How to Write a Stage Manager Resume

By Jennifer Verta, Monster Contributor

Do you have to write a stage manager resume? While we understand that the idea of summing up all your experience and skills in a tiny two-page document could give you stage fright, we know you can handle it. After all, you are an eclectic professional who juggles multiple responsibilities through fast-paced theatrical pieces, television shows, live entertainment, and more.

You are the master of the backstage and, clearly, of multitasking. Without you, there would be no shows at all. You coordinate directors, actors, designers, stage crew, and technicians. You take care of every detail from the start to the final curtain of production. You learn to easily relay and implement directors’ ideas about scenarios, lights, props, and wardrobes to craftsmen and other workers. Scheduling rehearsals while dodging conflicting meetings is your favorite pastime.

Recruiters really put your resume in the spotlight when you apply for a job, so you’ll need a bit of backstage work to make it really shine. It may sound difficult, but you just need to learn how to make your resume actors dance together.

Stage managers coordinate crews and plan activities, so organization is crucial in these roles. Your resume should therefore visually show how you possess this characteristic. To achieve this:

  • Use a simple and linear resume format.
  • Establish clear sections for professional summary, experience, education, and skills.
  • You may include hobbies, interests, or voluntary activities too, if they actually add something relevant to the job.
  • List everything in reverse chronological order.

To arrange your information so that it’s both easy to read and aesthetically pleasing, play with spacing, bullet points, and bold or italic text as well, and - since you’re in a creative industry - add a splash of color in the details.

Finally, before showcasing your resume, tailor it for every job you apply for. This means scanning the job opening for industry-specific keywords and including them in your resume. This task is crucial if you want your resume to pass screening by busy recruiters and automated systems.

In a hurry to prepare your resume? There’s another way! Just download our stage manager resume template, fill it in with your information and save both a Word.doc and a PDF version. The first will serve you to make changes for other roles. The latter will make sure companies can open and clearly read your document no matter the software they use.

Stage Manager Resume

MANDY MOORE

STAGE MANAGER

New York, NY 10005 | (555) 555-555 | mandymoore@email.com | linkedin.com/mandy.moore

Experienced stage manager with five years of experience supporting live performances, from community theatre to off-Broadway productions. Skilled project manager who attends to all details, coordinating multiple schedules, communicating with technical and creative teams, and managing rehearsals. Creative problem solver, overcoming obstacles to keep production running on time and ensure opening night success. Key skills include:

Stage Production · Logistics Coordination · Scheduling · Communication · Team Leadership

Rehearsal Management · Script Supervision · Technical Rehearsals and Lighting Cues

Project Coordination · Cross-Functional Coordination · Set Design and Props

EDUCATION

NYU Tisch School of the Arts | New York, NY 05/20XX

MFA in Performing Arts Administration

State University | Location 05/20XX

BA in Stage Production, Set Design Minor

EXPERIENCE

Theatre Company Two | New York, NY 10/20XX to Present

Stage Manager

  • Support multiple off-Broadway productions, including modern classics like Wicked and Hamilton and new hits like The Office! A Musical Parody and A Strange Loop.
  • Liaise between director and stage crew, designers, technicians, and actors throughout production, communicating changes and delegating tasks to keep rehearsals moving forward.
  • Work side-by-side with director and assistant director during rehearsals, documenting and communicating blocking decisions, acting notes, and technical feedback enabling full focus on directing.
  • Schedule rehearsals, fittings, meetings, and coaching sessions, distribute call sheets, and verify attendance.
  • Assist in technical aspects of the production, marking dimensions in rehearsal space, coordinating with property master, set designer, lighting, and sound crews, calling cues, and timing performances.

Theatre Company One | New York, NY 01/20XX to 08/20XX

Production Assistant

  • Supported creative, directorial, and technical teams to manage day-to-day stage production operations, serving as the go-to person for cast and crew.
  • Delivered administrative support, updating, and communicating schedule changes, managing show calendar, taking meeting and rehearsal notes, maintaining talent information, and assisting in logistics.
  • Coordinated with vendors for craft services, transportation, and accommodation, reserving and verifying services, completing expense reports, and arranging payment.

Download our free stage manager resume sample now.

Are you ready to step up your stage manager resume? There’s no better time than now. The industry is thriving. According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics, entertainment manager roles will experience a 17% growth over the next ten years.

Wondering about what your wage could look like in this job? Based on Monster’s salary data, the average stage manager makes $18.67 per hour, which is roughly $38,800 per year. However, depending on your experience, education, and region you can earn as much as $27.83 per hour. In case you were thinking about moving, here are the most in-demand cities to look for a stage manager job in:

Finding out the estimated salary for stage managers in your location is just as easy. Visit Monster’s Salary Calculator and select your town and profession. We’ll also show you the wages for similar roles in your sector and suggest a few key skills that could push your stage manager resume in more directions.

For instance, as a stage manager, you can invest in your education and properly network to grow in producer roles, as well as more specialized positions such as sound manager, lighting director, or wardrobe manager.

Upload Your Stage Manager Resume on Monster and Watch Recruiters Get Star-Struck

Help your resume become the main character. Have it go through a rehearsal before submitting it to job applications. Upload it on Monster’s resume writing services. Our certified expert writers will help you craft the perfect resume and cover letter by customizing them to your talent and sector. Your resume will finally speak the recruiter’s language and land you more callbacks.

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