stage manager

American  

noun

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

Etymology

Origin of stage manager

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

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

In 1949, she won a scholarship to the Old Vic Theatre School and - two years later - secured a position as an assistant stage manager.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025

There is an electric moment between the time a stage manager calls “places” and the curtain rises, Torres says.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2025

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

From New York Times • May 23, 2024

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