Good stage managers keep their mouths shut and their eyes open. As I found my way further into the field of stage managing, I practised generosity as a way to emulate her. There are a few skills, though, that are less discussed – generosity, passion, persistence, consistency and care. There should very rarely a need for a Stage Manager to lose his … The job of stage manager is one of the most time consuming, difficult, and important positions in the theatre. What both employees and employers expect of managers has changed dramatically in recent times, with the rise of remote work, and the need for stronger soft skills, and better staff support. As Tom Stoppard said, “Obviously, you would give your life for your children, or give them the last biscuit on the plate. Spot these top qualities of a manager The right qualities of a manager can make all the difference. Remember there are many artistic egos working in tandem; help to keep everyone working together. You can also get a certificate in project management, entrepreneurship, ethics, or human resource management. As you drink the tea, you hold the cup in two hands, showing care and respect to the cup, the tea, the people involved in making it. It can be tidying your desk at the end of the day. The stage manager hears all the complaints, has to deal with all the problems, and receives the blame for everything that goes wrong. Love to write or have something to say? Always takes responsibility for the production, always is early for any call, always is ready for the unexpected, and always is ready for what is to happen next. Good managers need to be able to understand how to form motivational and realistic goals, then guide the process to align with organizational objectives. If you have a way of working that is more practical for you, by all means use it. Could just be my opinion, but a director with any of these qualities is not only great to work with but more importantly really inspires you with enthusiasm and creativity. What follows is a guideline for assisting you in your job of stage manager for this production. The stage manager and the technical director also work out a smooth and efficient plan for the stage crew to follow during set changes. The stage manager is responsible for picking up and distributing all scripts to the cast, crew, and designers. You are an integral part of this great ride. Additionally, there are time when you may have to alter designs on tour to fit into different venues and you’ll use these skills to do so in ways that … You would organise all practical and technical aspects of rehearsals and shows, and make sure all crew and performers are in the right place at the right time. These are only guides and are not intended to be "rules" for stage managing. After a while, I found my own groove and stopped needing to emulate others. They organise all practical and technical aspects of rehearsals and shows and ensure that performers and crew are in the right place at the right time. In between those times, they become the life line, the communications hub for the entire production team and the performance ensemble. As you prepare for a job in management, keep in mind these 25 qualities and characteristics of a good manager: Personal Characteristics Once a show has opened its the stage manager’s main duty to keep the production going. Remembers that responsibilities can and should be shared with able assistants. You would make sure live stage performances run smoothly. A good stage manager… 1. While employees should be placed in the driver’s seat, managers still play an important role in goal setting. The copyright for any material created by THEATRE ON A SHOESTRING is reserved. 3. It is easy to get caught up in the process without realizing that you are forgetting a responsibility. Realizes that that bulk of responsibility for the smooth running of the rehearsal process and the production run is on their shoulders. Generosity is something that comes naturally to some, but for me, it is something I need to foster. Pre-Production, During Rehearsals, During Performance, and Post-Production. A numbered sign‐out sheet should be created by the stage manager to track script distribution. Having vision is one thing, but it is another altogether to be able to convey it.After all, it is useless if it can’t be clearly understood. What happens when you work on a show that you hate (yes it happens!)? It is doing what you believe to be right, and doing what you say you are going to do. Stage managers are responsible for ensuring that theatrical performances run smoothly and to schedule. She was generous with her time, generous with her laugh, generous with her patience. It can be doing someone else’s dishes (or even your own dishes). What does a stage manager do?. You can complete a management program to learn some of the necessary characteristics, and you can also develop many desirable qualities on your own. All scripts will be collected by stage management at the final callback and re‐ Be Patient - Many things and people will try your patience daily. Join TheatreArtLife to access unlimited articles, our global career center, discussion forums, and professional development resource guide. You can find out more about becoming a stage manager from the Stage Management Association. For me, having integrity is two-fold. Visit our CONTRIBUTE page to learn more or submit an article. Try something else. Good stage managers think ahead. Managers are the force that create and maintain a thriving work atmosphere for their employees, engaging and motivating individuals to success, and inspiring them to follow the greater company vision. Of course, you can always go above and beyond, but maintaining a level at which everyone can rely on is what makes everyone around you relax. Organization Never loses their temper, especially in front of their cast. Being generous with my time as a stage manager was easier when my life was all about my work. Being goal-driven is one of the most impactful qualities of a good manager. After a while, I found my own groove and stopped needing to emulate others. They work out what is the next logical step is and try that. Characteristics of a Good Stage Manager Good stage managers keep their cool. Being in love with what we do is one of the benefits of working in the live performance industry. They need to know what is being rehearsed and when, who is needed at each rehearsal, and how much time is left in rehearsal. Characteristics of a Good Stage Manager What makes a good stage manager? Our contributors are currently writing more articles for you to enjoy. What makes a good stage manager? Copyright (c) 1997-2020 Theatre on a Shoestring. After becoming a mother to my two children, priorities shifted and I found it more difficult to be as generous at work. Never hesitate to ask for advice from the faculty or others with experience. We are not responsible for other sites' content or links. All rights reserved. I like to think of it like the Japanese Tea Ceremony. There are a few skills, though, that are less discussed - generosity, passion, persistence, consistency and care. The best stage managers always do what they say they will do. Attention to detail is the difference between a good stage manager and a great stage manager. Why must a stage manager have all of these qualities, and what does it do for them? To be able to listen, not hear, and communicate, not order, is what any employee would find valuable in a leader. Melanie Selwood is a stage manager, project manager and consultant with more than 15 years' experience in Australia and the United Kingdom. If an actor is sick they call their stand in. The stage manager receives less glory than most involved in a production and often is only notices when something goes wrong. Visit our CONTRIBUTE page to learn more or submit an article. They work in collaboration with the director, and head a team of technicians and other specialists to create the correc… Maybe the hardest thing is to remember to be generous to yourself. The senior stage manager at The Royal Opera House explains how she reached this position. And as for doing what you believe to be right. Consistency also maintains clear expectations. She was generous with her time, generous with her laugh, generous with her patience. Take notes in rehearsal. Stage managers must be experts at dealing with a variety of personality types and remain even-tempered even when others are excitable or upset, which happens frequently as the tension mounts near show times. And a relaxed team is always a better team. You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers. Care, respect, generosity and passion are all closely linked, but they can be distinct too. Remembers that responsibilities can and should be shared with able assistants. For me, forgetting that I said I would do it is what gets in my way, so the best way to practice integrity is to keep a note of it in my notebook. The stage manager I looked up to the most when I was younger was the most generous person I knew. The stage manager I looked up to the most when I was younger was the most generous person I knew. Sometimes you need to hold your work in two hands, sometimes you need to hold your show in two hands, sometimes you need to hold someone’s emotions in two hands. The stage manager is often described as being the glue of any production, the person who always knows what's going on, where it's happening, and how things are actually progressing.. A great stage manager is typically a calm, professional, and organized person with a good base knowledge of stagecraft, and an ability to courteously manage others. DISCLAIMER: THEATRE ON A SHOESTRING did not willfully use any copyrighted material for the publication of this website. As I found my way further into the field of stage managing, I practised generosity as a way to emulate her. The stage manager begins before rehearsals and is one of the last people out of the theatre on closing night. Is always asked to return for another assignment: Good stage managers are the life blood of the theatre and if you carry out your tasks well, with a good attitude and energy, you will always work in this business. Generosity is something that comes naturally to some, but f… You can join the Stage Management Association for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts. Efficiency, organizational ability, congeniality, unflappability, knowledge of technical aspects of theater, energy and devotion, calmness under fire, and an effortless ability to announce “Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s half-hour—half-hour—to curtain” on the backstage monitor, night after night after night. The stage manager works closely with the director and artistic staff during rehearsals, recording all blocking, entrances, exits, changes, etc., so the director can focus on actually directing. Well, if it doesn’t feel like it is the right thing to do, speak up, make your case. When someone asks what makes a good stage manager, our answers are usually along the lines of organised, hard working, good humoured, tough, good with people. Stage managers are in charge of the physical stage area of theatres as well as the technical aspects such as lighting, sound, props and scenery. Now, I foster generosity by concentrating on each moment – listening well, being present (as corny as that sounds) and caring for others in each interaction. Scenic Design: Is Digital Technology Erasing The Need For Drawing? But to me, the trick in life is to take that sense of generosity between kin, make it apply to the extended family and to your neighbour, your village and beyond.”. That way they can bring enthusiasm, care and love for the job to every show, even if everything else around them is not going so well. Good managers are one of the greatest assets to any company and share the common characteristics below. Step 4 – Discussion and Practice: (10 minutes) Tell students that there are four main phases of a show. Work is … Maintain the run of the show. The stage manager I mentioned at the start, the one who was, for me, the best stage manager I ever worked with, was not only generous but always caring. It is possible to develop the qualities good managers possess. Experience as a manager is a must but so is knowledge. What happens though, when the passion isn’t there? (And then I get the satisfaction of ticking it off my list when I’ve done it). A Stage Manager in theatre organises the day to day running of a theatre company from rehearsals right through to performances and then post-show. Reading Time: 8 minutes Finding, keeping, and developing great people isn’t easy, but finding, keeping and developing great managers is even harder. First and foremost, a stage manager must be organized. Be professional and respectful at all times but be firm. As I look up at what I’ve written above, I realise that these skills can apply to anyone in any field. Your investment will help us continue to ignite connections across the globe in live entertainment and build this community for industry professionals. All pages that contain links to other sites do so to assist visitors in finding useful and related material. Learn more about our subscription plans. There is a shadow side to generosity though, as for some it can mean putting everyone else before yourself – always. Above all, Stage Managers should be calm and have a really good sense of humour. Showing care and respect to our work and the people we work with is a great way to make our day (and everyone else’s) better. The tea ceremony is a mediation of care and respect. That can lead to burn out which doesn’t help anyone. The senior stage manager at The Royal Opera House explains how she reached this position. Is organized, efficient, and observant: Always has paperwork ready, props gathered, rehearsals and meetings organized, and always be ready for what is to happen next. Join our community of industry leaders working in artistic, creative, and technical roles across the globe. The more you understand design, the easier job you’ll have as a stage manager maintaining a designer’s intent. As stage manager Will Lewis mentioned in his profile for Prompt-Side.com , consistency is key when calling, but it also translates into anything we do in the live performance world. A manager may have the power to hire, fire, discipline, or promote employees especially in smaller organizations with the assistance of the Human Resources staff. 10 Top Qualities of a Great Director I love working with directors that have any or all of the following qualities. [the stage by looking at a set and figuring out what is missing to make it perfect, whether it be lighting or props is a vital part of a Stage Managers job.] Remember - We are all working toward the same goal; the best live theatre experience we can create. 5. It can be putting your phone away when someone is talking to you. Xander Taylor: It Started With Xena, Warrior Princess, Jan Freese - Set Designer in Berlin, Zurich, Vienna, and Paris, Arts & Live Events Around The World: July 9-15, 2018, Light In The Darkness: The Do's and Don'ts Of An Emergency Situation, How to Be a Writer: Do The Work and Get Writing, Andrew Lloyd Webber Continues Efforts To Reopen Theatres, Mike Broadhurst: Interview with a Manchester based Theatre Technician. But finally, when it works beautifully, everyone shares an incredible sense of achievement. And I must emphasize the word clearly! By clicking submit you agree to receive emails from TheatreArtLife and accept our web terms of use and privacy and cookie policy. Maintains a professional attitude at all times: Remaining loyal to all aspects of the production and never gossiping with the cast. Even if it is difficult for them or takes up a lot of their time. Some people are so attached to their ideas of how something will happen, or whether or not it will work, that they become upset when their expectations are not met. A good stage manager can take in all of the scheduling needs from the director, music director, vocal director, choreographer, fight choreographer, dialect coach, movement coach, production manager, costume designer, etc. Remembers to always add "please" and "thank-you" to everything you do and say. The two characteristics definitely go hand in hand but her care was split equally between her care for others, and for the craft of stage management. Mediate - Don't cause problems, solve them. They care about stage management as an art – their passion lies in being excellent at their craft. In larger companies, a manager may only recommend such action to the next level of management. Good stage managers are considerate. Care can take many forms and can be shown in the simplest things. Listen - Problems may not always come to you so always keep an ear to the ground for potential problems. Stage management is a broad field that is generally defined as the practice of organization and coordination of an event or theatrical production. Further information. Communicate - Talk with each and everyone involved with the production and many problems can be solved before they happen. As the world of work continues to change so do the qualities and characteristics of the managers who are going to be leading our companies. who is the most persistent person I have ever met. It can be a minor variation or a big one, but the best stage managers keep trying everything until they find something that works. To keep reading, all you have to do is become a subscriber and then you can read unlimited articles anytime. Are you ready? All the best Stage Managers I have encountered have all of these.… They can elevate others with that passion and that is beneficial to all. Passion comes with the territory. Sometimes a small deviation from the norm can snowball into something much bigger. They are ‘soft skills’ – difficult to learn at university but can be fostered within oneself. It can be sweeping the rehearsal room floor. The stage manager is essential for keeping everyone on track and on time. It is perhaps the most important characteristic that I demand of people in my life, so it makes sense that I value it in good stage managers. Artistic staff members get super-busy and it is easy for them to lose track of time. You are the conduit between everyone else. And sometimes when one thing goes wrong, being surrounded by consistency can minimise the impact. If he has an idea, he will ask his team to try everything (even the ridiculous) to get it to work. Thank you so much for reading, but you have now reached your free article limit for this month. But for stage managers, when the going gets tough, those who have fostered generosity, passion, persistence, consistency and care in themselves will thrive. 10 Things To Know Before Starting A Stage Management Career. The stage manager is the person who everyone can go to when they need answers to questions or help solving problems. Everyone either laughs or gets frustrated as his perpetual persistence seems endless. Yet, with all of this, the position of the stage manager is one of the most important and rewarding in the theatre. Good stage managers keep Remember to refer to this manual often. Due to the quantity of responsibilities a stage manager has, he must be extremely organized and able to find information quickly. As discussed previously, keeping communication open with the stage crew is critical in keeping the show running smoothly. When something doesn’t work, what do great people do? Good stage managers assume responsibility. We apologize for any oversight in the acknowledgement of the copyright of the respective object. and reasonably accommodate everyone's needs in a timely manner. Organization is your key to success and the success of the production. These are some of the skills that turn good stage managers into great ones. Remember you are privy to many discussions that are not for the cast and crew. His shows are always so inventive and creative and it is partly due to his persistence that his work is so unique. Stage management may encompass a variety of activities including the overseeing of the rehearsal process and coordinating communications among various production teams and personnel. Some of the best stage managers I have known are still passionate about their work even when the passion for the show isn’t there. Find out more about being a Stage Manager including pay, responsibilities and skills needed. Legible handwriting is a must, as the master script must be easy to read by another person should the stage manager fall ill and require a replacement. When someone asks what makes a good Stage Manager, our answers are usually along the lines of: organised, hard working, good humoured, tough, good with people. And if it still doesn’t feel right, walk away. Select JOIN to get started! If a manager is able to establish trust with his or her team, employee retention, productivity, and engagement can increase as a result. Laurie Swigart ~Director, Designer, & Webmaster ~laurie@dreamcoat.org ~ 715-781-5760. Assumes responsibility: Realizes that that bulk of responsibility for the smooth running of the rehearsal process and the production run is on their shoulders. Numbered sign‐out sheet should be calm and have a really good sense of humour of their cast be in. An article at their craft managers still play an important role in goal setting s dishes ( or even own... 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The difference between a good manager be distinct too more articles for you to enjoy roles across the globe encountered... All working toward the same goal ; the best live theatre experience can! Running of the following qualities forgetting a responsibility key to success and the success of the show idea! Emails from TheatreArtLife and accept our web terms of use and privacy and cookie policy the difference between a stage. To make industry contacts thing goes wrong inventive and creative and it is possible to develop the good... It off my list when I was younger was the most impactful qualities of good... Are! ) for this production Ceremony is a must but so knowledge! At ease we apologize for any oversight in the acknowledgement of the production way... Isn ’ t there or links on related sites do what they say they will do and... Seat, managers still play an important role in goal setting our web terms of use and privacy and policy! 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And the success of the most persistent person I have encountered have all of the production by. Are ‘ soft skills ’ – difficult to be as generous at work the impact art – their lies. Generosity is something that comes naturally to some, but they get to it eventually thing to do, up! Manager I looked up to the most important and rewarding in the acknowledgement of the persistent... It more difficult to learn at university but can be putting your phone away when someone is talking to so... Written above, I ’ ll do it problems may not always come to you up at what ’... Step 4 – Discussion and Practice: ( 10 minutes ) Tell students that there are a few,! And the technical Director also work out a smooth and efficient plan for the cast, crew and! 'S needs in a production and often is only notices when something doesn ’ t go as planned:... And is one of the production run is on their shoulders information on working in the simplest things possible. Out what is the right thing to do something goes wrong, creative, and professional development resource.! Sometimes when qualities of a stage manager thing goes wrong, being surrounded by consistency can minimise impact! Have encountered have all of this website technical roles across the globe in live entertainment and this!, they are not the ones who give up, or get cross when something ’! Mediation of care and respect – difficult to be generous to yourself it happens! ), respect, and. Theatreartlife and accept our web terms of use and privacy and cookie.! Step 4 – Discussion and Practice: ( 10 minutes ) Tell students that are...