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Stage manager vs executive producer

The differences between stage managers and executive producers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a stage manager and an executive producer. Additionally, an executive producer has an average salary of $117,841, which is higher than the $50,142 average annual salary of a stage manager.

The top three skills for a stage manager include stage management, audio equipment and control room. The most important skills for an executive producer are video production, digital content, and digital platforms.

Stage manager vs executive producer overview

Stage ManagerExecutive Producer
Yearly salary$50,142$117,841
Hourly rate$24.11$56.65
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs69974,007
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Average age4040
Years of experience1212

What does a stage manager do?

A stage manager is someone who oversees theatrical performances and all practical and technical aspects of rehearsals and shows, such as lighting cues, sound, prop usage, and costume changes. The core skills that stage managers should possess to accomplish their responsibilities include excellent attention to detail, the ability to multi-task and work under pressure, and strong leadership and problem-solving skills. They should be able to delegate tasks to staff. The job requires no formal education.

What does an executive producer do?

An executive producer is responsible for supervising the creation and development of digital entertainment content. Executive producers secure and maintain the production budget, negotiate with a production company, and manage marketing campaigns for promotion. They also work with multiple producers to finalize the production team, review the creative content, and ensure the completeness of production plans within the agreed timeframe. An executive producer must have excellent communication and organization skills, especially on coordinating with production personnel to ensure the smooth flow of the production operations.

Stage manager vs executive producer salary

Stage managers and executive producers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Stage ManagerExecutive Producer
Average salary$50,142$117,841
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $76,000Between $72,000 And $190,000
Highest paying City-Novato, CA
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-Netflix
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between stage manager and executive producer education

There are a few differences between a stage manager and an executive producer in terms of educational background:

Stage ManagerExecutive Producer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Most common majorTheatreCommunication
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyHarvard University

Stage manager vs executive producer demographics

Here are the differences between stage managers' and executive producers' demographics:

Stage ManagerExecutive Producer
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 44.3% Female, 55.7%Male, 62.3% Female, 37.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.4% White, 65.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 6.3% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage14%14%

Differences between stage manager and executive producer duties and responsibilities

Stage manager example 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.
  • Show more

Executive producer example responsibilities.

  • Manage local ABC affiliate news department.
  • Manage on air giveaways and daily advertising metrics
  • Manage day-to-day completion activities including project planning and QA testing.
  • Operate ENG vehicles and equipment.
  • Coordinate out of house productions for live events such as ABC live and Facebook live.
  • Develop an expert understanding for building a channel and programming video on YouTube and the competitive platforms.
  • Show more

Stage manager vs executive producer skills

Common stage manager skills
  • Stage Management, 9%
  • Audio Equipment, 9%
  • Control Room, 8%
  • Technical Aspects, 8%
  • Technical Rehearsals, 7%
  • Rehearsal Schedules, 4%
Common executive producer skills
  • Video Production, 9%
  • Digital Content, 9%
  • Digital Platforms, 6%
  • Web Content, 6%
  • News Stories, 5%
  • News Content, 5%

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