The Stage Manager oversees everything that goes on in the rehearsal room and onstage, communicating this to the technical departments and the wider organisation.
Stage management is the central point of communication between the rehearsal room and all other RSC departments. Working on each show, we have at least one:
- Company Manager (may be working with more than one company)
- Stage Manager
- Deputy Stage Manager
- Assistant Stage Manager
The Company Manager will line manage the team, look after the well being of the acting company and the Stage Management team and deal with all the financial sides of the department, maintaining budgets and dealing with payroll.
The Stage Manager oversees everything going on in the rehearsal room and onstage, communicating this to the technical departments and the wider organisation. During performances the buck stops with them!
The Deputy Stage Manager is in the rehearsal room alongside the director through the entire rehearsal period and is the main conduit for information. During performances they will give the cues for all sound effects, lighting changes, set changes to happen.
The Assistant Stage Manager looks after all the props and costumes, solely when in rehearsals and then alongside the various departments when in the theatre.