Art Director, Key Grip, Boom Operator, and Sound Mixer. Q4: What is the purpose of the Studio Stage Manager? A4: The purpose of the Studio Stage Manager is to ensure that the production runs smoothly and efficiently by coordinating the staff, equipment, and logistics of a studio production. They are also responsible for maintaining quality control and safety standards. Q5: What qualifications are necessary to become a Studio Stage Manager? A5: To become a Studio Stage Manager, one must have a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of production as well as excellent organizational and communication skills. A college degree in film or television production is also beneficial.