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$211

$1.5K

How much do stage director jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average weekly pay for stage director in the United States is $1,442.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,442.31 and $1,442.31 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a stage director do?

A stage director is responsible for overseeing and guiding the creative vision of a theatrical production. They interpret the script, work closely with actors and designers, and coordinate all elements of the show, such as staging, lighting, and sound, to bring the story to life. The stage director ensures that the production runs smoothly and that the artistic goals are achieved, collaborating with the entire production team from auditions to final performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a stage director?

To thrive as a Stage Director, you need a deep understanding of theater production, script analysis, and strong leadership skills, often supported by a degree in theater arts or equivalent experience. Familiarity with stage management software, lighting and sound systems, and production scheduling tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, creativity, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams set exceptional stage directors apart. These skills are crucial for realizing a creative vision, coordinating complex productions, and ensuring a seamless theatrical experience.

How does a stage director typically collaborate with designers and technical staff during a production?

Stage Directors work closely with set, lighting, costume, and sound designers as well as technical staff to ensure their creative vision aligns with the overall production. Collaboration often begins in pre-production meetings, where the director communicates their interpretation of the script and discusses the practicalities of staging. Throughout rehearsals, the director provides feedback and adjustments, coordinating with designers and stage managers to address technical challenges and ensure smooth transitions. This teamwork is essential for achieving a cohesive and engaging performance.

What is the difference between Stage Director vs Stage Manager?

AspectStage DirectorStage Manager
Primary RoleOversees the artistic vision, directs actors, and shapes the overall productionManages daily operations, coordinates rehearsals, and ensures the production runs smoothly
Required CredentialsTheatrical or film directing experience, often a degree in theater or related fieldExperience in stage management, often with a background in theater or production management
Work EnvironmentTheater or film set, collaborating closely with cast and creative teamTheater or production venue, coordinating between cast, crew, and production staff
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by theaters, film productions, and TV studios to describe creative leadershipCommonly employed in theater companies and production houses to manage logistics

While both roles are essential in theater and film productions, the Stage Director focuses on the artistic vision and performance, whereas the Stage Manager handles the logistical and operational aspects to ensure the production runs smoothly.

How much do stage directors make?

Stage directors' salaries vary based on experience, location, and the production's scale. On average, they earn between $30,000 and $100,000 annually, with more experienced directors or those working on large productions earning higher wages. Many also supplement income through freelance work or additional projects.

How much does a stage director get paid?

The average salary for a stage director varies depending on experience, location, and the type of production, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $100,000 annually. Many stage directors work freelance or on a project basis, which can affect overall earnings, and strong leadership and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.
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Stage Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stage Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,000 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

2027 Festival Season - Resident Assistant Stage Director

OPERA THEATRE OF SAINT LOUIS

Saint Louis, MO

$1.5K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position Description

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is hiring two Resident Assistant Stage Directors for the 2027 Festival Season. They work directly alongside professional AGMA Stage Directors and Stage Managers by assisting with all aspects of production development throughout the rehearsal and performance process. This position will be responsible for the duties of Resident Assistant Stage Director, as described below, on two productions within the Festival Season, in addition to the duties of Assistant Stage Director on one of those productions.

The Resident Assistant Stage Director is a seasonal, full-time position. Frequent nights and weekend hours will be required. Physical requirements include repetitive motion, bending, twisting, stooping, and lifting up to 35 lbs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assistant Stage Director responsibilities (for one production in the Festival Season) include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting Stage Director in development of the production.

  • Maintaining communication between the production?s creative team and OTSL?s Artistic and Production administrative departments.

  • Recording and maintaining production?s blocking notes.

  • Creating and maintaining paperwork as determined by each production.

  • Assisting in clearly communicating and negotiating daily rehearsal schedule needs with stage manager and company scheduler.

  • Proofreading daily schedule draft.

  • Maintaining and disseminating text changes and musical cuts to cast, covers, and staff.

  • Reviewing and recommending modifications to English supertitles.

  • Assisting stage management team with rehearsal room setup as needed.

Additionally, Resident Assistant Stage Director responsibilities (for two productions in the Festival Season) include, but are not limited to:

  • Attending all performances of assigned productions to ensure the stage director?s intentions are communicated, and a high level of artistry remains throughout the Festival Season; utilizing the show?s Assistant Stage Director notes/blocking/etc. to confirm that the artists and crew are staying true to the originally staged and designed production.

  • Communicating directly with artists and crew regarding any minor production amendments as requested by Stage Director or OTSL Administration once productions are in performance.

  • Overseeing assigned production?s archival process which includes, but is not limited to: (1) Assistant Stage Director?s blocking score, (2) digital version of the final Assistant Stage Director?s paperwork, and (3) digital version of the Stage Manager?s score.

  • Overseeing production brush up rehearsals between performances, as needed.

  • Serving as Assistant Stage Director in the staging and production of the Gerdine Young Artist showcase, Center Stage, as determined by the Artistic Director.

Skills, Experience, & Qualifications

  • 3-5 years assistant stage director experience preferred.

  • Ability to read music.

  • Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Ability to work in a team environment.

  • Ability to perform under pressure and maintain professional demeanor.

  • Strong attention to detail.

  • Ability to work nights and weekends.

  • Ability to perform required physical movements including: bend, twist, stoop, and lift up to 35 lbs.

Compensation

  • OTSL and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) have an exclusive collective bargaining agreement. Artists represented by AGMA within the agreement include Resident and Assistant Stage Directors. Individuals in those positions will need to be, or become, members in ?Good Standing? with AGMA.

  • This is a seasonal, full-time position.

Dates of Engagement:

  • Position 1: approximately April 18, 2027 ? June 27, 2027

  • Position 2: approximately April 23, 2027 ? June 27, 2027

Compensation: $1,564.18 / week

Apply:

Applicants for the position are asked to submit a resume along and a cover letter in PDF format that describes their interest in the position and outlines their relevant experience and qualifications.

 Application Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026

About Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization known for innovative productions featuring outstanding young artists. The company offers a festival opera season each spring which attracts ticket buyers from zip codes throughout the metropolitan area, as well as visitors from nearly 50 states and multiple countries. As of 2025, OTSL has presented 45 world premieres, which may be the highest percentage of new work in the repertory of any American company. In addition to the spring Festival Season, OTSL operates year-round education and community programs serving nearly 17,000 local children and adults. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has a year-round artistic and administrative staff of approximately 45, which grows to nearly 500 during the Festival Season. Several hundred volunteer members of the Opera Theatre Guild provide support for all aspects of Opera Theatre?s work and advocate for the company throughout the greater St. Louis community. The company?s annual budget size is approximately $12 million; contributed revenue represents more than 50% of budget.

At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, we value equity, diversity, and mutual respect. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.OTSL will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion or belief; national, social, or ethnic origin; age; sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression; physical, mental, or sensory disability; family or parental status; genetic information or characteristics; protected veteran status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. OTSL will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

If you need assistance or accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact (314) 963-4233 or tbennett@opera-stl.org.

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