By Lizzie Cooper, Freelance Deputy Stage Manager (BA Drama & Theatre Studies 2012)
Connect with Lizzie on LinkedIn
After graduating in 2012, I worked on fringe productions as a stage manager, including with RHUL alumni Max & Ivan and Blackshaw Theatre, before studying for an MA in Stage & Event Management at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2013. I have been working as a freelance Deputy Stage Manager (DSM) for 7 years, and previously as an Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) for 4 years.
Working as a Deputy Stage Manager
As a DSM I work with creative teams and acting companies from day one of rehearsals right until the final performance of a show. From supporting rehearsals, making the ‘prompt copy’, sharing rehearsal notes to all creative and technical departments, then working through technical rehearsals to bring all elements of the show together in the theatre ready for previews and then opening night. Once a show is open I then work every show as part of the company putting the show on 8 times a week.
For each show, as the DSM, I will call the show ensuring all lighting, sound, fly, automation, video, and all other technical elements of the show happen as we expect them to, whilst the cast perform the show. It’s a fast paced role that keeps you on your toes, because anything can and will happen during a live performance. A great example of a DSM calling the opening of The Lion King can be found here.
It’s crucial to note my formative years at RHUL laid the foundation for my exposure to stage management, setting me up to pursue a career that I am passionate about. All props to Sean Brennan and the Drama Department production team for that one. As well as my course arming me with a wonderful variety of academic subjects that I studied throughout my three years and that I still pluck at in my career today. Of particular note is the puppetry courses I took which made me uniquely qualified to work on a puppetry production of The Lorax as an ASM early on in my career. The production manager was ready to employ me because I was so keen to talk about Bunraku puppets at great length, which was the form the Lorax puppet took in the show.
Pathways into stage management and technical theatre roles
There are many pathways into stage management, along with a variety of other back stage roles. And whilst I studied for a masters to further my career, it is not vital in order to enter the theatre industry. Many people will send their CVs to stage doors, and get employment at entry level positions, or in roles where you can be taught on the job. Many notable production companies are now formalising this entry way with internships or apprenticeships which is a fantastic way to get into technical theatre and stage management.
However, if an academic setting is for you, take a look at the Stage Management Association for information on short courses, drama schools, and colleges with stage management courses, as well as more information on what a stage manger is. Drama school courses really do set you up the enter the industry very well but they are an investment both finically and in time, but I know I would not be where I am today without the course I took after graduation RHUL: https://www.stagemanagementassociation.co.uk/
If you are keen to learn more about back stage roles in general, I really recommend signing up for Theatre Craft. They hold fantastic events with a variety of different companies that are made for helping you find your way into the industry. And brilliantly they have an online event on 13 February 2025 you can sign up for: https://www.theatrecraft.org/
If you want to apply for jobs across many scales of theatre, the majority of them are listed on the following websites, most of which may be incredibly familiar:
If you have any follow up questions or would like to know more about stage management, please drop me a message on LinkedIn, as this blog here is far from exhaustive on what I could tell you about stage management!