Stage Manager Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Plans, organises, supervises and coordinates the activities of workers responsible for placing sets and properties, and operating lighting and sound equipment as part of dramatic productions.
What does a Stage Manager do?
A Stage Manager keeps the technical and practical work behind a dramatic production organised. They coordinate the people responsible for sets, properties, lighting and sound so that these elements are prepared, operated and managed in support of the production.
Specialisations
How to become a Stage Manager in South Africa
- Build an understanding of how dramatic productions use sets, properties, lighting and sound.
- Gain practical experience assisting with theatre, broadcast or other production activities where coordination and technical teamwork are involved.
- Develop the ability to organise workers, schedules and production tasks calmly and accurately.
- Seek opportunities to take on increasing responsibility for coordinating backstage or technical activities.
- Confirm current training, provider and workplace requirements with relevant training providers, production organisations or employers.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
There is no single universal qualification pathway indicated for this career. Practical production experience, technical awareness and the ability to coordinate people and activities can be valuable. Related roles may include Floor Manager (Broadcasting), Stage Technician, Stunt Coordinator and Theatre Technician; the preparation needed can differ between these areas.
Useful school subjects
- English
- Dramatic Arts
- Computer Applications Technology
- Information Technology
- Engineering Graphics and Design
Skills that may help
- Planning and organisation
- Coordination and supervision
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Technical awareness of lighting and sound
- Understanding of sets and properties
- Calm problem-solving during productions
- Attention to detail