How to hire a stage manager

How to hire a stage manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step stage manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a stage manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new stage manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a stage manager, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A stage manager's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, stage managers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents stage manager salaries for various positions.

   Type of Stage Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Stage Manager	Producers and directors create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials, and other performing arts productions. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain or inform an audience.	$15-36
   Producer Internship	Producer interns require strong analytical, delegation, planning, time management, and prioritization skills, in addition to flexibility and the ability to work in fast-paced environments. Interns will need to set up rehearsals, transport musicians and instruments, plan and assist with recreational activities, and perform various other production tasks.	$13-23
   Producer Director	A producer-director is responsible for ensuring that the production operations run smoothly, both in the business and creative side. The producer-director monitors the production staff's performance, as well as reviewing the output of delegated tasks, and manages promotional and marketing events... Show more	$15-43

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Stage Management
   • Audio Equipment
   • Control Room
   • Technical Aspects
   • Technical Rehearsals
   • Rehearsal Schedules
   • Light Board
   • Performance Reports
   • Costumes
   • Sound Equipment
   • Fine Arts
   • Sound Board
   • Production Process
   • Production Schedules

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Direct and manage production of plays in company's annual Shakespeare festival.
   • Manage team of developers to create web-base learning and support applications using ColdFusion, SQL, SharePoint, DreamWeaver.
   • Host all backstage tours for the public and VIP's.
   • Work on ASM for summer season for this company.
   • Organize and regulate rehearsals in NYC and Los Angeles.
   • Assist Neisha Folkes in rehearsals of children for musical Annie Jr.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your stage manager job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A stage manager can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, stage managers' average salary in montana is 56% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level stage managers 58% less than senior-level stage managers.
   • Certifications. A stage manager with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a stage manager's salary.

   Average stage manager salary

   $50,142yearly

   $24.11 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level stage manager salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 20, 2025

4. Writing a stage manager job description

   A stage manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a stage manager job description:

   Stage manager job description example

   Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in major U.S. gateway cities including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a growing Caribbean and Latin America footprint. The hospitality forward company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate has a proven record of developing its diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts with contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, London, Miami, and Seattle. www.highgate.com.
   
   The overall goal of the Activities Manager is to continually strive to achieve the companies' goals through coaching, training and managing all Pool Attendant staff and developing a seasonal live music and activities package to enhance the value of a guest stay at the property. The Activities Manager must provide exceptional customer service to satisfy expectations and heightened experience for all guests. The Activities Manager is directly responsible for staffing and training in all receptive areas following Highgate standards and SOPs.
   
   To achieve the responsibilities of the Activities Manager there needs to be a constant line of communication with the Department Managers to maintain high standard levels and assure guest experience both in rooms and common areas. To have a constant knowledge of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly budget goals to schedule activity events.
   
   + To have a thorough knowledge and understanding of Highgate Hotel policies, Rules and Codes of Conduct. To communicate and implement to the team while overseeing departments.
   + To be knowledgeable in Guest Services, Activities and Public Areas procedures and expectations.
   
   + To maximize revenues and occupancy percentages by adding value to the hotel amenities and resort fees.
   
   + To have an understanding of weekly ranking on Trip Advisor. To communicate with the team the score and find ways of improving the Hotel's position on the Trip Advisor list.
   
   + To maintain high standards of the Pool Attendant associates work performance by continually monitoring, performing manager observation checklists, coaching and training. To update and maintain the policy and procedures manual. To review their work performance as scheduled by hotel procedures and submit evaluations for review.
   
   + To interview, hire staff members, train, counsel and issue progressive disciplinary action to include terminating when needed.
   
   + To document human resources related challenges and communicate directly to the Property Manager and Hotel Leadership Team as needed.
   
   + To maintain high standards in exceptional customer service. To ensure positive guest relations through continuous contact with hotel guests and resolution of any problems in a timely manner. To perform all job duties of maximizing guest service while simultaneously maximizing company goals and objectives.
   
   + To respond to the guest issues, complaints and comments either through emails or typed written letters in a timely manner as it relates to the Highgate SOP. To accept constructive feedback and work to improve any deficiencies based on the information provided. To make appropriate decisions and respond accordingly.
   
   + To coordinate and post staff work schedules for proper coverage keeping very close attention to over time. Approve hours worked to submit for payroll on a weekly basis.
   
   + Regularly direct the work of at least two or more full-time employees during a shift.
   
   + Monitor payroll daily to address the work demand/ needs and have efficient payroll management.
   
   + To hold scheduled meetings with each other and to maintain an open line of communication of all pertinent information.
   
   + To monitor the shift changes to assure there is accurate communication between employees.
   
   + To have a sense of awareness on cleanliness and orderliness of grounds and pool areas as well as common areas on a daily basis.
   
   + To perform year and month end duties including reporting, month end reconciliations, and inventory of and order supplies, including uniforms and nametags.
   
   + To attend scheduled management team meetings and all meetings related to Activities and Pool Attendants.
   
   + To perform other duties as assigned by the Property Manager, Assistant General Manager and General Manager based on operational needs.
   
   + To be conscientious of activities and pool supplies to keep competitive pricing.
   
   + Keep inventory tracking and place orders based on the monthly budget.
   
   + Responsible for receiving and invoice control on items ordered. Including completing Checkbook.
   
   + To be knowledgeable of pool attendants responsibilities.
   
   + Take action and implement new procedures based on the comments from the Associate Opinion Survey. Motivate the team to improve scores and achieve Highgate score goals.
   
   + To know all property policies and adhere to all fire, safety and security procedures according to management and hotel policy.
   
   + To comply with all Highgate hotel policies and standard operating procedures of the Rules and Codes of Conduct.
   
   + Must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Do algebraic calculations, percentages, etc.
   
   + Must be able to stand and walk continuously throughout work shift.
   
   + Answer and communicate information verbally and in writing.
   
   + Ability to use and operate computer keyboards, registers, fax machine, copier, key machines and 10-digit calculator.
   
   + Must be able to learn and properly use Highgate Applications, Opera and Microsoft Office Programs.
   
   + Ability to sit for long period of time.
   
   + Must be able to stoop and bend.
   
   + Must have developed English skills to participate in discussions and read and write effectively.
   
   + Ability to manage change effectively and to be flexible.
   
   + Be able to project a professional manner at all times.
   
   + Mentor employees to develop their careers and assist with growth within the Highgate Company.
   
   + Provide a comprehensive succession plan for new hires to ensure proper training including testing including testing, role playing and reviewing ECS trainings
   
   + Train all Pool Attendants.
   
   + Create and issue Evaluations to the team. Provide constructive criticism and come up with an action plan to address areas of improvement.
   
   + Responsible to communicate guest satisfaction scores with the team, create action plans to increase scores and come up with ideas to motivate the team.
   
   External Job Posting Title: LU'AU STAGE MANAGER
   
   
   Address1: 2780 Kekaa Drive

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find stage managers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your stage manager job on Zippia to find and recruit stage manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with stage manager candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new stage manager

   Once you've decided on a perfect stage manager candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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