Stage Managers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not specifically discuss the occupational outlook for stage managers. For the related professions of producers and directors, the BLS reported there were 152,400 jobs in the United States in 2019. Employment is projected to grow by 5 percent through 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This also includes individuals working in motion pictures and television, but it indicates likely growth for stage managers too since the professions are so closely related. One speed bump to this growth is the coronavirus pandemic, which has shuttered many theaters around the world in 2020. Some theaters are staging their productions remotely, for online audiences, or staging live productions outdoors with limited, if any, audiences. Demand for stage managers is expected to resume in the near future, when theaters can safely resume full operations. In general, stage managers who work for small- and medium-sized theaters will experience slower growth as these theaters have challenges funding their productions due to fewer tickets sold. In the coming years, more opportunities will exist for stage managers in large theaters in major cities.