Stage managers are essential members of any theatrical production team. They are responsible for coordinating and overseeing all aspects of a production, from rehearsals to performances. It is a challenging role that requires excellent organizational skills, communication, and leadership abilities.

One of the most critical tools a stage manager can have in their professional arsenal is a well-crafted resume. A resume is a document that highlights a stage manager’s skills, experience, and achievements, and serves as a gateway to potential employment opportunities.

This article will provide aspiring and seasoned stage managers with a complete guide to writing a winning resume. We will discuss everything from the essential elements of a stage manager’s resume to tips on how to make your resume stand out to potential employers.

So whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in your career, read on to learn how to showcase your skills and experience with a stage manager resume that will grab the attention of any potential employer.

Key Elements of a Stage Manager Resume

A well-crafted stage manager resume can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Below are essential sections to include in your stage manager resume:

Objective Statement or Summary

A strong objective statement or summary can help you introduce yourself to potential employers and highlight your career goals and qualifications. Keep it concise and specific, and tailor it to the job you are applying for.

Relevant Experience

Your relevant experience section should highlight your past stage management jobs, including the productions you have worked on, the size of the production, and your responsibilities. Use bullet points to detail your accomplishments and contributions, and quantify your successes where possible.

Education and Training

List your formal education and training, starting with your highest degree or certification. Include the name of the institution, the degree or certification earned, and the date of completion. If you have taken any relevant courses or workshops, include them in this section as well.

Skills

This section should detail your technical and soft skills that are transferable to the stage management profession. Include software and tools you are proficient in, and any other relevant skills that showcase your ability to succeed as a stage manager.

Certifications

If you have any professional certifications such as Certified Stage Manager (CSM) or Certified Entertainment Technician (ETCP), include them in this section.

Awards and Recognitions

This section can help you stand out by showcasing your achievements and contributions to the industry. Include any notable recognition you have received such as awards, honors, or accolades.

When crafting your stage manager resume, keep in mind the key elements that will help you stand out to potential employers. In addition, tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for by highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to that position.

How to Write a Strong Objective Statement or Summary

Crafting a compelling objective statement or summary is crucial for catching the attention of potential employers and showcasing your skills and experience. Here are some examples of effective objective statements for a Stage Manager resume:

Results-driven Stage Manager with 5+ years of experience in successfully coordinating performances and managing production teams.
Detail-oriented Stage Manager with a proven track record of ensuring seamless productions and exceeding audience expectations.
Experienced Stage Manager with strong organizational skills and a passion for collaborating with creatives to deliver compelling productions.

When it comes to writing a compelling summary, keep these tips in mind:

Keep it concise

Use clear and concise language to highlight your most important accomplishments and skills.

Showcase your achievements

Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and contributions to past productions. This could include successful budget management, problem-solving skills, or creative ideas that enhanced the production.

Highlight your skills and expertise

Make sure to focus on your skills and expertise relevant to the position of a Stage Manager, such as strong communication skills, experience in managing teams, and proficiency in production software.

Tailor it to the job description

Customize your summary to the job description by identifying the key requirements and incorporating them into your summary. This will show potential employers that you have the skills and experience they are looking for.

A strong objective statement or summary is critical for grabbing the attention of potential employers and highlighting your skills and experience. By crafting a concise summary that showcases your achievements, skills, and expertise, you’ll increase your chances of landing your dream Stage Manager job.

Crafting an Impressive Work Experience Section

When it comes to crafting an impressive work experience section for your stage manager resume, there are several strategies you can use to highlight relevant work experience.

Strategies for Highlighting Relevant Work Experience

Start with a strong summary statement that highlights your experience in the field of stage management. This statement should showcase your strengths and experience, and make it clear why you are the ideal candidate for the role you are applying for.
Tailor your work experience section to the role you are applying for. This means focusing on the responsibilities and achievements that are most relevant to the position you are seeking.
Prioritize recent experience. List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job experience. This will enable recruiters to easily see what you have been doing recently, and how that experience can benefit their organization.
Use keywords from the job description. Incorporating relevant keywords from the job description can help your resume get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the attention of recruiters.

How to Quantify Achievements

To impress potential employers, it’s important to quantify your achievements in your work experience section. Here’s how you can do it:

Use numbers to quantify your achievements. For example, if you managed a team, include the number of team members you managed.
Use percentages to illustrate your impact. If you increased ticket sales or reduced production costs, include the percentage by which you achieved this.
Use dollar figures to show your financial impact. If you successfully negotiated a lower contract rate for a vendor, include the exact amount you saved.

Listing Responsibilities vs Accomplishments

An effective work experience section should balance responsibilities and accomplishments. Here’s how you can do it:

List your responsibilities within each job, but don’t stop there. Make it clear what you achieved in that role. Did you introduce new processes that increased efficiency, or lead a successful marketing campaign? Include those accomplishments in your work experience section.
Don’t just list your duties – highlight your impact. It’s important to showcase both what you did and what you accomplished in each role, in order to make a strong impression on potential employers.

Sample Work Experience Section

Stage Manager, XYZ Theatre Company
June 2017 – Present

Manage a team of six stagehands and oversee all technical aspects of productions.
Collaborate with directors and designers to ensure seamless execution of productions.
Introduced new scheduling system that has increased efficiency by 25%.

Assistant Stage Manager, ABC Theatre
May 2016 – June 2017

Assisted the stage manager in all aspects of production.
Managed props and costumes, ensuring they were properly maintained and stored.
Successfully coordinated the load-in and load-out of all set pieces for eight productions.

How to Effectively Showcase Education and Training

When it comes to crafting a stage manager resume, your education and training play a significant role in showcasing your credentials and expertise. Here are some best practices for presenting your education and training effectively:

Best practices for presenting education

When presenting your education, make sure to include the following details:

The name of the institution or school.
The degree you earned, including the major or program name.
Date of graduation.
GPA, if it is impressive.

Including honors, scholarships, and awards that you received is also a good idea. However, be selective when listing these accolades, and remember that they should be relevant to your career as a stage manager.

How to highlight relevant training or workshops

Training and workshops are valuable additions to your resume, and you should highlight any that are relevant to your career, such as:

Relevant training programs in technical theater, performance, or stage management.
Workshops or conventions you attended.
Industry certifications or licenses you hold.

When listing your training, keep the following details in mind:

Be specific about the skills or specialty areas you developed during the training program.
Mention the start and end dates and the name of the organization that offered the training.
Highlight the major achievements or skills you gained from the training.

Including study abroad experiences

Studying abroad is an enlightening and enriching experience that provides unique perspectives on different cultures, languages, and ways of life. If you have studied abroad, include it in your resume, but make sure to highlight its relevance to your career. For example, if you studied theater or stage management in a foreign country, mention the following details:

The name of the program and the institution.
The location and duration of the study abroad experience.
The core subjects or projects you completed during the program.
The ways in which the experience contributed to your academic or professional development.

Presenting your education, training, and study abroad experiences requires a strategic approach that emphasizes their relevance to your career as a stage manager. Make sure to highlight the details that demonstrate your expertise and qualifications, while being selective about the accolades and achievements you include in your resume.

Presenting Skills on a Stage Manager Resume

As a stage manager, you play a critical role in the success of a production. You are responsible for ensuring that the show runs smoothly and that all aspects of the production are well-coordinated. To excel in this role, you must possess a variety of presenting skills that will help you succeed in a high-pressure environment.

Types of Skills to Include

When creating your stage manager resume, it’s crucial to include the right presenting skills that will help you stand out from other candidates. The types of skills you should include are:

1. Leadership Skills

As a stage manager, you are the leader of the production team. You must be able to manage and motivate team members, delegate tasks effectively, and make quick decisions under pressure.

2. Communication Skills

Effective communication is essential in the entertainment industry. You must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with actors, crew members, and directors to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

3. Organizational Skills

As a stage manager, you must have strong organizational skills to keep track of production timelines, schedules, and budgets. You must also have the ability to multitask efficiently and prioritize tasks effectively.

4. Technical Skills

To excel as a stage manager, you must possess a wide range of technical skills. These can include knowledge of lighting and sound systems, stage design, and prop management.

How to Effectively Showcase Skills

When showcasing your presenting skills on your stage manager resume, it’s important to highlight your achievements and how your skills have contributed to the success of past productions. You can do this by:

1. Using Quantifiable Examples

Include specific examples of how your presenting skills have contributed to the success of past productions. For example, if you improved communication on a production, include a statistic showing how that improvement resulted in a more efficient production.

2. Tailoring to the Job Description

When applying for a stage manager job, tailor your skills section to the specific job description. Highlight the skills that the job requires, and provide examples of how you have successfully utilized those skills in past roles.

3. Incorporating Industry Terminology

Incorporating industry-specific terminology can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the entertainment industry. Use industry-specific terms to describe your presenting skills to make it clear that you have a thorough understanding of the role and what it entails.

Certifications and Additional Training

The field of stage management is highly competitive, and having certifications can give you a significant advantage over other job applicants. Certifications not only showcase your proficiency but also demonstrate your dedication to the craft.

The importance of certifications in stage management

Certifications in stage management show that you have taken the necessary steps to enhance your professional skills and knowledge. It indicates that you have achieved a certain level of competence and that you are committed to advancing your career in this field. Additionally, it emphasizes your understanding of the industry standards, which can be a valuable asset to any production team.

How to list certifications

When it comes to listing certifications in your stage manager resume, follow a specific format. Start by mentioning the name of the certification you received, followed by the organization that awarded it. After that, mention the date you received the certification.

Here is an example of how to list certifications correctly:

Stage Management Certification, Stage Managers Association, July 2020
Certified Production Stage Manager, Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, May 2019

Additional training to consider

Apart from certifications, additional training can also strengthen your qualifications as a stage manager. Here are some courses and programs you may want to consider:

Technical Theatre Courses: Courses such as lighting design, stagecraft, and sound design will give you more in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of stage management.
Business and Management Courses: A course in project management or business administration will equip you with essential skills to lead the production team effectively.
Communication and Leadership Workshops: Stage managers require excellent communication and leadership skills to work successfully with everyone involved in a production. Workshops that emphasize these skills can help you hone your abilities.
Internships and Apprenticeships: Interning or apprenticing with an established stage manager will give you hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the role.

Certifications and additional training can set you apart from other job applicants and make you a more competitive candidate. By demonstrating your proficiency, dedication, and commitment to improving your craft, you increase your chances of securing a job in stage management.

Honors and Awards

As a stage manager, your hard work and dedication may have earned you various honors and awards throughout your career. Including these accolades on your resume can help you stand out to potential employers. Here are some examples of honors and awards you may want to consider including:

Stage Manager of the Year
Outstanding Stage Manager
Award for Excellence in Stage Management
Best Stage Manager
Production of the Year
Outstanding Achievement in Stage Management
Stage Manager of the Month

When listing your honors and awards, it’s important to present them in a clear and concise manner. Here are some tips on how to effectively showcase your awards in a way that catches the hiring manager’s attention:

Include the name of the award: Begin by stating the name of the award and the organization or event that presented it.
Include the date: Mention the year you received the award.
Include the reason behind the award: Provide a brief explanation of why you were recognized with the award.
Highlight the impact: If possible, explain how the award positively impacted your career or contributed to your success as a stage manager.
Order your awards: List your honors and awards in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent accomplishment.

Remember to prioritize the awards that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. Including prominent accolades on your resume will demonstrate your commitment to the field and dedication to producing quality performances.

Resume Layout and Formatting

When it comes to creating your Stage Manager resume, the way it’s organized and formatted can make a big impact on its overall effectiveness. Employers want to see a clear, visually appealing document that’s easy to navigate and highlights the most important information about you. Here are some tips to help ensure your resume layout and formatting meets those expectations.

Importance of a Clear and Visually Appealing Layout

Your resume layout should be clear and well-organized to ensure that it’s easy for potential employers to read and understand quickly. This means using appropriate headings, bullet points, and white space to make the document visually appealing and easy to skim. Avoid using too many colors, bolded text or large fonts as this can come across as unprofessional and distracting.

Formatting Options

There are various formatting options you can choose from to help make your resume stand out. One approach is to use a clear and simple design that highlights your experience and skills. You can also use a professional font like Arial or Times New Roman in 10-12 point size to make your document more readable. Another option is to use a modern format that includes graphics or charts to illustrate your qualifications.

Tips for Making Your Resume Stand Out

To make your Stage Manager resume stand out, here are some tips you can follow:

Showcasing your most relevant experience and skills at the top of the page, including any certifications or awards you’ve received.
Highlighting your most significant achievements in previous roles, using quantifiable metrics whenever possible.
Using action verbs when describing your job duties and responsibilities as this can help to make your resume more impactful and dynamic.
Including a summary of your career objectives or personal statement that outlines your key qualities and what you can bring to the role.
Customizing your resume for every job application you submit, tailoring your qualifications to match the specific requirements of each position.

By following these tips, you can create a standout Stage Manager resume that showcases your experience and qualifications effectively. Remember that a clear and visually appealing layout is key to catching the employer’s eye, so invest some time in getting the formatting and design just right.

Tailoring Your Stage Manager Resume for Different Job Opportunities

As a stage manager, you may find yourself applying for different types of positions, from school productions to regional theater companies. It’s essential to tailor your resume to fit the specific job you’re applying for. Here are some tips on how to customize your resume for different types of stage management jobs.

How to Customize Your Resume for Different Types of Stage Management Jobs

Research the Job Posting

Carefully read through the job posting to identify the key requirements for the position. Note any specific technical skills or software programs they may be looking for, as well as any unique responsibilities or duties. This information will help you tailor your resume to meet their needs.

Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience

Based on the information in the job posting, highlight your skills and experience that align with the job requirements. For example, if they’re looking for someone with experience in creating and managing budgets, be sure to mention these skills and provide examples of your past work.

Add Relevant Keywords

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically screen resumes before they ever reach a human reviewer. To ensure your resume gets past the initial screening, include relevant keywords from the job posting throughout your resume.

Customize Your Objective Statement

Your objective statement should be tailored to fit the specific job you’re applying for. Instead of using a generic statement, write a custom objective that speaks to the specific needs and goals of the company you’re applying to.

Example of Tailoring a Resume

Let’s say you’re applying for two different stage manager positions – one at a school play and another at a regional theater.

For the school play position, the job posting emphasizes the need for someone who can work with student actors and staff, in addition to coordinating rehearsals and performances. For this job, you would want to highlight your experience working with young performers, providing examples of how you’ve managed and motivated them in the past.

For the regional theater position, the job posting puts more emphasis on technical skills, including experience with lighting and sound equipment, and familiarity with stage management software. In this case, you would want to emphasize your experience with technical aspects of stage management, and be sure to list any specific software programs you’re familiar with.

By tailoring your resume to fit the specific job requirements, you’ll have a better chance of landing an interview and ultimately the position you’re applying for.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As a stage manager, your resume plays a crucial role in showcasing your extensive experience and skills in the field. However, to stand out among other applicants, you need to ensure that your resume is free of common mistakes that can hurt your chances of getting hired. Here are some of the most common resume mistakes to avoid:

Grammatical and spelling errors: Nothing turns off a potential employer more than a resume riddled with grammatical and spelling errors. Before submitting your resume, make sure to proofread it at least twice, or better yet, ask someone else to review it for you. Using automated tools like Grammarly can also help you catch typos and grammar mistakes.
Not tailoring the resume to the job: One of the biggest mistakes you can make is submitting a generic resume that doesn’t showcase how your skills and experience match the job requirements. To avoid this mistake, read the job description carefully and tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Lack of quantifiable achievements: A resume that only lists job duties and responsibilities doesn’t give employers a clear picture of what you’ve achieved in your previous roles. To make your resume more impactful, highlight your achievements in each role and provide quantifiable results where possible – such as increased revenue, improved efficiency, or decreased expenses.
Inconsistent formatting: Your resume should be easy to read and well-organized, with consistent formatting throughout. Use a professional font and avoid using too many different font sizes or styles. Ensure that headings and subheadings are consistently formatted, and bullet points are aligned.

Now that you know the common resume mistakes to avoid, how can you ensure that your resume is error-free and tailored to the job you’re applying for? Here are some tips on how to proofread your resume:

Step away from your resume: After spending hours crafting your resume, it’s easy to miss errors because you’re too close to the document. Step away from your resume for a few hours or even a day, and then come back with a fresh perspective.
Read your resume out loud: Reading your resume out loud can help you catch errors you may have missed when reading silently. It can also help you identify awkward phrasing or sentences that need to be re-written.
Use a checklist: Create a proofreading checklist that includes everything you need to check, from grammar and spelling to formatting and consistency. This will help ensure that you don’t miss anything important.
Get a second opinion: Don’t rely solely on your own proofreading skills – ask a friend or family member to review your resume for you. They may catch errors or inconsistencies that you missed.

By avoiding common resume mistakes and taking the time to proofread your resume thoroughly, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job as a stage manager. Good luck!

Stage Manager Resume Example & Writing: Complete Guide