Stage management

Stage Management is a somewhat fluid type of work. The responsibilities and duties vary depending on the stage of a production, ie rehearsals or performance, and the type of performing arts being presented (theater, dance, music). Typically in theater, the stage manager acts as an adjunct to the director in rehearsal, recording the staging directions and seeing that cast members stay on script, have necessary props, and follow the staging instructions. As the lighting and sound cues are developed, the stage manager meticulously records the timing of each as it relates to the script and other aspects of the performance. Once the show is "launched", the stage manager essentially takes control, calling the cues for all transitions, as well as acting as communications hub for the cast and crew. In music, the position is quite different.