coordinate the running of a performance
Coordinate all actions and activities during a performance in order to ensure a coherent and artistically sound result, faithful to the artistic project.
Stage managers coordinate and supervise the preparation and execution of the show to ensure the scenic image and the actions on stage comply with the artistic vision of the director and the artistic team. They identify needs, monitor the technical and artistic processes during rehearsals and performances of live shows and events, according to the artistic project, the characteristics of the stage and technical, economic, human and security terms.
Competences and skills
55 ESCO relationsEssential skills and competences 31 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesorganise stage
Making sure the scene elements like props and furniture are placed according to specifications, procuring the costumes and wigs and making sure everybody is ready in the right time and place.
Sector-specific
21 competencesadapt artistic plan to location
Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.
adapt to artists' creative demands
Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.
analyse a script
Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.
analyse music score
Analysing the score, form, themes and structure of a piece of music.
analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions
Analyse the artistic concept, form and structure of a live performance based on observation during rehearsals or improvisation. Create a structured base for the design process of a specific production.
analyse the scenography
Analyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage.
coordinate pre-show checks
Coordinate the final checks before a performance in order to ensure a safe, optimal functioning environment that is fully ready to start the show.
cue a performance
Plan the technical actions and interventions during an artistic performance. Determine when actors go on and off stage. Make sure these cues are followed to ensure a smooth running of the performance.
determine context to present the work
Propose the theatre, hall, other venue, or outdoors space where the performance will be shown. Determine the mode of presentation, the target audience, etc. Define the relationship with the audience.
develop drama production process
Have and develop a thorough understanding of the dramatic production process.
identify technical resources for performances
Identify the technical equipment required for rehearsals and performances and the necessary production elements such as sets, props and costumes.
interpret artistic intentions
Interpret the artistic intentions of the author.
intervene with actions on stage
Take your cues from actions on the stagte and interact with them. Take decision on the exact timing and procedure in a live environment, in order to product a fluid and consistent performance.
prevent fire in a performance environment
Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.
promote health and safety
Promote the importance of a safe working environment. Coach and support staff to participate actively in the continuous development of a safe working environment.
safeguard artistic quality of performance
Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.
support a designer in the developing process
Support designers in the course of the developing process.
understand artistic concepts
Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
use communication equipment
Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
digital
work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision
Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.
- Scope note
- This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, workers are only alowed to perform this kind of actions under supervision of a qualified person.
write risk assessment on performing arts production
Assess risks, propose improvements and describe measures to be taken on a production level in performing arts.
Cross-sector
8 competencesfollow safety procedures when working at heights
Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.
negotiate health and safety issues with third parties
Consult, negotiate and agree on potential risks, measures and safety procedures with third parties.
react to emergency situations in a live performance environment
Assess and react to an emergency (fire, threat, accident or another calamity), alerting emergency services and taking appropriate measures to safeguard or evacuate workers, participants, visitors or audience according to the established procedures.
translate artistic concepts to technical designs
Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.
use personal protection equipment
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
use technical documentation
Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
work with respect for own safety
Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.
Optional skills and competences 24 competences
Occupation specific
3 competencesobtain stage weapon permits
Obtain and administrate permits and licences for use and transport weapons on stage.
prepare stage weapons
Prepare stage weapons for use on stage.
store stage weapons
Safely and systematically store weapon props.
Sector-specific
17 competencesdocument safety actions
Record all actions taken to ameliorate health and safety, including evaluations, incident reports, strategic plans, risk assessments.
ensure safety of mobile electrical systems
Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.
- Scope note
- This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, working independently is related to a specific degree or certificate.
follow time cues
Observe the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal score to time cues accurately.
manage prompt book
Prepare, create and maintain the prompt book for a theatrical production.
obtain pyrotechnic permits
Obtain the appropriate administrative permits and licences for use and transport of pyrotechnics and weapons.
operate pyrotechnical control
Take the necessary steps to operate pyrotechnical effects during a performance.
organise rehearsals
Manage, schedule and run rehearsals for the performance.
plan pyrotechnical effects
Plan the pyrotechnical effects for a performance. Develop an artistic vision into a plan, taking safety into account.
plan weapon use on stage
Prepare a plan of how weapon props will be used during a live performance.
prompt performers
Prompt performers in theatrical and opera productions.
read musical score
Read the musical score during rehearsal and live performance.
set up pyrotechnical equipment
Make sure the pyrotechnic equipment for a performance is set up and ready for operation.
store pyrotechnical materials
Safely store materials used for pyrotechnical stage effects and the produced trays of pyrotechnics sorting them according to the processing date.
work safely with chemicals
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
work safely with pyrotechnical materials in a performance environment
Take necessary precautions while preparing, transporting, storing, installing and operating with pyrotechnical materials and explosives of class T1 and T2.
work safely with stage weapons
Take necessary precautions while preparing, transporting, storing, training and operating stage weapons (stabbing weapons, shooting weapons, etc).
write technical riders
Participate in all aspects of the creation of technical riders. Create, or help create, cues for the technical crew in coordination with creators, directors and designers team. Verify that the crew understand the cues. Write a list of technical specifications. Indicate the performance schedule and specify needs related to staging the production.
Cross-sector
4 competencesensure health and safety of visitors
Take the necessary precautions to ensure the physical safety of an audience or people visiting an activity. Prepare actions in case of emergency. Administer first aid and direct emergency evacuations.
- Scope note
- Audience and visitors are passive, for active participants and clients see participants safety.
keep up with trends
Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.
perform first fire intervention
Intervene in the case of a fire in order to extinguish the fire or limit the effects pending the arrival of emergency services according to training and procedures.
provide first aid
Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.