My Must-Have Tools as a Stage Manager
Have you ever wanted to peek into the mind of a stage manager? If you have, you’re in luck. Today, I’ll share with you three key tools from my stage management toolkit.
You might be thinking about a physical toolbox filled with handy tools to fix things during rehearsals and performances. But today, I’m going to discuss some less conventional “tools” – like time, training and experiences.
First off, time. Time is valuable and can transform us from beginners into experts. Malcolm Gladwell, in his book “Outliers”, suggests that with 10,000 hours of dedicated practice, we can become masters at any skill. But it’s not just about clocking up the hours. It takes effort, discipline and being open to continuous learning. The odds are in our favor as stage managers; we get to wear many hats and handle all sorts of situations, thereby providing countless learning experiences. From managing conflicts to mastering Excel, every new experience is a step towards becoming an expert. Think of it as a mental vault of knowledge that grows with each show.
Secondly, training is crucial. It’s like opening new doors to skills that are useful in our profession. While it used to be challenging to find the right training without spending a fortune, things are changing. There’s now plenty of affordable or even free training available, and they’re worthwhile. For budding stage managers, First Aid & CPR training and an OSHA certification are good starting points. Other useful resources include Pyrotechnics Safety Seminars, Defensive Driving Classes, or even becoming a Notary Public. The beautiful part of our job is that every bit of knowledge we gain directly or indirectly helps us perform better.
Lastly, nobody is an island, and learning from others is of great benefit. There are so many places to learn from peers and experts for free. I’ve gained plenty from Facebook groups dedicated to stage management and webinars hosted by various organizations. In addition to virtual spaces, real-world networking—like meeting up with fellow stage managers for coffee or volunteering on projects together—can offer valuable insights. These connections can become your support network and a platform to exchange expertise.
So that’s it! My top three must-haves in my stage management toolkit. Now, what about yours? What are the tools that help you in stage management?