Post job

Stage manager vs producer

The differences between stage managers and 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 producer. Additionally, a producer has an average salary of $72,202, 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 a producer are work ethic, video production, and client relationships.

Stage manager vs producer overview

Stage ManagerProducer
Yearly salary$50,142$72,202
Hourly rate$24.11$34.71
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs69910,610
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
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 producer do?

A producer is an individual who is responsible for providing infrastructure, resources, and logistics in making a movie, television show, or stage production. Producers hire production staff such as director, crew, and sometimes actors to coordinate their activities throughout the production process. They support the creative team by conducting meetings to discuss the production's progress and ensure adherence to deadlines. Producers also travel often either to film on location for a movie or to tour with a theatre production.

Stage manager vs producer salary

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

Stage ManagerProducer
Average salary$50,142$72,202
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $76,000Between $43,000 And $120,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-Meta
Best paying industry--

Differences between stage manager and producer education

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

Stage ManagerProducer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorTheatreCommunication
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyHarvard University

Stage manager vs producer demographics

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

Stage ManagerProducer
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 44.3% Female, 55.7%Male, 58.2% Female, 41.8%
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, 14.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage14%14%

Differences between stage manager and 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

Producer example responsibilities.

  • Manage and augment existing budget with EP.
  • Manage production of a Sony HD motion graphics internal sales video.
  • Manage all union matters including, IASTE, DGA and AFTRA.
  • Prospect and generate new business through telemarketing leads, referrals, networking and cold leads.
  • Lead the creation of key titles including high profile X360 launch title and new NFL brand IP.
  • Manage and guide guest bloggers through the editing process, copy edit blogs and produce content in HTML.
  • Show more

Stage manager vs 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 producer skills
  • Work Ethic, 9%
  • Video Production, 6%
  • Client Relationships, 6%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Cross-Selling, 6%
  • News Stories, 4%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs