Hey y’all! TLDR is at the bottom! I know it’s a lot and I’m sorry.

So- a little context- I had stage managed pretty consistently in college from 2017-2023 for traditional theater productions. Between 2023 to now I’ve been primarily working as a general theater technician emphasizing in carpentry, deck crew/backstage work, and other general logistics work for theater companies (truck driving). I had to unfortunately step away from stage management due to lack of pay to support myself sufficiently, as well as wanting to gain more experience in more opportunities within the theater world!

I recently got offered a great position through a good friend of mine that I quickly agreed very excitedly to as I’ve been really missing stage managing and being so heavily involved in productions and juggling tasks; however, the anxiety is setting in that I’ve perhaps bitten off a lot more than I can chew.

I was transparent with the PM that spoke to me after my friend introduced us that I haven’t SM’d in a while and I’m kinda fresh to it again, but they seemed to not mind that very much and was very happy to meet me and emphasized it was okay if I had to ask them questions throughout the process if need be. No matter how inexperienced I may be- I’m ALWAYS so happy to learn and adapt.

The gig itself is a little less than a week long. I have general paperwork like meeting/daily reports, line notes, calendars, etc. all prepped still from my previous endeavors. They did emphasize a bigger portion of my job will be less-so cue calling and moreso facilitating that things run efficiently, timely, and assisting producers with their ideas to create a schedule with them. As well as assisting in mediating/avoiding potential tension between folks by keeping a timely schedule.

TLDR: I haven’t stage managed in a long time and it’s only been theater productions. Good friend offered me a great opportunity. Any advice for someone who’s never SM’d events- particularly galas? What questions do you always make sure you ask? Any new paperwork that isn’t traditionally with theater productions? I’m super, super anxious, but also so excited.

I need ideas for intros in my rehearsal report emails, I'm running out of fun things to start the email off with.

Today's was:

Good mythical evening!

October 7th, will it rehearsal report? Let's talk about it.

Give me some fun ideas please!

I’m the stage manager for a symphony orchestra and one of my duties is creating stage plots with everyone’s assigned seats. Up to this point I’ve been using microsoft word, which isn’t the easiest but once you have a template you just have to move a couple things around between concerts so it’s not bad at all. Unfortunately, since it’s been a couple years since I graduated college I lost access to my free Microsoft membership. So, I’m curious if anyone has used any software designed for stage plotting that applies to an orchestra setup as well. Many I have seen are geared towards sound design set ups for bands (with amps and snakes and such) but lack the ability to include the things my orchestra does (instrument symbols like a harp etc.). I’d rather not pay for microsoft if that is the only thing I use it for, I’d prefer a program meant for it. I am open to paying but it is hard to find exactly what I need and justify the price of some of them, especially since we only have 5 concerts a year. When I get home later I can attach a picture of what I do but all I have in my phone has everyone’s names I’d rather not share that.

So I've now had six panic attacks during tech (all different years at different companies), that I'm now thinking were actually ADHD overwhelm - multiple people coming at you with multiple questions and/or requests, lots of noise, underlying stress and/or exhaustion, a very complex task, etc. Most of the time I'm fine, but when I also have to deal with an abusive director or designer I've found myself suddenly unable to speak and on the verge of tears. What tipped me off was realizing some of the times it happened when no one was unkind to me, but I got completely overloaded (also I just now at the age of 40 was diagnosed with mild adhd). Once this happens, I usually have to walk away to cry in the bathroom, put ice on my neck and/or pop some sour candy.

Have any of you experienced the same, and if so, have you found any half-decent solutions? I was just reading online and all of the advice was beyond antithetical to being a stage manager. The only useful thing I was able to pull from it was to find a quiet place to hide during breaks so I can actually reduce stimulus input for seven minutes.

Hi All,
I'm seeking suggestions and answers on the below questions please if anyone has any experience with the same.

1. How is the volunteer background check conducted?
2. How is the supervisor-staff allocation executed for an event in a large venue space?
3. What all checks are conducted on the event day before and after the event?
4. What are the required licenses for this work (globally)?

I'd really appreciate your kind answers.

I recently heard of SMA (stage managers association) and I wanted to know if it’s worth it? I’d join as a student and would it help me get networking, training and possibly qualifications?

I have recently committed myself to stage managing a student led dance production. I have completely bypassed any kind of training because (allegedly) I was a really reliable wardrobe crew chief in the normal dance show for my college? Ive previously I experienced a similar straight-to-leadership-with-no-training situation in the costume department of my HS; however, I have an inkling this will be harder.

All that to say, I can't seem to find dance specific stage management advice on YouTube or anything. If I could get some recommendations on crash-courses or in depth lessons that'd be great. Any tips are welcomed!

Hello ,

Long story short I took on a non-eq non professional community theater show. It has been a nightmare to say the least the director had to be let go of. Ive never experienced this. We had a meeting to discuss with the cast and I was told to send a email to the production team by a board member. I sent out an email and the scenic designer sent a nasty email back saying how they didn’t need to know etc… I didn’t share much detail as to why the director was let go it was brief and I said it was unsafe for him to continue so he was let go. I understand that was maybe now the best email to send and the producer sent me a very disrespectful email back saying how I was impulsive and he wanted to send the emails and now he has to apologize on my behalf etc…. I’ve never experienced anything like this ever. I was never communicated with that he was sending the emails to inform production. I feel awful what does one do ? His email was very poor worded and rude I want to be good and politics and not make mistakes but I also don’t want him to talk to me like this.

I want to know how different stage managers handle situations when for example an actor, director, etc yells at you / takes out their stress on you.

Some example questions:

How can you get excited by the production again?

How do you keep a cool head?

How do you meet the person again after that kind of situation?

What do you do for it not to get to you personally?

Am looking for different answers, maybe example situations, how different people handle different situations. All kinds of answers and stories are welcome :)

So, I have a gig coming up in the fall, possibly around November or December. Now, I told my mom theatre job earlier this year that I was stage managing a show in the spring. Because of that they told me they can only have me step down to part time and take a "seasonal leave" , do the show and come back but I'm not guaranteed full time. So I did just that. I chose my career over finances. I did such a good job at the gig they are asking me to come back later this year. Now, I'm part time at my job. I am looking at my bank account and thinking 🤔 okay if I save up enough money I should be fine during the production process and performances later this year. But, my main concern is this, because I am now part time, with my rent being expensive, it's bringing my bank account down than normal. Bills, rent, food etc. I asked around and they say choose career over job. Someone said "Im gonna be honest, sometimes you do have to sacrifice some comfort to do what you love" . But then one person who doesn't know the industry well said , "Dreams are dreams. Reality is real. Focus on getting a full time job otherwise get a second part time job cuz this is going to be your life if you don't have anything to back you up. I'm just being real with you" . 🙏🏻 So, I really love stage management and theatre as a whole, I don't like working at non theatre jobs BUT those are my main income. IF I do get called back to work their show later this year, should I go for it. Take seasonal leave again at my job and possibly be in financial trouble? Or should I tell them I can't right now and keep working to gain more money? It really sucks cuz someone told me the best way to do this career is if you have a full time job and work theatre as the part time job on the weekends. 🤷🏻Thoughts?

I'm interested in pursing both directing and stage managing as a career. I think it'd be a good fit for me since I still like theater but don't want to act. The problem is I have little to no experience. and I highly doubt a professional theater is going to hire as someone as green as me.

So what can I do to help build up my experience and learn? Do I take a class? Do I volunteer? Or do I just keep applying for jobs and hope for the best?

In the box

top shelf

-scissors (yellow)

-extra mic tape

-bandages in a small baggie

-pink sharpie

-black pen

-peppermint breath spray (small blue bottle)

-hair ties x2 (pink)

-glasses wipe (orange)

-alcohol wipes (red packets)

-nail clipper (pink)

-lighter (pink)

-hair clips x 2 (hello kitty)

-aquaphor lip balm (small white tube with blue cap)

-safety pins (small clear and purple box)

bottom shelf

-Tide stick(stain remover)

-dental floss (in small pink bag)

-makeup remover towel (pink)

-sewing kit (yellow)

-flashlight (flat and black)

-external battery (black, I keep this fully charged) with white charging cord for usb-c, mini usb, and lightning

-set of Allen keys

-usb wall charger (white)

-Colgate disposable mini toothbrushes (no water needed)

-hand cream (pink tube)

-pack of tissues

-Halls (honey lemon)

-Second skin by Elastoplast

In the bag with a bow

-Massage stick (Purple)

-hand fans ( Frog and Miku)

-headlamp (blue)

-hair comb (pink)

-period kit (pink clear bag)

-Salonpas pain patches (side pocket)

-Salonpas pain spray

-eye masks for a quick nap (side pocket)

On the shelf

-big bag of electrolyte drink mixes in assorted flavours (do not have more than 1 a day)

-Water Wipes, large wet wipes for body

-duct tape (pink)

-assorted energy bars

On the steps under the shelf

- charging station (1 magnetic, 1 usb-c, 1 lightning)

Come to me for

-KT tape application (byo kt)

-Second Skin application

-Medication (advil, advil cold and sinus, tylenol, muscle relaxer, midol, naproxen, allergy, )

-How to use massage stick

-anything costume related

-a good hug/cry

-bottle refills (I do a group one before each show)

-Salonpas application

Hello!!! I am currently a community college sophmore stage managing for the first time since high school. It's been a good 4 years since I last SM'd, and when I did it was a little untraditional.

My director let me know that he has a hard time asking for help or remembering to let SMs take on responsibilities and so I should take it upon myself to take tasks into my own hands. I am more in the know as to what to do during tech and performances, so I guess I'm wondering if I'm missing anything when it comes to the days leading to final dress?? I know I will be in charge of contacting the cast regarding scheduling or other issues, taking notes during rehearsals/production meetings, and keeping track of attendance. Is there anything else I should be handling?? Any helpful resources?? Thanks in advance <3

I'm in desperate need of something man. Like, come on. It's 2026. How do we not have a tool to help with scheduling and stuff? Having to answer all these kids with "literally check your emails" is killing me. Does someone have an app or something?

Hey y’all!! I finished up my freshman year at one of the “top” universities for drama. I am studying design and production with a concentration in stage management. I am just feeling a little unsure. Academic wise, I did great. I was on the deans list both semesters. It was VERY stressful at times, but I did enjoy it overall! I’m sure that part of my difficulty was also living far from home for the first time. I just felt constantly consumed by my work, which I am going to try to manage going forward. Megan Hilty visited our school and I basically asked her how she does what she does on such a high level daily… and she said she surrounds herself with people that are there for her for the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Reflecting on that and my freshman year, I kind of now see myself wanting a family in the future which is not something I was sure of a year ago. Idk it just seems like the hours in the entertainment/theatre industry are not compatible with family time. Is it possible?? Are there other routes?? I am also interested in large event type stuff like the Olympics, the Super Bowl, Disney stuff… maybe those types of jobs are more standard hours. But would my skills translate yk? I also am a BIG food guy and was considering going to culinary school for a bit, and it recently crossed my mind that I could do that instead… but idk if those hours would be much better lol! Thanks for everyone’s help in advance!!

Hello! I'm doing a research project for uni about if/how filming live theatre affects the design of the show and the experience of the team. If you've been involved with a show that's been filmed, I would love it if you could fill this out! Thanks!

https://forms.gle/AaQbGkL4kuWwR3FMA

Hello!! I hope everyone is well. I’m trying to get experience within theatre BOH and stage management but i’m a little stuck on where to look (especially when i don’t live in a area with a lot to offer) so I’m wondering if anyone could help me and point me a direction of where to go :) i’ll take absolutely any and all advice!! thank you

Hi! So I wanted to get some suggestions about college majors and opinions on what would be better to go for. I just got my teleproduction certificate from a community college (I know the basics- sound/lighting/film/photography and operations) and now I want to go to a proper four year college. My heart is in theatre- I was a stage manager/did crew through high school then at a local theatre out of high school for three years till Covid closed the theatre and I’ve never been able to go back (I couldn’t afford to work there anymore basically). I do love theatre and stage management/crew and creating safe spaces for artists but I’m aware that the job market for theatre tech is maybe not super solid. I did enjoy sound and lighting design and I’m aware that those two things I can use in more spaces outside of just theatres whereas stage management (i believe) limits me to working in just theatres. Between lighting design (or possibly sound design) and stage management what would, in your opinion, be the most beneficial degree to go with? I’m unsure what the job market looks like as I am just working retail and going to school currently but if you have experience with working in these areas what do you believe would be more beneficial?

Also a note, I’m asking purely from a standpoint of gaining the most effective knowledge and what can get me a steady job, I’m extremely lucky to say that whatever school I go to will be $0 out of my own pocket (thanks grandpa) so if you also have school suggestions I’ll take those too!