Is Stage Management a worthy career choice?

Question

I am going to start college next year and I am conflicted at what I want to do. I love theatre, and I've Stage managed several productions an really enjoy it, but is different in professional settings? What are the job opportunities?

Thanks

Answer 1

The US may be different than the UK. Here in the UK, Stage Management is a brilliant career (well I think so, being one!). It has nothing to do with being a failed actor, or a wannabe director. At the beginning, you usually become and ASM (assistant Stage Manager), responsible for buying and making props (if there is no props maker/buyer. During the performance, in charge of props setting and generally making sure everything is running smoothly backstage.
Next is DSM (Deputy Stage Manager). In rehearsals taking notes, passing on information, prompting, updating script. In performance, calling actors and cueing show.
Then Stage Manager (usually larger shows). Working with the ASM in rehearsals and being in charge backstage.
Finally Company Manager (Or Company Stage Manager if no Stage Manager). Working with producers, organising photo calls, press interviews, payroll and general pastoral care of actors and any loads of other things which keep them on the phone for hours!.
As I mentioned before, it may be different in the US. I love being part of a great production and doing my job well and helping to create the final product. In Stage Management, the skill of your work is important - not what you look like, so there may be more opportunities than being an actor. In the UK, we have a wonderful organisation called the SMA (Stage Management Association), who make available Stage Managers details to producers, directors and theatres. I have managed to get quite a lot of work through them. I have linked to the US version. Why not contact them and chat about your interest and see what they suggest. They should be able to tell you about career opportunities and how Stage Management works.
Good Luck.

Answer 2

I may be wrong these days, but it used to be that theater stage management was not much of a career, rather being a training ground for directors. Normally the position that was career was management of the whole theater, which was often done by a technical director or lately by a Theater Management graduate. The latter has responsibilities in fund raising, management of spending, employment record keeping, etc. This person would supervise the training and work of stage and house managers.
On the full professional stage, I think you will find that the stage manager is a union position.

Answer 3

I myself am in high school and planning on going into stage manament as a career. There are many many professional opportunities, after all, every show needs a SM! Being an actor as well as a stage manager I have discussed the options with many of my mentors and they all say that you will ALWAYS have a job as a stage manager!

good luck!

Answer 4

Yes, if that is what you want to do. It also depends on your
definition of worthy.