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Performing Arts

Stage Manager

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A stage manager is a crucial member of any theatre or live performance team. They are responsible for coordinating all aspects of a production, from rehearsals through to live performances. This includes managing schedules, communicating between directors, cast, and crew, and ensuring that every element of the show runs smoothly and on time. Stage managers deal with everything from technical cues to emergency problem-solving, making the role both challenging and rewarding. Attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are all essential qualities for a successful stage manager.

Stage Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Stage managers in the UK typically earn between £20,000 and £35,000 per year, with experienced professionals in larger venues or West End productions earning up to £45,000.

Job Availability

There are around 2,000 to 3,000 stage management positions in the UK each year, though availability can vary depending on the region and the season.

Working Hours

Stage managers often work unsocial hours, including evenings and weekends, especially during show runs. A typical working week can range from 40 to 60 hours during productions.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Assistant Stage Manager

Supports the stage manager by helping with rehearsals, managing props and set changes, and ensuring everything runs smoothly backstage during performances.

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Technical Stage Manager

Focuses on the technical aspects of a production, such as lighting, sound, and stage machinery, making sure all equipment is safely and effectively operated during shows.

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Deputy Stage Manager

Works closely with the director and actors, calling cues for lighting, sound, and scene changes, and keeping the show running on schedule during performances.

Explore Performing Arts

Get Involved in School Productions

Join your school’s drama club or help out with school plays to gain backstage experience.

By participating in school or local community theatre groups, you can learn how productions are put together and begin understanding the many roles involved, especially those backstage. Volunteering as part of the crew helps you develop teamwork skills and gain basic knowledge of lighting, sound, and set changes.

Attend Live Performances

Watch a variety of live theatre performances to observe how shows are managed.

Attending plays, musicals, and other performances gives you a sense of how a stage manager’s work comes together. Pay attention to scene changes, cues, and the smooth running of the show, as these are often coordinated by the stage manager.

Develop Relevant Skills

Learn Organisation and Communication

Develop strong organisational skills and clear communication methods.

Stage managers need to keep track of many details and ensure everyone knows their responsibilities. Practise making lists, using calendars, leading small projects, and communicating clearly with different groups of people to build your confidence.

Study Theatre Production

Consider taking GCSEs or A-levels in Drama, Theatre Studies, or related subjects.

Studying drama or theatre studies gives you a better understanding of the creative and technical aspects of live performance. If your school offers technical theatre workshops or short courses, take part in these to learn about lighting, sound, and set design.

Gain Professional Experience

Pursue Further Education or Training

Apply for Stage Management courses at college or university, or look for apprenticeships.

Many stage managers complete a foundation degree, HND, or BA in Stage Management, Theatre Production, or Technical Theatre. Alternatively, some theatres offer apprenticeships or internships that provide practical experience while you earn a wage.

Work on Amateur and Professional Productions

Build your CV by working on amateur, student, or fringe theatre productions.

Start by volunteering for local theatre groups, festivals, or student societies. As you gain experience, apply for professional roles such as assistant stage manager or deputy stage manager. Each production you work on will help you develop your skills, build your network, and prepare you for more senior roles.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Stage Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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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 and a Production Manager both coordinate complex projects, manage schedules, oversee resources, and ensure smooth execution of events or productions. Both roles require strong organisational skills, the ability to supervise teams, and adaptability to changing circumstances.

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

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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

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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.

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Career tips

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

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