Try to imagine a stage. It could be for a musical or a play. Now, imagine that the chair used in the previous scene was left on stage when probably, the next scene is for dancers to perform. I bet you saw one of the dancers fall flat on the ground in your imagination. The stage would be chaotic and the show would be a total disaster. The good news is that all these things can be prevented. What does a Stage Manager do?
The work of the state manager might look like a joke to so many individuals but it is an honorable role. The stage manager makes the show. They are the fuel that sees to the success of the scriptwriter, the actors, the tailors, the director, and other crew members. Even during rehearsals, they ensure that everything runs smoothly. All they long for is the success of every scene and in a larger perspective, the show. Isn’t it a privilege to make everybody’s dream come true?
Stage Management and what it entails?
It can get frustrating on set while managing everything and everybody. However, someone absorbs all of this chaos and still finds a way to coordinate everything. Stage management is the ability of a person, the stage manager, to look into the affairs and coordination of a show during rehearsals or otherwise. The stage manager organizes all of these to make sure that everything runs smoothly. They make sure that the costumes are top-notch, the actors are in their right position, the lights and general outlook of the stage turn out well.
So, feel free to say that stage management entails having a great stage manager. We are talking about someone that has a keen eye for details, someone that is very organized to the core, someone that has good interpersonal and communication skills.
The traits of a stage manager
There are certain traits one must have to take the position of a stage manager. This is proof that not any random person can be a stage manager. They must be trained and equipped for the job.
A stage manager should be:
- Organized: This particular attribute is the first to show its importance. They must be organized souls. This is because the administration and information have to be recorded by them and any mistake or misinformation could cause a wreck! For instance, they are the ones that keep the company roster. They reach out to casts and crew members when they are late for rehearsals. The first to arrive and last to leave the set is also the stage manager. They have to ensure that everything is kept in place and tidy up everywhere after rehearsals.
- Open-minded and free-spirited: Stage management is for people that are very free-spirited and social. You must be a people person to be a stage manager because you’re not dealing with the stage but the people. There’s no stage without the people. They should also be able to understand what needs to be done at a particular time and why.
- Smart: Yes, they have to be extremely smart. I mean, how do you explain knowing when a particular action should be on set anywhere the rehearsals must have ended the previous day? It’s obvious that they have the script in their head and if you want them to tell you what was next while they are asleep, they’ll be able to deliver.
- Thorough: They have to be thorough and in this case, thorough to the core. Like, they should be detailed to the extent that a new person coming into the theater would think that the stage manager is the director. Every step and every move taken should be nothing less than perfect.
What skills should a stage manager have?
There are specific skills every stage manager should have. It might be inborn or learned but they have to possess these skills to present excellence to the crew and the show in general.
- Business management skills: I know you’re wondering why they should have business management skills but it’s very necessary. Their job is exactly like that of a business manager. The stage is their business and what they do or do not do would make or mar the business. That’s why it’s a bonus to stage managers that have certifications in business management.
- Leadership skills: This skill is also important because people are involved. They have to tell them what to do and take the blame if they get it wrong, so the ability to spot these things out and make a man do it is pure leadership. Plus, they know what to do before they are being told.
- The ability to use their brains: We spoke a bit about this in the last subheading where we spoke about being smart. Stage managers should be able to think and fast. They should be able to act and think better than robots. Robots do not have brains but stage managers do right? Using it is what matters.
- Accepting criticism and work under pressure: This skill is in high demand in any company, institution, and even in stage management. They should be able to accept criticism and work well under pressure.
What is the stage manager expected to do during rehearsal?
Take notes:
The stage manager must listen like their life depends on it. They have to ensure that every detail from the director is taken and documented. Working closely with the director, they have to record all changes, entrances, exits, e.t.c. This is to ensure that the director has a little burden off his shoulders and help him focus on directing.
Communication:
The stage manager is the communication box. For the production and otherwise. They are to give announcements at the beginning and end of rehearsals and present themselves in a way that anyone can approach them easily when they need help or answers. They have to be people conscious more than they are stage conscious.
Call the show:
They also have the duty of calling the show. We are talking about telling the crew members when to make their cues. This has to be done with full concentration and accurate timing because any mistake no matter how small could jeopardize everything that every single person has worked for.
Run rehearsals:
Stage managers also schedule rehearsals and have them. In this rehearsal, they:
- Report the decision of the director about blocking and they provide notes for the actors.
- Communicate the director’s desires to designers and stage crew.
- Take care of the pre-show and performance.
The opening of a show is accompanied by the stage manager. They are in charge of everything that has to do with the performance. The supervision of this preshow activity is handled by them.
Pre-show activities like;
- Checking for technicality and safety.
- Taking the performers through warm-ups and encouraging nervous performers.
- Ensuring that the performers are present and ready for the curtain and their cue.
- Over a wireless headset, calling technical cues to crew members.
Stage Manager: Duties
The duty of a stage manager begins before the actors are on set. They are responsible for the set up of the stage even before the actors, crew members, directors or audience appears. They have to make everything ready for the actors before they come for rehearsals. This propels them to do many things at the same time. Yes, they have to multitask a lot.
Next, they have to make sure that there is a stage management kit. The stage management kit consists of sewing kits to mend any cloth that has a tear, tools for emergencies like; hammers, screws e.t.c. a first aid kit consisting of ice packs, aspirin should also be available in case of any emergencies that could ruin the show.
Finally, the stage manager needs to be ready to rehearse with the actors. They should have reached out or contacted all the casts before the rehearsal time to make sure that everyone is on time. In a case where a cast doesn’t show up, it’s their responsibility to know why. A stage manager also needs to make sure that the green room and the restrooms are always clean and ready for the actor’s use as well as other crew members.
Summary/conclusion
They are usually the go-to person for any additional tasks that need to be done. At the very least, they are responsible for delegating these tasks to others. If you’re a student and you wish to be a stage manager, you need to be optimistic, mature, diligent, and coordinated. Curious about how much a stage manager makes? You’ll be shocked! However, don’t keep your eye on the prize more than the job, the people, and of course, the value.
So, if you see a stage manager, let them know how much you appreciate their efforts and get them a gift, if you can. They are the fuel that makes the machine start!
Frequently asked questions
What makes a good stage manager?
- Overall organization.
- Discipline.
- Ability to handle pressure.
- Great use of initiative.
- The ability to have foresight.
- High level of dependability.
What skills do you need as a stage manager?
- Leadership skills.
- Communication skills.
- Business management skills.
- Smart skills for work.
- People skills, e.t.c.
