ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Stage Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boston Ballet

2nd Assistant Stage Manager

Boston, MA

$1.6K/wk

Act as another calling stage manager for the Nutcracker performances. * Cover Company class at the Opera House and work light rehearsals, as needed. * Enforcement of Company policies and directives ...

Boston Ballet

2nd Assistant Stage Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$1.6K/wk

Act as another calling stage manager for the Nutcracker performances. * Cover Company class at the Opera House and work light rehearsals, as needed. * Enforcement of Company policies and directives ...

La Jolla Playhouse

$17.75/hr

Resident Stage Manager LOCATION: La Jolla, CA on the beautiful UC San Diego Campus STATUS: Non-exempt (hourly); per-show basis COMPENSATION: $17.75 per hour WORKS WITH: LJP Staff, Production ...

City of Torrance, CA

STAGE MANAGER (AT-WILL)

Torrance, CA · On-site

$24.47 - $26.99/hr

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a STAGE MANAGER to join the Cultural Arts Center Theater Team! The Department This position is located in the Department of General Services. The Department ...

City of Torrance

STAGE MANAGER (AT-WILL)

Torrance, CA

$24.47 - $26.99/hr

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a STAGE MANAGER to join the Cultural Arts Center Theater Team. The Department This position is located in the Department of General Services. The Department ...

Livenation

Stage Manager- PT Gramercy

New York, NY · On-site

May assist the Stage Manager with show passes * Maintain and secure House Backline, and supplies * Maintain curtains, drapes, risers and other staging items * Assist audio crew with stands ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsStage Manager Jobs

Stage Manager information

See salary details

$12

$23

$44

How much do stage manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for stage manager in the United States is $23.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Stage Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Stage Manager, you need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and a solid background in theater production, often supported by a degree in theater or related experience. Familiarity with production management software, cueing systems, and scheduling tools is essential for coordinating complex performances. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help manage cast, crew, and unforeseen challenges. These competencies ensure smooth operations, timely performances, and the overall success of live productions.

What is a stage manager's salary?

The salary of a stage manager varies depending on experience, location, and the type of production, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level stage managers may earn lower wages, while those with extensive experience or working on large productions can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits and overtime pay. Many stage managers also develop skills in communication, organization, and technical knowledge to advance their careers.

What is the difference between Stage Manager vs Production Assistant?

AspectStage ManagerProduction Assistant
CredentialsExperience in theater or live events, often with technical knowledgeEntry-level, may require basic knowledge of production processes
Work EnvironmentOn-stage, backstage, coordinating rehearsals and performancesAssist with various tasks across departments, often in office or on-site
Industry UsageCommonly found in theater, live events, TV, and filmUsed across film, TV, theater, and event production

The main difference is that a Stage Manager oversees the entire production process, ensuring smooth operations during performances, while a Production Assistant provides support across departments, handling various tasks to assist the production team. The Stage Manager has more responsibility for coordination and communication, whereas the Production Assistant focuses on assisting with specific tasks.

What Does a Stage Manager Do?

As a stage manager, your job is to support the director of theater performance and ensure the production runs as smoothly as possible. Your duties include keeping track of ordered changes during a rehearsal, helping actors memorize their roles, and running the production during a full show. You may also schedule rehearsals, call out cues, and coordinate the stage crew. Other responsibilities include serving as the primary point of contact for designers and set builders, ensuring props and furnishings are available, and recording the various cues for the performance in a master copy of the script.

What qualifications does a stage manager need?

A stage manager typically needs strong organizational and communication skills, experience in theater or production environments, and knowledge of stage operations and safety protocols. Many employers prefer candidates with a background in theater, production management, or related fields, and some roles may require certifications in safety or first aid. Proficiency with scheduling tools and the ability to coordinate between different departments are also important.

What does a stage manager do?

A stage manager is responsible for coordinating all aspects of a theatrical production to ensure everything runs smoothly. They serve as a central communication hub between the director, cast, crew, and designers, managing rehearsals, scheduling, and technical cues. During performances, the stage manager calls lighting, sound, and set changes, ensuring the show is executed as planned. Their organizational skills and attention to detail help maintain consistency and safety throughout the production process.

How to become a stage manager with no experience?

To become a stage manager with no experience, start by volunteering or assisting on local productions to gain hands-on knowledge of stage operations and communication. Developing organizational skills, learning industry tools like QLab or MS Office, and pursuing relevant training or workshops can also help build your qualifications for entry-level roles.

What are some common challenges stage managers face during live productions, and how can they effectively address them?

Stage managers frequently encounter challenges such as last-minute changes to scripts or cues, coordinating large teams with diverse responsibilities, and ensuring smooth communication between cast, crew, and directors. To address these, stage managers must stay organized, maintain clear and timely communication channels, and be adaptable under pressure. Building strong relationships with team members and having detailed contingency plans in place are also key to effectively resolving issues as they arise during live performances.

What do you do as a stage manager?

A stage manager coordinates all aspects of a theatrical or live performance production, including scheduling rehearsals, communicating between cast and crew, and ensuring the show runs smoothly. They often use tools like scripts and call sheets and need strong organizational and communication skills. The role typically requires attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
More about Stage Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Stage Manager jobs? Cities with the most Stage Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Stage jobs? The most popular types of Stage jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Stage Manager jobs? The top employers for Stage Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Stage Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Stage Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Stage Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Stage Manager jobs are:
Stage Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stage Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,917 per year, or $23.5 per hour.
2nd Assistant Stage Manager

2nd Assistant Stage Manager

Boston Ballet

Boston, MA

$1.6K/wk

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description

The heart of Boston Ballet is the human experience. Through our living and breathing art, we forge human connections-between artist and attendee, teacher and trainee, friend and newcomer, one's outer and inner self. We believe that the community of employees that makes dance possible is better together when talented individuals with varied life experiences, identities, races, cultures and ideas are welcomed, encouraged, and heard.

Boston Ballet is looking for someone to support the overall live presentation seen by the audience from its inception in the studio through the performance on stage, including all details related to the stage & studio during The Nutcracker, from November 9 - December 31, 2026 & Winter Experience and Coppelia, January 18 - March 21, 2027.


RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Daily preparation and maintenance of the performing and rehearsal environments for the Dancers and Artistic Staff (including guest choreographers and repetiteurs).
  • Assist the Production Stage Manager, Stage Manager & Assistant Stage Manager in all performance activities, and daily coordination of theatre activities. 
  • Prepare paperwork as assigned, assist in dissemination of production specific paperwork.
  • Learn production and be able to run both sides of the deck during performances. 
  • Act as another calling stage manager for the Nutcracker performances.
  • Cover Company class at the Opera House and work light rehearsals, as needed.
  • Enforcement of Company policies and directives of the Artistic Staff and PSM regarding professional behavior for all performers in the theatre(s).
  • Other job-related assignments as needed. 



Requirements

  • College degree. (Theatre or affiliated major preferred) or equivalent experience.
  • Solid communication, management, and organization skills.
  • Must have the ability to remain calm in stressful situations and have demonstrated experience handling multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Minimum of three years stage management experience with some in a major performing arts company at the equivalent scale of Boston Ballet productions. (Dance experience preferred)
  • Ability to Read Music preferred.
  • Knowledge of basic Video and Audio equipment.
  • Computer skills - Microsoft Office applications.
  • Experience working w/ Unions preferred. (AGMA, AFM, IATSE, & USA)

Salary: $1,680 weekly. 

Boston Ballet is an equal opportunity employer
This is an AGMA position that will be contracted under an Individual Artist Agreement. This position is covered by the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Boston Ballet and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). 

Apply