Stage Manager (SM) holds the comprehensive responsibility for coordinating all aspects of a production-from rehearsals to final performance-ensuring the director's vision is maintained and the show runs safely and smoothly. Their scope spans
scheduling, communication between departments, prompt book management, cue calling, and backstage logistics
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Get into Theatre
+4
Core Scope and Responsibilities:
- Pre-Production & Rehearsals: Creates and maintains the master schedule, attends all rehearsals, records blocking and technical cues, and communicates changes to the creative team and production staff.
- Performance Management: Responsible for the overall operation of the show, including supervising crew, checking technical elements, ensuring props/sets are in place, and calling lighting, sound, and scene change cues.
- Production Liaison: Acts as the primary communicator between the director, designers, actors, and technicians.
- Safety and Logistics: Ensures safety regulations, manages the get in (load-in) and get out (load-out), and manages backstage areas. Get into Theatre +7
Key Outputs:
- Prompt Book/Script: The master documentation containing all cues and script changes.
- Rehearsal/Performance Reports: Daily reports distributed to staff highlighting progress, changes, and required maintenance. Berklee +3
Stage managers work with actors, designers, and technicians to coordinate performances and events, often working unconventional hours including nights and weekends