The Importance of Student Stage Managers

Do you use student stage managers?
Introduce your students to a skillset that not only benefits your productions but will also strengthen their analytical thinking, organization, teamwork, and problem solving skills.

Why student stage managers?
You may think that’s a lot of responsibility to place on young people. But they’re definitely up for the challenge. You may have students who don’t necessarily want to be on the stage but long to be a part of the process and the community.

Why are student stage managers important?

• Student stage managers set the tone.
  • We create our environment with our attitudes, as well as how we interact with our fellow artists. Student stage managers can be very successful in creating that positive and efficient environment. We all know as teachers that our kids tend to listen to each other more than they do adults. So how great would it be to have a student who’s setting the tone for your rehearsal and performances?
• Student stage managers are leaders.
  • Student stage managers can get kids to buy into the rehearsal and performance process more than any adult could. So, as a director, your student stage manager is your ally as well as your right hand.
• Student stage managers are team players.
  • Within your stage management staff, there’s often a stage manager, an assistant stage manager, and production assistants. This is a great structure to work with when you’re training your student stage managers. Students can start as production assistants, move up to assistant stage managers, and end up as a seasoned stage manager.
  • During a show your stage manager calls the cues, assistant stage managers run the backstage, and production assistants help out during rehearsals and become part of the run crew for the show.

Click below for a detailed setup for your stage management team.

How do I know which of my students would make good stage managers?
Take a moment and think about your current students. Which of them tend to be organized, communicate clearly, and would really enjoy being a part of the show?

These students just might be your next stage management team: a group that will learn about leadership, organization, teamwork, and problem solving, with the added bonus of keeping your production running like a well-oiled machine!