Stage Manager Interview Questions & Answers
The Stage Manager is responsible for coordinating theatrical productions from rehearsals to performances, working alongside the director to ensure that the production is successful. This involves managing rehearsals, actors, technicians, props and costume fittings, as well as liaising with front of house staff and the director.
A stage manager needs to have a good understanding of both the technical and artistic elements of a performance so that they can ensure it is delivered exactly to the director’s requirements. They will be involved from the rehearsal stage through to the live performances, where they will be on hand to deal with any emergencies or issues that may hinder the show.
An essential skill for Stage managers is people management, as it is their role to coordinate all aspects of a theatre company to ensure the successful delivery of the performance.
Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Stage Manager or
an employer preparing to interview candidates for Stage Manager position,
these Stage Manager interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.
Stage Manager Interview Questions
Below are a list of some skill-based Stage Manager interview questions.
- Tell us more about your experience in the performing arts industry. Which projects have you worked on before?
- You will be under lot of pressure in this job. How do you plan to handle it?
- Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?
- Imagine that you are managing the stage, but one actor repeatedly ignores your instructions. What will you do?
- There is a technical issue during a performance and the cast and crew are unable to continue. What do you do?
- Do you have any experience using technical equipment during a performance?
- It’s five minutes after the planned start of a rehearsal and two protagonists are still missing. What will you do?
- What is the most difficult production problem you had to solve?
- What is the best project you’ve ever worked on?
- What's your worst project? Why did it flop?
- What is your process for managing a production budget?
- Describe a time where you had to fire someone because they weren't the correct fit. How did you manage the process?
- How often do you perform walk-throughs and run-throughs?
- Describe a situation when you had to meet a tight deadline.
- What would you do if a cast member was consistently late to rehearsals?
- If you had the opportunity to direct a show, would you take it? Why or why not?
- What are some of the most important skills that a stage manager needs to do their job effectively?
- How would you handle a disagreement with a lead actor or actress?
- We want to improve our process for gathering feedback from audience members after each performance. How would you go about doing that?
- What makes you stand out from other stage managers we might interview?
Stage Manager Interview Questions and Answers
Every interview is different and the questions may vary.
However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.
Below are some common questions you'd expect during Stage Manager interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.
- Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
- What is Your Greatest Strength?
- Tell Me About Yourself
- Why Do You Want This Job?
- Are You a Leader or a Follower?
- What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
- What is Your Salary Expectation?
- Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
- Why Should We Hire You?
- What is Your Greatest Weakness?