International Stage Management Day Date in the current year: October 10, 2024

A stage manager is a person responsible for making sure that a theatrical production runs smoothly. They are tasked with overseeing the rehearsal process and making sure that various production teams and personnel communicate efficiently. Basically, stage managers are the link between all parts of a theatrical production and the glue that keeps it all together.

The concept of stage management dates back to ancient Greek theater, although this role was typically fulfilled by the playwright back then. Ancient Greet tragedian Sophocles is generally considered to be the first known stage technician. Up until the 17th century, stage management in European theater was typically handled by actors and playwrights.

The role of stage manager began to emerge in the 17th century; during that period in the history of theater, stage management was usually entrusted to apprentices. The term “stage manager” was first used in 18th-century England. It referred to the person who both directed and managed the production. As theater became more complex, director and stage manager became two different jobs.

In modern theater, all stage management tasks may be performed by one person in small production, who is referred to as the stage manager of the production. Larger productions usually need a team of several stage managers. Such a team consists of the production stage manager and one or more assistant stage managers. In the United Kingdom, some theaters have a separate position of the deputy stage manager.

While stage management is essential to the success of a production, many theater-goers don’t even know this profession exists. This is why Stage Management Day is so important. It was launched in 2013 by the Stage Management Association, the United Kingdom’s trade association for stage managers that speaks up on their behalf, providing advocacy and support. The day quickly went international, with events in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Europe.

Professional associations for stage managers around the globe organize International Stage Management Day events and activities to raise the profile of the profession, as well as to give stage managers an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience.

If you love theater, don’t forget to celebrate International Stage Management Day. You can participate in the celebration by learning more about the essential role of stage managers in live theater and giving them a shout-out on social media, using the hashtags #StageManagementDay and #InternationalStageManagementDay to spread the word about the holiday. If you have a friend who works as a stage manager, congratulate them personally to show them that their work is much appreciated.