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

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Ken Davis, the tour’s production stage manager, takes in the well-orchestrated chaos with a smile, gesturing at the massive props that occupy every possible nook and cranny in the wings.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2025

“Hello, bands,” shouts an impatient stage manager, “Who is playing with the London Symphony Orchestra?”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2025

When Grace went to Hughes, she had Ms. Washington for ELA, too, and in high school, Grace was the stage manager of all the shows Ms. Washington directed.

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner