The person you don't see but who handles everything

The stage manager coordinates everything that happens around and behind the stage. That covers the technical aspects (sound system, lighting, screens), but also directing performers, acts and technicians.

He or she watches the timing of every stage moment. Is the performer backstage on time, is the microphone ready and does the technician know about the cue? The stage manager has a sharp eye for detail. And acts quickly at the first sign of trouble, before the audience notices.

A good stage manager communicates clearly with the whole team: producers, technicians, performers and the show caller. He speaks to everyone in their own language and keeps things calm, even when it's hectic.

The stage manager is also responsible for safety on and around the stage. Technical equipment has to be safely installed. Walkways have to be clear. In an emergency, the stage manager is the first to know how to act.

On top of that, the stage manager makes sure performers and acts can do what they need to do. Enough warm-up time, a well-set-up backstage, food and drink at the right moment. Small things that make a big difference to the performance on stage.

Many people confuse the stage manager with the show caller. Understandable, because both roles are about coordination. But they look in a different direction.

The stage manager looks at the stage and the backstage. His world is physical: people, equipment, movement. The show caller looks at the whole picture and calls the cues: light, sound, vision and movement at the right moment. At smaller events one person sometimes fills both roles. At larger productions they are always two separate people.

At Live Impact we always work with the right staffing for the scale of the event. We think in advance about which roles are needed and who can best fill them.

As a rule of thumb: as soon as there's a stage with multiple acts, technology and a tight schedule, you need a stage manager. For a simple presentation with one speaker and a projector, the project manager can take on this role. For a kick-off with five acts, a band and a light show, a dedicated stage manager is indispensable.

Indicators: more than three stage changes, live artists or performers and a tight run sheet. Or a venue with separate backstage and front-of-stage areas.

The cost of a stage manager depends on the scale of the event, the duration and the complexity. For a day production, reckon on €450 to €850 for an experienced stage manager, including preparation and debrief. For multi-day or highly complex productions the rates are higher.

At Live Impact the stage manager is part of the production team. We always plan this role in deliberately, depending on what the event requires. That way you can be sure the right person is in the right place.

The stage manager is the calm behind the stage. The person who makes sure everything runs like clockwork. So the audience sees only the end result: a smooth, professional show.

At Live Impact we always put the right people in the right place. Want to know how we produce an event? Call us on 085 401 40 14 or email hello@live-impact.nl.

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