Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Performing Arts

Stage Manager

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A stage manager plays a crucial role in the smooth running of theatre productions and live events. They are responsible for organising rehearsals, communicating between directors, actors, and backstage crew, and ensuring that every performance goes ahead as planned. Stage managers manage everything from the timing of lights and sound to the movement of props and scenery. During performances, they are often found in the wings or at the control desk, making sure cues are followed and solving any problems that arise. The job requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Many stage managers start their careers as assistant stage managers and work their way up through experience and further training.

Stage Manager

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Stage managers in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £35,000 per year, with experienced professionals or those working in large theatres earning up to £45,000.

Employment Numbers

There are approximately 3,000 to 4,000 stage management professionals working in the UK at any one time, according to industry estimates.

Job Growth

Demand for stage managers is expected to grow slightly in the coming years, particularly with the recovery of the live events and performing arts sectors.

🚀 Careers in this path

Assistant Stage Manager

Supports the stage manager by helping to organise rehearsals, manage props, and ensure smooth backstage operations during performances.

Deputy Stage Manager

Works closely with the director and performers, often responsible for calling cues during shows and making sure everything runs to schedule.

Technical Stage Manager

Focuses on the technical aspects of productions, such as lighting, sound, and set changes, ensuring that all equipment and effects are correctly managed.

Gain Knowledge and Experience in Theatre

Get Involved in School or Community Theatre

Join drama clubs or local theatre groups to gain hands-on experience.

Participate in school productions or volunteer at community theatres. Take on different roles, such as helping backstage, assisting with props, or supporting the technical team. This practical involvement will give you a strong foundation and help you understand how theatre productions are put together.

Learn About Stage Management Roles

Research what stage managers do and speak to professionals in the field.

Read articles, watch interviews, and seek opportunities to shadow or interview current stage managers. Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges will help you decide if this is the right career for you and prepare you for the next steps.

Develop Relevant Skills and Qualifications

Pursue Theatre-Related Education

Consider studying for A-levels or BTECs in Drama, Theatre Studies, or Performing Arts.

These courses provide an understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of theatre. You can also look into university or drama school courses in stage management or technical theatre, which are highly respected in the industry.

Build Organisational and Communication Skills

Stage managers need to be highly organised and excellent communicators.

Take opportunities to organise events, lead projects, and work as part of a team. This could be within school, part-time jobs, or voluntary projects. Communication and time management skills are vital for coordinating cast, crew, and technical teams.

Gain Professional Experience

Apply for Stage Management Roles or Apprenticeships

Look for entry-level jobs or apprenticeships in theatres.

Theatres and production companies often offer junior or assistant stage management positions. Apprenticeships are also available and provide on-the-job training while you earn. Experience in these roles will help you develop industry contacts and learn the realities of live performance management.

Build a Portfolio and Network

Keep a record of your work and connect with others in the industry.

Document your experience by creating a portfolio with production notes, show programmes, and references. Attend industry events, workshops, and join professional organisations such as the Stage Management Association to meet others and find new opportunities.

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

A Stage Manager is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the smooth operation of a production, ensuring that all elements work together efficiently. Similarly, a Production Manager in manufacturing supervises the production process, manages staff, and coordinates resources to ensure the timely completion of products, requiring strong organisational and management skills comparable to those of a Stage Manager.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You could do a university qualification in manufacturing.

Some employers may look for a qualification subject related to their particular industry, for example:

  • automotive or aerospace engineering
  • food and drink production
  • pharmaceuticals
  • chemical engineering
  • fashion and textiles management

Getting relevant industry experience during your studies is important. A summer internship or year in industry placement can give you an advantage when looking for work after university.

If you complete a degree, you may be able to join a manufacturing or production management graduate training scheme.

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

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship to get into this career. Examples include:

  • Process Leader Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Project Controls Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Manufacturing Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These can take between 2 and 5 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You might start as an engineering technician or quality control officer in a manufacturing company. You could then move into production management through training and promotion.

Direct Application

You could apply directly to join a management training scheme with a manufacturing company. Employers will set their own entry requirements, for example a university qualification.

You may also be able to join a scheme if you can show you have substantial relevant industry experience.

More Information

Career tips

A knowledge of production methods and international quality standards, like ISO9000, will be helpful.

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.