Behind the Scenes: The Stage Manager
The Unsung Heroes of Theatre Production Year 11 Drama Assembly 15-Minute Exploration
Quick Fire Challenge!
Think of your favourite play, musical, or performance you've seen In 30 seconds, list everything that could go wrong during a live show Share your answers with the person next to you Who do you think prevents these disasters?
What is a Stage Manager?
The central coordinator of all theatrical production elements Acts as the director's right hand during rehearsals and performances Responsible for the smooth running of every single performance The person who 'calls the show' - giving all technical cues Often described as part air traffic controller, part therapist, part detective
Pre-Production vs Performance
{"left":"Creating detailed rehearsal schedules\nRecording all blocking and technical notes\nCoordinating between departments (costume, set, lighting)\nManaging props and set changes\nLeading company meetings","right":"Calling all lighting, sound, and scene change cues\nManaging actors' entrances and exits\nSolving problems in real-time\nMaintaining show discipline backstage\nBeing the calm in any storm"}
The Stage Manager's Creed
'The show must go on' - and it's the stage manager who makes sure it does, no matter what goes wrong
Essential Skills Timeline
A Day in the Life: Performance Day
5:00 PM - Arrive early to check all technical systems 6:00 PM - Lead pre-show company meeting 6:30 PM - Check in with each department head 7:00 PM - Call 'half hour' - 30 minutes to curtain 7:15 PM - Call 'fifteen minutes' 7:25 PM - Call 'five minutes' and 'places' 7:30 PM - Call 'GO' for the first lighting cue Throughout show - Call every single cue 10:30 PM - Ensure safe strike of set and props
Cue Calling Challenge
You're stage managing a simple scene Romeo enters from stage left Juliet appears on the balcony (lighting change) Romantic music begins Romeo speaks his first line Practice calling: 'Lights 7... GO!', 'Sound 3... GO!' Remember: warn first, then execute!
Think About This...
If you were stage managing your favourite show, what would worry you most? What personality traits do you think make a great stage manager? How is stage management similar to other jobs you know?
Your Next Steps
Watch professional stage managers at work (many theatres offer backstage tours) Volunteer to stage manage your next school production Develop organisational and leadership skills in other areas Consider technical theatre courses or apprenticeships Remember: every major production needs skilled stage managers!