Thinking About a Career as a Stage Manager

I've been helping with school theater and am curious about the stage manager role. What are their main duties, and how can I get more involved in stage management during high school to prepare for the future?

Stage managers play an integral role in theater productions. They essentially keep all parts of the production running smoothly from rehearsal to performance. Some of their main duties include setting up and tracking rehearsals, coordinating all aspects of a production like scenery changes and lighting cues, maintaining a prompt book that includes blocking and cues, and communicating effectively with all members of the production team from cast members to technical crew.

To dive deeper into stage management during high school, you might consider several options. First, if your school's theater department allows it, you might see if you can take on a leadership role in stage management for a school production. There might be a hierarchy like assistant stage manager before becoming a stage manager, and starting there would still provide you important insights into the responsibilities and pressure of running a live production.

Another possibility is to intern or volunteer at a local community theater, where you could gain hands-on experience and mentorship from professionals in the field. Often, these theaters are delighted to take on passionate and committed volunteers. Furthermore, attending workshops or camps centered around theater production could also provide valuable exposure and skills.

Lastly, consider joining theater-related clubs or societies where you can take part in discussions, learn from professionals in the industry, and gain exposure to different aspects of stage production. Many high schools have drama clubs, and if yours doesn't, this could be a great opportunity for you to start one.

Remember, stage management requires exceptional organizational and communication skills. So, any activities that cultivate these skills, not just those related to theater, could also serve you well in this career path. For instance, leading a team for a project or being involved in planning school events can help you develop the kind of transferable skills that stage management requires.