The Importance of Professional Practice as a Stage Manager

In this week’s edition of Half-Hour, I am discussing professional practice as a Stage Manager: the skills that you need outside of the job itself to get hired and be successful at landing your next gig, including networking, interviewing, and following up. Being a Stage Manager can be a rigorous and demanding job in most cases, and in many cases, we find ourselves in a scenario where we are on a contract as a freelancer. How well we do the job we are currently on matters, the people we work with could be our next opportunity for a gig, and you never know with whom you might come in contact for future work.

Networking

Networking is an essential aspect of any job in the entertainment industry, including Stage Management. Building relationships with industry professionals, peers, and potential employers is critical to finding job opportunities and advancing your career. Some ways to network as a Stage Manager include:

1. Attend industry events: Industry events such as conferences, workshops, and trade shows are a great way to meet other professionals in the field. These events provide opportunities to learn new skills, share knowledge, and make connections. A great option for Stage Managers is an event like the Broadway Stage Management Symposium, which is hosted in New York where Broadway Stage Managers come together (along with Stage Managers from around the world) to discuss their careers, challenges they face, and what they did to get there. Check it out here: https://www.broadwaysymposium.com
2. Join professional organizations: Joining a professional organization such as Actors’ Equity Association (with certain eligibility) or the Stage Managers Association. They can provide access to resources, job listings, and networking opportunities. The SMA often organizes and hosts social events for Stage Managers in certain cities to network with other Stage Managers and get to know each other.
3. Volunteer: Volunteering for local theater productions, film shoots, or other events is an excellent way to gain experience, build relationships, and showcase your skills to potential employers. There are a lot of opportunities out there and some can be extremely beneficial, but at times you might need to offer your skills for free or much less than you’d like, especially when you’re getting started or breaking into a new scene.

Interviewing

The interview process for a Stage Management position can be rigorous, as employers want to ensure that they are hiring someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and can handle the stress of the job. Any connections you can use from past experience or through connections you have throughout the interview process, the more likely you are to land the job. Here are some tips for a successful interview include:

1. Research the company or production: Research the company or production you are interviewing for. Learn about their history, mission, and values. Why do you want to work at this particular company? The information you learn can help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their goals.
2. Be prepared to talk about your experience: Be ready to discuss your experience as a stage manager, including specific productions you have worked on, challenges you have faced, and how you have overcome them.
3. Come with specific questions: ask questions about what they are looking for in a Stage Manager, and what they feel like they are missing in the team dynamic currently. Be curious about not only what benefits you might get from the job, but also what you will be giving as a part of your participation in the company.
4. Showcase your communication skills: Communication is a crucial aspect of Stage Management. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with others, including actors, crew members, and directors. In addition, pay close attention to your emails: check spelling, grammar, and be professional.

Following Up

Following up after an interview (and often forgotten) is a crucial part of the job interviewing process. It shows that you are interested in the position and can help keep you top of mind with the employer. Some tips for following up include:

1. Send a handwritten thank-you note: Send a thank-you note or email, if time is short, to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. This is a polite way to express your gratitude for the opportunity and to reiterate your interest in the position.
2. Follow up on the timeline: If the employer provided a timeline for the hiring process, make sure to follow up accordingly. If they did not provide a timeline, wait about a week before following up.
3. Be patient: Remember that the hiring process can take time. If you do not hear back from the employer immediately, do not panic. Be patient and continue your job search in the meantime.

Conclusion

Famous director, Johnathan Miller said it best: “What makes art special is not the art itself, but the people who make the art that matter.” Being a stage manager in the entertainment industry can be rewarding but is sometimes quite challenging. Throughout the day-to-day grind of putting up a production, we must always remember not only how we treat people, but how we make them feel.

Also by Bryan Runion:

What does it mean to be an “Ethical” Stage Manager

Inviting Feedback, Encouraging Diversity and Challenging Tradition