So, you want to become a stage manager, huh? Well, before you take the plunge, I’m going to set the record straight. Despite lots of people in the arts thinking they could easily slip into the role, it’s just not that simple. Being just a tidy or systematic person doesn’t instantly make you a good fit for this job. Now, let me share some of the crucial skills you’ll need:
1. **Reading Music:** This is key. Take my word for it – I frown upon any stage manager not proficient in reading sheet music. It’s a crucial part of the job and being unable to do it can limit your work opportunities significantly. Take up an instrument and learn how to read music, trust me, it’s worth it.
2. **Directing Knowledge:** Perhaps you won’t actually direct a play, but understanding the process is vital. Your role includes taking care of the director’s work after rehearsal and implementing changes as needed. This understanding will help you keep the original vision intact.
3. **Design Familiarity:** Don’t worry, I’m not saying you have to be a design guru all of a sudden. What’s important is having a general understanding of different design aspects like lighting, costumes, and set design. This will make your job easier especially when you need to make adjustments during tours without compromising the designer’s initial idea.
4. **Stagecraft Basics:** It will be beneficial if you know how to use various tools to build sets and understand lighting basics. Remember, many early-career job opportunities may require additional skills like sound or lighting expertise. Even if you’re not an expert, knowing how to address small technical glitches can save the day!
5. **Sewing:** It may seem quaint, but knowing how to sew a button or fix a hem can become handy. And, it’s a valuable skill in the job market too!
6. **Psychology Basics:** A little understanding of psychology can go a long way in managing teams, especially during stressful times like tech week. You don’t need to be a pro here, but some basic knowledge of behavioral psychology can help you better handle your team’s dynamics and perhaps, your own stress too!
7. **First Aid Certification:** It’s relatively inexpensive and refreshes every 2 years. You might only rarely use it, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, right? Plus, some jobs ask for it, so why not?
So, to those of you already in performance – what other skills would you add to this list? Your feedback might help future aspiring stage managers!
Now, if all that didn’t scare you off, you might be cut out for this job after all! To get a taste of what a day in the life of a stage manager is like, you may want to check out these posts:
– A Day in the Life of a Cruise Ship Stage Manager
– A Day in the Life of a Circus Stage Manager
– A Day in the Life of a Touring Children’s Theater Stage Manager