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Stage Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$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 ...

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 ...

Minimum 2 years practical Stage Management experience or a similar combination of management or leadership experience preferred * Knowledge of entertainment events andlogistics, including but not ...

Seasonal Stage Manager of Procurement What you get to do: * Assist Entertainment Team with procurement * Assist with tracking and communication of procured items * Assist in development and execution ...

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Stage Manager information

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$44

How much do stage manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 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 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 management software or tools. Many employers prefer candidates with a background in theater, production, or related fields, and some may require relevant certifications or training. Attention to detail and the ability to coordinate multiple tasks are essential for success in this role.

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.

What does a stage manager earn?

The average salary for a stage manager varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level stage managers may earn less, while those with extensive experience or working on large productions can earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and per diems. Skills in organization, communication, and familiarity with production tools are essential for this role.

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 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:
What states have the most Stage Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Stage Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Stage Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,917 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Production Stage Manager, Production

The Tianjin Juilliard School

Manhattan, NY

$68/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description: 

The Production Stage Manager will provide institutional perspective for a wide variety of programs

with a focus on operational consistency and excellence. Reporting to the Senior Director of Production, the

Production Stage Manager will function as PSM on select programs and contribute to planning and logistics for institutional Stage Management needs including those supported by Juilliard's Professional Apprentice Program. The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative individual with an interest in institutional success as well as the development of early-career stage managers.

The salary for this role is $68-70K per 42 weeks. 

Cover letters are required.


 

Working at Juilliard

Founded in 1905, The Juilliard School is a world leader in performing arts education. The school's mission is to provide the highest caliber of artistic education for gifted musicians, dancers, and actors from around the world so that they may achieve their fullest potential as artists, leaders, and global citizens.

Excellence and professionalism are important guides in how we go about our work, but we also connect to the mission as individuals in the workplace. We thrive because of our variety of backgrounds and our ability to be open and honest, and we also thrive because we enjoy each other's company. We believe that each employee has the responsibility to help shape the Juilliard organizational culture, and we provide opportunities to participate in team-building throughout the year. Our organizational values focus on community and culture.

We encourage you to read more about how we achieve our mission on our website, juilliard.edu.


 

Role Responsibilities:

  • Perform all functions of Production Stage Manager for assigned non-Divisional programming including but not limited to: Creative Enterprise performances and events, cross-divisional works, convocation, annual benefit, commencement, and select concerts.
  • Work alongside Production Managers to guide programs in various stages of development into rehearsal and performance.
  • Develop and maintain institutional stage management guidelines for use across multiple disciplines and performance spaces.
  • Develop and maintain a roster of freelance stage managers who can be engaged for additional projects.  Organize and conduct bi-annual resume submissions and interviews.
  • Advise Dance, Drama and Music divisions on hiring freelance stage managers as needed.
  • Partner with Apprentice Program Director and staff on mentorship of 9 Apprentice Stage Managers each season. Responsibilities may include:
    • Review seasonal applicants and participate on selection committee through online and in-person interviews.
    • Lead or coordinate seminars in areas of expertise.
    • Attend select rehearsals, if requested, to observe Apprentice Stage Managers in situ.
    • Establish regular weekly office hours for individual mentorship and advising
    • Debrief with Apprentice(s) after select projects.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree and/or 3-5 years relevant professional experience.
  • Ability to work well collaboratively as part of a dynamic team.
  • Ability to maintain a professional demeanor at all times in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
  • Computer literacy with primary strength in MS office.
  • Flexible availability with frequent evenings and weekends depending on current project.

Preferred Background:

  • Experience working in an educational institution and/or institutional theater

  • Experience across drama, dance, opera. 

  • Experience with with events, devised, and developmental works.that would make the ideal candidate stand above and beyond other candidates?

 

Nondiscrimination Policy:

The Juilliard School is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with its faculty, staff, students, and other members of the Juilliard community, and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, alienage, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, physical or mental disability, medical condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, partnership status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable local, state, or federal law. This nondiscrimination policy covers, but is not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, benefits, rates of pay and other forms of compensation as well as student admission, access, and treatment in school programs and activities.