Question about Stage Managers

Speaking as a male Equity stage manager, i just thought back through my entire 20 year resume and i have worked with a lot of stage management staffs, and in total i think they have been an equal number of male and female SMs. I once thought that more of the male stage managers were gay males, but i think that may have been wishful thinking on my part because that appears to be equally split, as well.

How does one become a SM?

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I've always wanted to be something like a stage manager because I adore theatre, but I can't sing, act, or dance. I can offer only my love. Is there any suggestions you have for getting a start? Any education, etc.?

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The reason i posted this message is because I am going to be the stage manager for a production of "The Importance of being Earnest"

manders- to be a stage manager you have to be very alert and must know whats going on, when it goes on, on and off stage.
Its a major responsibility, but somebody's got to do it.
Try it sometime when you get the chance.

I've stage managed several times at my Community Theatre and i'm getting ready to stage manage again for Enchanted April. From my understanding and expierence, the stage manager (after the show is in run) is basically in charge of the entire damn thing. They call the show (lights, sound, props, ect.) they also can become winner of the "who me" award should anyone fall ill. I've always enjoyed being a stage manager, i don't think it's anything that can be taught, it's something you kinda have to do. Now Producing in a community theatre (atleast mine) is a pretty crappy job and it's totally thankless. I've produced twice and never again.

No, it is something you need to be taught--by apprenticing as a production assistant. There are rules defining everything in professional theatre, and a stage manager has to learn what they are. Not to offend anyone, but stage managing school or community theatre is extremely different than stage managing professional theatre, especially Equity theatre.

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Heh, I actually went through a smaller "transition" in High School-I was production assistant for 2 of our productions, and then the next year I was made stage manager. We had a new techical director that year who was very good at teaching me all my obligations and responsibilites. Even in high school, there was a lot I had to do...keep the cast in order, not talking, record the blocking of every scene, attend every rehearsal, and then of course the biggest job came during tech week...I had to give all the light cues, sound cues, curtain cues, while the show was going on, deal with an issue backstage that a chair broke, give the actors all their 10 min, 5 min stuff, it was actually a great experience(in my opinion, much better than being production assistant) but like orchestra, is certainly undercredited as they are extremely important to each and every show.

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The SM is the BACKBONE of any quality production. There are several books on the subject, but the main thing is to be VERY ORGANIZED. You are the “go-to” person for every department and should know exactly what is going on at all times. You also have to be the “bad-guy” every once in a while by making sure that folks are doing what they are supposed to do or being on time, etc.

It’s a challenge, but any good SM is worth their weight in gold!

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