Let’s Talk About the Real Cost of Being a Stage Manager
You know, when you graduate from college, it’s pretty common to think that you’d get a job and start making money right away. But there are some jobs, like stage management, where you have to spend a bit before you start earning.
I recall my first big job needed me to undergo medical tests that cost several hundreds of dollars. My friend had to turn down a similar job simply because he didn’t have $400 lying around for that.
Also, many rookie stage managers get caught off guard when a performer needs something and they don’t have their own stage manager’s kit. And hey, it’s an era of technology. Don’t you have your own website with your resume? Of course, the professional designing and good quality headshots for the website have a price tag too.
Here’s my experience with some costs linked to being a stage manager.
Getting a Stage Management Kit was my first expense which cost me around $200 initially. I’ve managed to find budget-friendly ways to stock it up along my journey. Plus, there’s an ongoing cost of keeping this kit stocked. Some companies are open to replacing items used by performers, but not all.
CPR & First Aid Certifications are another essential, costing on average about $120 each time you take the training. Luckily, these certifications are now valid for two years, saving some recurring costs.
Other than this, there are situations when you’ll need to have medical tests done which range from free to quite expensive – around $1,000. For instance, the physical tests for cruise lines can reach this high price, though there’s a good chance it can be earned back in a week on board.
Personal Websites are a must nowadays. Costs for these can range from free to $200+ annually. I opted for the 3-year/$100 plan, which I found worth the investment in the longer run.
Becoming a part of Professional Associations like Equity costs about $1,100, spread over two years, in addition to yearly dues. It can be a proud moment in your career, yet you need to make sure you have enough saved up.
For about 5 years, I’ve been a member of Stage Manager’s Association, which costs me $40 yearly, though I can’t say it’s massively beneficial.
Online Storage, such as Dropbox, costs roughly around $100 annually but is very handy. It gives you access to all your stage management paperwork and references anywhere, anytime, as long as you are connected to the web.
Don’t forget the travel costs for interviews, which could be substantial depending on location. And, be prepared to spend some money on food during these interview meetups too. I’d recommend keeping aside at least $100 for these travel-related expenses during job hunting.
And then there’s the mandatory requirement of Black Clothes, which can overall end up costing quite a lot over the years, but you can often find deals.
Those are some of the expenses I encountered as a stage manager. Have you experienced any other unexpected costs in this career path?