Stage Manager

$24,000 to $75,000+

None

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of the stage: lighting, curtain changes, stage setup.

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The Stage Manager must be present during rehearsals and concerts to oversee everything that is happening onstage at a concert hall or venue. Of course, his or her duties depend on the type of venue, its size, and the kind of concert being performed. In a large venue, the Stage Manager might be responsible for supervising or controlling the lighting of the stage and the room, tinkering with the houselights and spotlights to light up the stage or surrounding areas. Ultimately, the lighting decision it is up to the act, so the Stage Manager must find out during rehearsal exactly when the act wants each kind of lighting. Then, he or she probably will go over the show concept with the act or its management, or lighting technician. It is common for top acts to travel with their own lighting technician.

The Stage Manager may also be responsible for sound and controlling the volume on the microphones, but like with lighting, an act might come with its own sound people. In this situation, the Stage Manager may just help facilitate. Other things the Stage Manager is responsible include curtain changes, which involves making sure that the curtains are opened at the proper times and closed when there is an intermission or when the show is finished. The Stage Manager is also works to keep the backstage area as clear as possible, because at times, the backstage area gets crowded and noisy. During these times, the Stage Manager must check individuals for backstage passes and enforce any rules and regulations necessary in order to clear the area of anyone who shouldn't be there.

Sometimes, the Stage Manager may have the responsibility of making sure that the act has water, soda, juice, towels, or whatever is requested in their dressing room before and after the show. Also, it is the Stage Manager who is usually the one who tells the act when to begin or when they should go onstage.

As one might expect, the Stage Manager works late hours, and is responsible to the facility manager or owner.

Salaries
Salaries will vary depending on the type of venue, the location, the qualifications of the Stage Manager, and the duties performed. The Stage Managers can expect to earn between $24,000 and $75,000 or more per year.

Employment
Because of the fact that every theatre, concert hall or arena needs a Stage Manager, employment prospects are fair. In addition, certain clubs might hire individuals for this position. In smaller venues, the Stage Manager might have additional duties.

Advancement
The Stage Manager will find difficulty when trying to advance their career. The individual may obtain a position in a larger or more prestigious concert venue, or the individual may go on to become a Nightclub Manager or Talent Buyer. Sometimes, the Stage Manager is working as a Stage Manager to be close to the live music business - he or she may be an aspiring musician or songwriter.

Education and Training
Aspiring Stage Managers are not required to have a formal education. But, the individual might be required to undergo training in sound, lighting, electronics, or more, depending on the position and the venue where they work. To advance to Nightclub Manage, the Stage Manager might consider taking a few business classes.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
The Stage Manager should be a fan of music, because he or she will have to listen to quite a bit of it. Also, the Stage Manager must be dependable and reliable, and should have the ability to get along with others. Supervisory skills may also be necessary. As mentioned, the Stage Manager should know as much as possible about electronics, lighting, and sound equipment. Thus, the Stage Manager might have been a sound or lighting technician, or an assistant Stage Manager previously.

Unions and Associations
Stage Managers may belong to the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). They may also belong to the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) if the conditions are right.

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