Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3435

Stage manager

Stage managers coordinate and supervise the preparation and execution of the show to ensure the scenic image and the actions on stage comply with the artistic vision of the director and the artistic team. They identify needs, monitor the technical and artistic processes during rehearsals and performances of live shows and events, according to the artistic project, the characteristics of the stage and technical, economic, human and security terms.

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Check yourself in a minute: stage manager

Rate 5 of the 30 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions

understand artistic concepts

safeguard artistic quality of performance

write risk assessment on performing arts production

analyse music score

About stage manager

As a stage manager, you will serve as the key coordinator between the artistic vision of the director and the technical execution of live performances and events. You will work during rehearsals and performances to ensure that scenic elements, lighting, sound, and actor movements align precisely with the artistic concept. Your responsibilities include analyzing the artistic direction, developing production timelines, identifying technical resources, coordinating pre-show checks, cueing performances, and managing health and safety protocols. You will translate creative demands into technical designs and manage complex communication among artists, technicians, and production staff. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Career advancement can lead to directing, producing, or managing larger cultural institutions.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a stage manager.

Artistic Analysis and Concept Development

Analyze the artistic concept and director's vision to understand performance objectives
Study music scores and analyze scenography to ensure technical alignment with artistic intent
Understand stage actions and actor movements required for successful performance execution

Production Planning and Organization

Develop comprehensive production timelines and schedules for rehearsals and performances
Identify and allocate technical resources needed for performance success
Organize stage setup and scenic elements according to artistic design specifications

Technical Coordination and Performance Management

Coordinate pre-show checks with all technical teams including lighting, sound, and staging
Cue performances and coordinate technical transitions during live shows
Use communication equipment to maintain contact with all production team members
Monitor technical and artistic processes during rehearsals to identify issues early

Safety and Risk Management

Write comprehensive risk assessments for performing arts productions
Prevent fire hazards and ensure safety compliance in performance environments
Negotiate health and safety issues with third parties and venue management
Use personal protective equipment and enforce safety protocols among all team members

Adaptation and Creative Problem-Solving

Adapt artistic plans and technical designs to different performance locations and venues
Respond flexibly to artists' creative demands while maintaining technical feasibility
Translate artistic concepts into actionable technical designs and production specifications

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (30)

analyse the artistic concept based on stage actionsanalyse the artistic concept based on stage actionsAnalyse the artistic concept, form and structure of a live performance based on observation during rehearsals or improvisation. Create a structured base for the design process of a specific production...work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.understand artistic conceptsunderstand artistic conceptsInterpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.safeguard artistic quality of performancesafeguard artistic quality of performanceObserve the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.write risk assessment on performing arts productionwrite risk assessment on performing arts productionAssess risks, propose improvements and describe measures to be taken on a production level in performing arts.analyse music scoreanalyse music scoreAnalysing the score, form, themes and structure of a piece of music.analyse the scenographyanalyse the scenographyAnalyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage.organise stageorganise stageMaking sure the scene elements like props and furniture are placed according to specifications, procuring the costumes and wigs and making sure everybody is ready in the right time and place.cue a performancecue a performancePlan the technical actions and interventions during an artistic performance. Determine when actors go on and off stage. Make sure these cues are followed to ensure a smooth running of the performance.use personal protection equipmentuse personal protection equipmentMake use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.adapt to artists' creative demandsadapt to artists' creative demandsWork with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.prevent fire in a performance environmentprevent fire in a performance environmentTake steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are awar...use communication equipmentuse communication equipmentSet up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.coordinate the running of a performancecoordinate the running of a performanceCoordinate all actions and activities during a performance in order to ensure a coherent and artistically sound result, faithful to the artistic project.negotiate health and safety issues with third partiesnegotiate health and safety issues with third partiesConsult, negotiate and agree on potential risks, measures and safety procedures with third parties.translate artistic concepts to technical designstranslate artistic concepts to technical designsCooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.support a designer in the developing processsupport a designer in the developing processSupport designers in the course of the developing process.promote health and safetypromote health and safetyPromote the importance of a safe working environment. Coach and support staff to participate actively in the continuous development of a safe working environment.determine context to present the workdetermine context to present the workPropose the theatre, hall, other venue, or outdoors space where the performance will be shown. Determine the mode of presentation, the target audience, etc. Define the relationship with the audience.work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionwork safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionTake the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.work with respect for own safetywork with respect for own safetyApply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.react to emergency situations in a live performance environmentreact to emergency situations in a live performance environmentAssess and react to an emergency (fire, threat, accident or another calamity), alerting emergency services and taking appropriate measures to safeguard or evacuate workers, participants, visitors or a...use technical documentationuse technical documentationUnderstand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.follow safety procedures when working at heightsfollow safety procedures when working at heightsTake necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures...analyse a scriptanalyse a scriptBreak down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.develop drama production processdevelop drama production processHave and develop a thorough understanding of the dramatic production process.coordinate pre-show checkscoordinate pre-show checksCoordinate the final checks before a performance in order to ensure a safe, optimal functioning environment that is fully ready to start the show.interpret artistic intentionsinterpret artistic intentionsInterpret the artistic intentions of the author.identify technical resources for performancesidentify technical resources for performancesIdentify the technical equipment required for rehearsals and performances and the necessary production elements such as sets, props and costumes.adapt artistic plan to locationadapt artistic plan to locationAdjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.

Optional (21) — show

follow time cuesfollow time cuesObserve the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal score to time cues accurately.plan pyrotechnical effectsplan pyrotechnical effectsPlan the pyrotechnical effects for a performance. Develop an artistic vision into a plan, taking safety into account.provide first aidprovide first aidAdminister cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.set up pyrotechnical equipmentset up pyrotechnical equipmentMake sure the pyrotechnic equipment for a performance is set up and ready for operation.obtain pyrotechnic permitsobtain pyrotechnic permitsObtain the appropriate administrative permits and licences for use and transport of pyrotechnics and weapons.ensure safety of mobile electrical systemsensure safety of mobile electrical systemsTake the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.document safety actionsdocument safety actionsRecord all actions taken to ameliorate health and safety, including evaluations, incident reports, strategic plans, risk assessments.store stage weaponsstore stage weaponsSafely and systematically store weapon props.work safely with chemicalswork safely with chemicalsTake the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.ensure health and safety of visitorsensure health and safety of visitorsTake the necessary precautions to ensure the physical safety of an audience or people visiting an activity. Prepare actions in case of emergency. Administer first aid and direct emergency evacuations.manage prompt bookmanage prompt bookPrepare, create and maintain the prompt book for a theatrical production.write technical riderswrite technical ridersParticipate in all aspects of the creation of technical riders. Create, or help create, cues for the technical crew in coordination with creators, directors and designers team. Verify that the crew un...plan weapon use on stageplan weapon use on stagePrepare a plan of how weapon props will be used during a live performance.operate pyrotechnical controloperate pyrotechnical controlTake the necessary steps to operate pyrotechnical effects during a performance.read musical scoreread musical scoreRead the musical score during rehearsal and live performance.prompt performersprompt performersPrompt performers in theatrical and opera productions.keep up with trendskeep up with trendsMonitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.store pyrotechnical materialsstore pyrotechnical materialsSafely store materials used for pyrotechnical stage effects and the produced trays of pyrotechnics sorting them according to the processing date.obtain stage weapon permitsobtain stage weapon permitsObtain and administrate permits and licences for use and transport weapons on stage.organise rehearsalsorganise rehearsalsManage, schedule and run rehearsals for the performance.work safely with stage weaponswork safely with stage weaponsTake necessary precautions while preparing, transporting, storing, training and operating stage weapons (stabbing weapons, shooting weapons, etc).

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a stage manager do?

What skills does a stage manager need?

A stage manager needs 30 essential skills, including analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions, work ergonomically, understand artistic concepts, safeguard artistic quality of performance, write risk assessment on performing arts production.

Will AI replace stage manager jobs?

The AI disruption score for stage manager is 60/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: write risk assessment on performing arts production, use technical documentation, document safety actions. Most resilient: react to emergency situations in a live performance environment, read musical score, work with respect for own safety.

AI Replacement Risk

60/ 100

High Risk

Low riskHigh risk

Skills most at risk from AI

write risk assessment on performing arts production use technical documentation document safety actions

Skills resilient to automation

react to emergency situations in a live performance environment read musical score work with respect for own safety

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Quick Facts

SectorArts & Entertainment

ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals

Essential Skills30

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