10 Essential Jobs in Stage Management for Seamless Productions

1. Production Manager

Responsibilities:

• Oversees all aspects of production, including budgeting, planning, and execution
• Collaborates with the director, designers, and other key personnel to ensure the successful realization of the show
• Manages the production team, including stage managers, technicians, and crew

Salary:

• Median annual salary: $98,530
• Top 10% earners: over $145,000

2. Stage Manager

Responsibilities:

• Executes the director's vision during rehearsals and performances
• Cues lighting, sound, and other technical elements
• Manages the stage crew and coordinates communications among all departments

Salary:

• Median annual salary: $53,130
• Top 10% earners: over $92,000

3. Production Coordinator

Responsibilities:

• Assists the production manager with administrative tasks, such as scheduling, budgeting, and contracts
• Liaises with vendors, unions, and other external parties
• Tracks production expenses and ensures adherence to budget

Salary:

• Median annual salary: $42,180
• Top 10% earners: over $75,000

4. Assistant Stage Manager

Responsibilities:

• Supports the stage manager with rehearsal supervision, cue execution, and communication
• Acts as a liaison between the director, stage manager, and cast
• May cover for the stage manager in their absence

Salary:

• Median annual salary: $37,050
• Top 10% earners: over $65,000

5. Lighting Designer

Responsibilities:

• Creates the lighting design for productions, including selecting fixtures, placement, and cueing
• Collaborates with the director and other designers to achieve the desired visual aesthetic
• Oversees the technical execution of the lighting design during rehearsals and performances

Salary:

• Median annual salary: $74,660
• Top 10% earners: over $128,000

6. Sound Designer

Responsibilities:

• Creates the sound design for productions, including selecting and mixing audio cues
• Collaborates with the director and other designers to integrate sound effectively
• Oversees the technical execution of the sound design during rehearsals and performances

Salary:

• Median annual salary: $57,440
• Top 10% earners: over $97,000

7. Costume Designer

Responsibilities:

• Creates the costume design for productions, including research, sketching, and overseeing construction
• Collaborates with the director and other designers to achieve the desired visual aesthetic
• Ensures the costumes are comfortable and functional for the performers

Salary:

• Median annual salary: $63,990
• Top 10% earners: over $111,000

8. Scenic Designer

Responsibilities:

• Creates the scenic design for productions, including concept development, drafting, and model-building
• Collaborates with the director and other designers to achieve the desired visual aesthetic
• Oversees the construction and installation of the scenery

Salary:

• Median annual salary: $59,900
• Top 10% earners: over $102,000

9. Technical Director

Responsibilities:

• Oversees the production's technical aspects, including lighting, sound, scenery, and costumes
• Manages the technical staff and ensures the safe and efficient operation of the production
• Collaborates with the production manager to ensure the realization of the director's vision

Salary:

• Median annual salary: $67,500
• Top 10% earners: over $116,000

10. Master Carpenter

Responsibilities:

• Supervises the construction and installation of scenery
• Operates equipment, such as saws, drills, and lifts
• Ensures the safety and efficiency of the carpentry crew

Salary:

• Median annual salary: $52,540
• Top 10% earners: over $90,000

Conclusion

Stage management is a vital element of any successful theatrical production. From the inception of the idea to the closing curtain, these professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the seamless execution of the artistic vision. By understanding the various roles and responsibilities within stage management, audiences can appreciate the complexities and artistry that bring their favorite shows to life.