WHAT IS A STAGE MANAGER
A stage manager is responsible for the organization, coordination and guidance of a stage during an event. The role focuses on creating a safe, structured and professional environment in which the artist can perform at their best.
The stage manager acts as the link between artist, (technical) crew and organization.
STAGE MANAGER SKILLS
A stage manager should be / have:
- Basic hospitality knowledge
- Basic technical knowledge
- eye for detail
- resourceful
- strategic
- reliable
- communicative
- flexible
- punctual
- problem solving
- patient
- empathic
- able to show authority when needed
- able to adapt quickly
- focused in chaos
GOAL OF THE ROLE
The stage manager is responsible for:
- The comfort and wellbeing of the artist
- A clean and professional environment
- Clear communication
- Smooth technical flow
- Protecting the timetable
- Coordination between all parties
- Correct use of riders
The overall goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for performance.
5 CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
All tasks fall into five categories:
1. Artist hospitality
2. Parties involved
3. Timetable
4. Technical
5. Quality maintenance
All of this must be carried out in a:
- safe way
- hygienic way
- professional way
- responsible way
ARTIST HOSPITALITY
Artist hospitality is about creating a comfortable, professional and supportive backstage environment that allows the artist to fully focus on their performance. It goes beyond providing drinks or fulfilling the rider. It also includes offering correct information, maintaining a professional attitude, and being able to respond and adjust to different situations and needs.
This includes:
- providing the correct drinks and food according to the rider
- creating a calm and comfortable backstage environment
- clear and respectful communication
- sharing correct and relevant information (set times, changeovers, expectations)
- being attentive to needs and changes
- adapting to unexpected situations
- maintaining a professional and supportive attitude
Hospitality is not only for the artist, but also for the people around them, such as: entourage, parents, agent, crew.
At the same time, it is important to set boundaries. Hospitality does not mean unlimited access. A common guideline is that one friend or companion can stay close to the artist and be supported directly. When there is a larger group, try to keep them more independent and avoid overcrowding the booth or backstage.
Always keep in mind that backstage is a shared working environment. Other industry professionals may also be present, such as: bookers, agents, managers, promoters, media, crew
Some are working, others are visiting. The stage manager’s role is to balance hospitality with structure, ensuring the space remains professional, safe and functional for everyone involved.
Good artist hospitality directly affects performance quality.
HYGIENE
The stage manager is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe and professional working environment. This includes keeping the booth organised and free of clutter, limiting the number of drinks around equipment and ensuring a trash bin is always available. Personal appearance should remain neutral and professional, reflecting the role and the working environment. The stage manager also keeps an eye on nearby facilities such as toilets, making sure essentials like toilet paper, wipes and sanitary items are available when needed. When handling DJ gear, hands should be clean or disinfected beforehand, and liquids or sprays should never be used near equipment. Maintaining hygiene is part of professionalism and contributes directly to safety, comfort and performance quality.
PROTECT THE TIMETABLE
The stage manager is responsible for keeping the show on schedule.
Important:
- Know the timetable
- Understand DJ switches
- Be present during changeovers
- Communicate with technician
- Communicate with artists
- Anticipate delays
Tip: place the timetable on the monitor speaker.
COMMON CAUSES OF DELAYS
Home work:
Think about at least 1 cause of delay.
What happens and how would you react?
Could you've prevented this?
Inspiration tip: look around in the club!
PARTIES INVOLVED
The stage manager communicates mainly with:
- artist
- technician
- organisation: promoter or venue
The stagemanager will also get in contact with:
- media team
- entourage
- crew (on / off duty)
- security
- awareness team
- first aid
- agents and managers (industry crowd)
- crowd
STAGE MANAGER KIT
Hygiene:
disinfect, wipes, trash bag
Safety:
earplugs, spare earplugs
Convenience:
tape. markers. tie wraps
Artist support:
jack plug, vinyl weights, small light. lighter. ashtray
Clothing:
extra socks, sweater, raincoat
Questions asked by fellow trainees:
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