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Stage Managers

Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits

Stage managers must have a great deal of experience working in the theater. Most, but not all, have acted as assistant stage managers before obtaining their first position, and many have worked other types of theater jobs, which helps them understand all the elements of a successful production. Stage managers must know a little about everything in the theater, including acting, directing, set design, lighting, costuming, and more. The more knowledgeable the stage manager is, the more successful he or she will be in the job.

Individuals must be personable and get along well with people. In many circumstances, the stage manager must deal with others who are tense, worried, and/or nervous about openings or acting in general. The individual must be compassionate and have the ability to calm people down and make them feel comfortable. He or she must be diplomatic in all situations.

The stage manager should be detail oriented and have the ability to work on many projects at once. He or she must always remain calm in the eye of a storm.