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Stage manager

Alternative titles for this job include Assistant stage manager

Stage managers co-ordinate productions and make sure they run smoothly from rehearsals through to performance.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£48,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 50 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Stage manager

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in stage management, or a related subject like:

  • performing arts production
  • theatre studies
  • stage management and technical theatre

You can search for approved courses through the Stage Management Association and the Federation of Drama Schools.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could do a college course, for example:

  • production arts practice - technical theatre and stage management option
  • technical and production practice for the creative industries
  • drama and theatre

The skills you'll learn on these courses could help when you look for a trainee stage manager job with a theatre or production company.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a Creative Industries Production Management Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

You'll usually need experience in production management, technical theatre or production accounting to do this.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

  • experience in related work 

More Information

Work

You may be able to move into stage management after training as an actor. You could also work your way up if you have several years' experience as a:

  • backstage theatre technician
  • deputy stage manager
  • stagehand

More Information

Career tips

You'll often need practical backstage experience to apply for courses and training. 

You can get relevant experience from:

  • student, amateur and community theatre
  • working as a casual stagehand in local theatre venues

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Stage Management Association for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can learn more about becoming a stage manager from the Stage Management Association and Get Into Theatre.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • business management skills
  • leadership skills
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a stage manager, you could:

  • organise technical and performance rehearsals
  • create a production plan for sound, lighting, scenery and costumes
  • manage sets, furniture and props
  • give cues to performers and co-ordinate sound and lighting effects
  • work with theatre managers, technicians and front-of-house staff
  • supervise the setting up and taking down of sets and equipment

Working environment

You could work in a theatre, at a TV studio, at a film studio or at a music venue.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • manage a theatre company
  • become a theatre producer
  • move into TV or film production
  • run your own business providing services to theatres like props or lighting design
  • become an agent
  • work as a theatre consultant, using your expertise to advise on the development of performing arts venues

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Stage manager right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts (Stage Management and Technical Theatre)

  • Provider: HARLOW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Harlow

Production Arts ( Theatre Technology and Stage Management ) — Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma

  • Provider: THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: LIVERPOOL
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