Synonyms

stage manager

American

noun

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.

stage manager British

noun

a person who supervises the stage arrangements of a theatrical production

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

stage managership

noun

Etymology

Origin of stage manager

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

Nevell, Sloan and Ed F. Martin as Baldy, the troupe’s loyal stage manager, all impress in a company that makes a virtue of inconspicuous excellence.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

West began his career in entertainment as an assistant stage manager at the Wimbledon Theatre.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2024

At DanceAfrica, N’Goma is a stage manager; Normadien is assistant stage manager.

From New York Times • May 23, 2024

I figure she must be the stage manager in charge of running the show.

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023