What’s Next After Stage Management?
Being a stage manager can be a daunting task. It’s a struggle to find jobs, and even when you come across one, the pay usually is not up to par. You’re likely to be offered a modest stipend, and your dedicated hours may run beyond the standard 40-hour week, as you’ll be spending extra time doing paperwork and keeping everything ready for the actors. Not to mention, the theatre world doesn’t believe in a traditional two-day weekend!
Possibly, you’re earning about $50 a week for rehearsals that can stretch to five days, and if heck, you’re working one hour a day, which is unlikely, you’re still getting paid less than the minimum wage. And unfortunately, while others can multitask, as a stage manager, you are tied to the theatre all the time.
Sure, there are good jobs available as a resident stage manager and the pay is decent, but these largely involve constant traveling, which can be draining. You might long for settling down, starting a family, or attending to some family issues. There’s a multitude of reasons why you’d want to switch.
So, what could be your next move if you’re looking for a life with a better financial outlook and work-life balance?
I’ve inquired this from a friend, Ron, who transitioned away from stage management. Ron, a former performer at Disney, gradually made his way to entertainment management. After a 12-year stint at Disney, he took up a traditional show calling role at Sight & Sound in Pennsylvania before moving to Holland.
Currently, Ron serves as the Director of Exhibits, Art Education, and Collections at the Festival of Arts / Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. He oversees an art show, manages partnerships with the Orange County Department of Education for a Junior Art exhibit, looks after an Art Center and the Permanent Art collection. Despite lacking formal training in art, Ron brought a general art knowledge to the table and has learned extensively about art from his job.
Several parallels can be drawn between his stage management skills like planning, organizing, delegating, multitasking, problem-solving, and his current role. I hope his journey resonates with the stage managers out there, who are considering a leap into a different work arena.
Many jobs will value your stage management skills, especially people management and office jobs, where your proficiency with computers and breaking down complex information into manageable segments will shine. Here are a few roles to consider:
– Event Management
– Wedding Planning
– Accountancy
– Receptionist Role
– Real Estate Agent
– Property Management
– Project Management
In the arts field, you can look for jobs like Production Management, House Management or even Teaching that typically pay better. Large production venues often provide the Production Manager role with commendable pay packages and benefits, but you should be comfortable handling the technical aspects of running a theatre.
On the other hand, if you love interacting with people more than dealing with technical aspects, then the role of a House Manager, that involves overseeing the front of house, could suit you.
Lastly, if you desire to mold the next generation of theatre enthusiasts, consider becoming a theater teacher. With a bachelor’s degree and an additional few years of college, you can earn a teaching certificate in many states.
Hopefully, these paths will guide your next career move after stage management!