Getting Started

A room filled with empty red theatre seats, Photo by Felix Mooneeram

Work on Productions

The BEST way to become a better stage manager is to stage manage as much as possible. It is extremely beneficial to work on multiple types of shows (plays, musicals, immersive projects, special events) to foster a wide skill set and to discover your preferences. Some great places to begin stage managing and increase your experience are high schools, colleges, and community theaters.

Building Your Resume

On your stage management resume, list your stage management experience and theatrical education. It is generally not necessary to list any theatrical experience in directing or acting, unless it contributes to your personal style of stage management. Many employers hiring stage managers value the non-theatrical jobs, involving leadership, that a stage manager has experienced. If you have worked somewhere that has helped you grow as a stage manager, feel free to list that on your resume.

Include:

Scattered Blank Paper, Photo by Brandi Redd

  • Stage Management Work Experience

    • Production

    • Job Position

    • Theatre Company / Organization

    • (optional) Your Role

    • (optional) Dates Worked

    • (optional) Director and/or PSM

  • Other Event and/or Management Experience

  • Relevant Skills

  • Education / Training / Certifications

  • References

Increase Theatrical Fluency

It is incredibly important to have a strong knowledge base about the theatrical industry, both in your region and in the major theatre hubs of New York and London. One should be well-versed in both the history of theatre (and of musical theatre), current running productions, up-and-coming productions, and theatrical innovations. Begin by reading the theatrical news websites (see a list here). The more you know, the more valuable you are as a member of the worldwide theatrical community.

There's also a wonderful book about the 1967-68 Broadway Theatrical Season written by William Goldman, The Season, that does an excellent job explaining some of the more interesting and individual elements of Broadway.

One should also be well-versed in particularly famous plays and musicals, as understanding important theatrical work informs much modern theatre. In order to participate in conversation and understand common references, one should know the plays most highly regard in the theatrical lexicon. When working in theatre, you are expected to know works by William Shakespeare, at the very least.

Here's some good news - you don't ALWAYS have to read these works to become familiar with them. Check streaming websites to see options for watching productions (Netflix often has high end productions, whereas many amateur shows are uploaded to YouTube). You can also see video of Broadway productions on BroadwayHD (for a fee) and at the New York Public Library Theatre on Film and Tape Archive.

Increase Technical Theatre Fluency

Improve Your SM Skill Set

Learn How To:

Topics to Study:

  • Leadership (Group Dynamics)

  • Business (Success, Self-Marketing)

  • Psychology (Communication & Personality)

  • Sociology (Organizations & Behavior)

Reading List:

Practical Certifications: