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Stage manager vs field producer

The differences between stage managers and field 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 a field producer. Additionally, a stage manager has an average salary of $50,142, which is higher than the $49,364 average annual salary of a field producer.

The top three skills for a stage manager include stage management, audio equipment and control room. The most important skills for a field producer are video production, booking, and reality.

Stage manager vs field producer overview

Stage ManagerField Producer
Yearly salary$50,142$49,364
Hourly rate$24.11$23.73
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs69954,756
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 85%
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 a field producer do?

A field producer acts as a coordinator between studio personnel, field crews, and actors. They are responsible for scouting the best location for the interview or production to happen. Field producers even work on other details, such as working with editors to create the best video for the best interest of the company. They monitor and make sure the video created is high quality based on standards set forth by the media companies. They make sure that the film is submitted on time, find solutions, and provide compensation if there are delays.

Stage manager vs field producer salary

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

Stage ManagerField Producer
Average salary$50,142$49,364
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $76,000Between $30,000 And $80,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between stage manager and field producer education

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

Stage ManagerField Producer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 85%
Most common majorTheatreCommunication
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyHarvard University

Stage manager vs field producer demographics

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

Stage ManagerField Producer
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 44.3% Female, 55.7%Male, 55.9% Female, 44.1%
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, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage14%14%

Differences between stage manager and field 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

Field producer example responsibilities.

  • Hire national and international crews, lead on-site location scouting, conduct on-site interviews and determine b-roll to be shoot.
  • Manage all production activities for fast-pace popular daytime reality series.
  • Manage the QA process including test/debug cycles and platform compliance/compatibility testing.
  • Hire nationally to cover NFL, MLB, NBA and NCAA breaking news.
  • Coordinate with external agencies, including the NHL, NFL, MLB, STX, UMMS, & MSP.
  • Assist in coordinating and booking events for daily entertainment news.
  • Show more

Stage manager vs field 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 field producer skills
  • Video Production, 21%
  • Booking, 9%
  • Reality, 6%
  • Video Content, 5%
  • B-Roll, 5%
  • Facebook, 5%

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