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Stage Manager
Stage managers are responsible for ensuring that theatre productions run according to plan. They ensure that performers are prepared and waiting in the wings on time for their scheduled appearances, and that set changes, sound and lighting run according to plan.
The position of stage manager is an extremely responsible one, with actors and technicians reporting to this person. Stage managers are assisted by assistant stage managers, props masters / mistresses, stagehands, wardrobe masters / mistresses and dressers. They work closely with directors, producers, sound and lighting technicians and technical managers.
Satisfying Aspects
- possibility of working with celebrities
- challenge of managing a production
- challenge of making plays run without hitches
- the camaraderie which develops amongst the players and behind the scenes staff
Demanding aspects
- long working hours, mostly in the evenings
- being on your feet for long periods
- pressure to ensure all goes well
- stress when players or other theatre workers are not cooperative
- handling last minute disasters
Requirements
A stage manager should:
- have an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the theatre;
- be assertive and responsible;
- be able to deal effectively and calmly with temperamental people who could be
nervous and tense;
- have excellent organisational ability and communication skills;
- have a passionate love of the theatre;
- be dedicated to re-creating every performance as if it were a work of art;
- be willing to go a long way towards achieving success in this highly competitive
field.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Dramatic Arts, Music, Visual Arts
Training
Degree: Various relevant degrees including courses such as Drama, Theatre Arts, Performance Studies, are offered at eg: RU, UFS, Wits, UCT, US, UP, UKZN
Diploma: City Varsity (Cape Town), DUT, TUT, Waterfront T S
Many stage managers learn their skills on the job and with experience..
Employer
- Performing Arts Councils
- Privately owned theatres
- Television and film industry
Contact
National Arts Council
P O Box 500
Newtown, Gauteng, 2113
Tel: (011) 838-1383 Fax: (011) 838-6363
E-mail: info@nac.org.za
www.nac.org.za
National Television and Video Association of South Africa (NTVA)
P O Box 16140
Vlaeberg, 8018
Tel: (021) 424-7575 Fax: (021) 424-7580
www.ntva.org.za
Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA)
PANSA National and Gauteng:
Postnet Suite 114
Private Bag X 7
Parkview, 2122
Tel: (011) 880-5486 Fax: (011) 880-5486
E-mail: pansa@artslink.co.za
PANSA Eastern Cape
Tel: (046) 622-3897
Fax: (046) 636-1582
PANSA Free State
Tel: (051) 401-2815
Fax: (051) 448-3942
PANSA Kwazulu-Natal
Tel/Fax: (031) 261-5518
PANSA Limpopo
Tel/Fax: (015) 295-8924
PANSA Western Cape
Tel/Fax: (021) 674-0520
www.artslink.co.za'