How Do You Become A Good Stage Manager?
In the world of professional theatre, the stage manager is the one of the most important players. The most important job of the Stage Manager is to maintain the artistic integrity of the show once it has opened. During rehearsals taking blocking notation and through out the process being the great communicator to everyone. • Start early. If you are still in high school becoming a stage manager may be as simple as asking the director of the show if you may hold this position of awesome power. Although it may be best to first volunteer to be an assistant stage manager so you can learn the ropes before diving in head first. • Get the training needed. If you are working professionally, you should have a background in all things tech. A director will not hire someone who can’t even turn on the light board! Prepare a resume, it is an interview like any other job. • Be early. The stage manager should be the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. • Establish control from the very first
Stage managers create the atmosphere that the director is trying to achieve through direction of the various technicians. A good one can create a wonderful experience out of mediocre material, which is part of what theater’s about. You want to be at the top for the best opportunities and here’s a guide to getting there. Become a stage manager. This sounds challenging, but many colleges, high schools and community theaters look for people to volunteer for the role. Colleges often pay for the position in the form of a student job, so you may need to be a college student. Getting this job gives you some exposure to all things theater. Study your craft. Lightboard and soundboard technology changes, but the concepts remain the same. You’ll also find that curtain and stage devices are similar, if not the same, in many different venues. Seek opportunities in other venues. Don’t let yourself stagnate in the college realm when you could be volunteering or getting paid for community theater work
