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Stage Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nexstar Media Group

Stage Manager (PT)

New York, NY · On-site

WPIX-11 is looking for a part-time DGA represented Stage manager to direct the studio floor in a fast-paced News/Production environment. This position will act as the primary liaison between the ...

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

STAGE MANAGER (AT-WILL)

Torrance, CA

$25.45 - $28.07/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, CA

STAGE MANAGER (AT-WILL)

Torrance, CA · On-site

$25.45 - $28.07/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 ...

Seaworldentertainment

HOS Stage Manager

Busch, AR

$17/hr

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 ...

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How much do stage manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 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.
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Stage Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stage Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% 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.

Stage Manager - Mad Apple

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group

Las Vegas, NV • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

***Le poste étant situé aux États-Unis, la description de poste est disponible uniquement en anglais.***
***As this position in based in the United States, the job description is available in English only.***
Stage Manager
Artistic Support
Full-Time Position
We are looking for a Stage Manager who will provide support to Artistic teams on the show. The Stage Manager will bring support to the General Stage Manager, working alongside the Technical Director to ensure smooth operations and to maintain Artistic integrity of the show. The ideal candidate will be organized and an effective communicator with a solution-oriented mindset.
The Stage Manager will:
  • Provide support to Artists and Artistic staff;
  • Act as liaison between Artistic and Technical staff;
  • Manage integration of new Artists into production;
  • Enforce production rules, policies and procedures; apply discipline when appropriate;
  • Assist in the preparation and implementation of safety procedures;
  • Manage rehearsals and training sessions as assigned;
  • Ensure all equipment is in place and in working order for rehearsals and training sessions;
  • Call technical cues for trainings;
  • Prepare show lineup and communicate changes to the appropriate technical departments and Artists;
  • Manage backstage areas during show;
  • Call the show when required;
  • Apply, facilitate and supervise emergency measures;
  • Maintain the show's records and procedures;
  • Assist in the preparation of long- and short-term schedules;
  • Manage archival recordings;
  • Complete any other job-related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
  • College diploma or equivalent work experience in a related field;
  • At least three years of previous relevant experience;
  • Fluent in English, both written and spoken;
  • Working knowledge of MS Office;
  • Multicultural experience an asset;
  • Previous experience working on various large-scale productions is a plus;
  • First Aid / CPR training an asset;
  • Understanding and ability to navigate network applications;
  • Availability to work varied shifts including weekends and holidays;
  • Verification of the right to work in the United States for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, as demonstrated by completion of the Form I-9 upon hire and the submission of acceptable documentation (as noted on the Form I-9) verifying one's identity and work authorization.

As you can imagine, working with a circus can be quite different from other organizations, and at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, we embrace these differences loudly with enthusiasm. We realize that one size fits none and invite you to come create your own specialized experience with us to see exactly what we're talking about, firsthand.
Our emotion-provoking shows are just the tip of the iceberg: laced throughout our organization, you will find creative minds who are empowered to use their voices and be themselves, their truest selves. Diversity to us means various perspectives, fresh ideas and continuous improvement of the way we do things. We won't pretend like we have every answer, that's why we need you! The employees here are the center of what we do, the voices behind the final product and amazing performances on stage.
When you think of your ideal workplace, what comes to mind? For us, it looks (and really is) like this:
  • Teamwork - we thrive with collaborative teams, regardless of titles or departments;
  • Respect - when we ask someone to join our team, it's because we trust and respect you;
  • Integrity - whether you work behind-the-scenes or in the office, you're being counted on. We are a team and integrity goes a long way here, and like we mentioned previously, trust is important;
  • Authenticity - we want you to bring your full self to work, this is a place where you don't need to fit into a box to belong; diverse perspectives foster even more creativity in the workplace. We embrace the human behind the employee number;
  • Being heard - you have access to everyone in the organization, use your voice on development questions or suggestions on how to improve the experience. We value open and transparent communication, and we want you to be heard!

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, national origin or ancestry.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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