stage manager

American  

noun

stage managers plural

1. a person responsible for the technical details of a theatrical production, assisting the director during rehearsal, supervising the lighting, costuming, setting, prompting, etc., and assuming full responsibility for the stage during a performance of a play.

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stage manager British  

noun

1. a person who supervises the stage arrangements of a theatrical production

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• stage managership
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• stage managers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of stage manager

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

stage manager

In 1967, he met Mary Tyler Moore while serving as an assistant stage manager for a production of “Holly Golightly,” which turned out to be a flop.

From Salon ● Jun. 20, 2026

He worked years as a stage manager with his father, a playwright and director, assisting on shows such as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” starring Moore and Richard Chamberlain.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026

He’s been a studio sound engineer, a studio manager, a stage manager, a drum tech and a crew chief.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 8, 2026

All of which might suggest the cosmic stage manager also likes playing a bit by ear.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 21, 2025

“For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Avery Hessler and I’m the assistant drama teacher. I’ll be your stage manager this evening.”

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein