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Get ready to give a standing ovation for International Stage Management Day on October 10! This special day has been celebrated since 2013, recognizing the hard work and dedication of stage managers in the entertainment industry. From Broadway to local community theaters, stage managers play a crucial role in ensuring smooth performances and keeping everything running behind the scenes. So let's take a moment to appreciate these unsung heroes and all they do to make our favorite shows come to life!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Early 1600s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Stage Management</div><div class='timeline-text'>The earliest recorded forms of stage management in the theatre, initially related to script coordination and logistics, took place during the 17th century.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1851</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion of Role</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the mid-1800s, the functions of stage management expanded to include managing actors and rehearsals, and even directing in some instances.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1900s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Professional Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 20th century, stage management gained more professional recognition as theatre productions became more complex.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>National and international stage management associations began to form, recognizing the global importance of this role.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Stage Management Handbook</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Back Stage Guide to Stage Management, 3rd Edition: Traditional and New Methods for Running a Show from First Rehearsal to Last Performance by Thomas A. Kelly, a comprehensive guide for stage managers, is published.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Stage Management Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first International Stage Management Day is celebrated on October 10th, recognising the dedication and hard work of stage managers globally.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a stage management workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of aspiring stage managers and host a workshop where you can share your knowledge and skills with others. This is a great way to celebrate International Stage Management Day and give back to the community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a theater performance</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>What better way to celebrate International Stage Management Day than by attending a theater performance? Show your support for the performing arts and appreciate the hard work that stage managers put into making a show successful.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a stage management roundtable</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of stage managers and have a roundtable discussion about the industry. Share tips, experiences, and advice with each other while celebrating your profession on this special day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a stage management appreciation day</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get together with your colleagues and create a day to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of stage managers. This could include small gifts, notes of thanks, or even just a special meal together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share an inspiring stage management quote</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread some inspiration on International Stage Management Day by sharing a favorite quote about stage management on social media or with your colleagues. It's a great way to celebrate the profession and motivate others in the industry.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Stage managers are the unsung heroes of the theater world</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Stage managers work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that a production runs smoothly. From organizing rehearsals to coordinating with actors and crew, they play a crucial role in bringing a theatrical vision to life. International Stage Management Day gives us a chance to recognize and appreciate their hard work and dedication.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about the importance of stage management</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many people outside of the theater industry may not be familiar with what stage managers do or how vital their role is to a production's success. By celebrating International Stage Management Day, we can shed light on this often overlooked aspect of live performance and educate others about its significance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings recognition to an underappreciated profession</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Stage management can be a demanding and challenging job, but it is also incredibly fulfilling for those who love it. By dedicating a day to stage managers, we can show our appreciation for their hard work and passion, and bring recognition to a profession that often goes unnoticed.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Stage Management can Involve Different Roles in different Productions</h3><p class='facts-content'>Stage managers often need to adapt to the specific needs and structures of different productions. Depending on the project, they might function as a director's right hand, a team coordinator, a communication link, or even a pseudo-therapist for the cast and crew.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Communication Skills are Paramount for Stage Managers</h3><p class='facts-content'>Stage managers need to be excellent communicators, capable of expressing ideas clearly and diplomatically to all members of the cast and crew. Miscommunication can lead to significant issues during rehearsals and performances.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Professional Stage Managers Often Hold Certifications</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many stage managers hold certifications from the Actors' Equity Association (AEA) or other professional organizations. These certifications recognize their professional expertise and commitment to upholding high standards in stage management.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Stage Managers Operate The Prompt Book</h3><p class='facts-content'>The prompt book, also known as 'The Bible', is maintained by the stage manager and includes everything happening on stage including blocking, lighting cues, and prop tracking. It's the go-to guide for everything that makes a performance run smoothly.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Stage Managers Are Among the First to Arrive and Last to Leave</h3><p class='facts-content'>From pre-production planning to striking the set after the final performance, stage managers put in long hours. Often arriving first and leaving last, they are tirelessly dedicated to their craft.</p></div></div>
International Stage Management Day is celebrated on October 10 every year. In 2024, International Stage Management Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Oct 10
Tuesday
2024
Oct 10
Thursday
2025
Oct 10
Friday
2026
Oct 10
Saturday
2027
Oct 10
Sunday
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