The stage manager is responsible for everything connected with the show and what happens behind the scenes. It’s about managing people from the artistic side and the technical side. If you’re great at teamwork, super organised, with good communication skills and you work well under pressure, this could be the career for you.

Stage managers pull all the elements of a show together as the director requires. It’s a busy working environment, and hours can be long, so enthusiasm for theatre is essential. Most people start out as an Assistant Stage Manager (ASM), rising to a Deputy Stage Manager (DSM) before they become a Stage Manager (SM).

Qualifications: Find a stage management course at a CDS accredited drama school. This will give the knowledge you’ll need at entry level, but it’s also important to get some practical experience. You might do work placements as part of your course, but the more experience you can get and the more contacts you can make in your field, the better.