Casino Hotel Stage Manager
Many casinos and casino hotels have big showrooms where a variety of entertainment and production shows are presented. The Stage Manager is in charge of supervising and overseeing everything occurring onstage and backstage during a performance. This is an important job in the entertainment end of the casino industry. The Stage Manager performs a vast array of duties and usually has one or more assistants. He or she is responsible for supervising the backstage staff, including sound people, lighting people, and electricians.
The Stage Manager is required to attend sound checks, rehearsals, and performances. Individuals in this position do not work normal business hours. Instead, they generally work split shifts.
The Stage Manager works closely with the entertainers.
In some cases, the casino or casino hotel produces its own elaborate stage shows. In other situations, entertainers and artists are booked to appear at the facility. The Stage Manager works closely with all of these people. He or she works with the crew of the artists and entertainers appearing at the facility. When performers travel with their own sound and light crews, the Stage Manager assists and advises them.
Backstage areas be kept as clear as possible. The Stage Manager must find out ahead of time who is allowed backstage. This list can be obtained from the performer’s management or road manager. In addition to performers, singers, musicians, and crew members, others on a backstage list might include business associates, journalists, friends and/or family members. The Stage Manager issues backstage passes to each person authorized to be in that area before and during a performance. The person is in charge of making sure that everyone backstage has proper permission. This is a job with a great deal of responsibility. During a performance, the Stage Manager makes sure everyone does their job properly. Before the show begins, the Stage Manager determines the length of the show, when any intermissions will be held and when the curtain must be opened and closed. Additional information may also be needed to cue sound and lighting people. Other duties of the Stage Manager may include:
- Assigning dressing rooms
- Making sure any required amenities are available
- Advising performers how much time remains before they must appear
- Advising performers exactly what time they must go onstage
- Handling all emergencies and problems occurring during shows
- Documenting accidents or injuries that take place before or during a performance
Annual earnings for Stage Managers in casinos and casino hotels can range from USD 30,000 to USD 75,000 or more.
Factors affecting earnings include the size, prestige, and location of the specific facility, and the size and prestige of the theater or showroom. Other factors affecting earnings include the responsibilities, qualifications, and experience of the individual. In unionized settings, Stage Managers’ minimum salaries are negotiated by a union.
Employment prospects for Stage Managers are poor.
While jobs may be available in casinos throughout the country, only the larger facilities have more than one person in this position. That doesn’t mean jobs aren’t available at all; it just means you may have to look a little harder to find one. Look for jobs in Las Vegas, Reno, Laughlin, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, Biloxi, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Detroit. Other employment settings include casinos and casino hotels in other areas of Nevada, Mississippi, New York, Louisiana, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Arizona, and California. Other regions hosting Indian gaming and landbased or riverboat gaming facilities offer additional opportunities. Casino hotels are constantly under construction. More casinos and casino hotels are opening every year as new areas legalize gambling.
Stage Managers can advance their careers by locating similar jobs in larger, more prestigious facilities, resulting in increased earnings and responsibilities. Some Stage Managers climb the career ladder by going into other types of facilities and becoming facility managers or directors. Others make contacts and move to jobs in other areas in the entertainment industry.
Educational requirements for Stage Managers working in casino showrooms and theaters varies greatly. In some situations, individuals work as apprentices, interns, or assistant stage mangers to obtain training. Others acquire training by watching those working in sound, lighting, and/or electronics. Many Stage Managers today have college or drama-school backgrounds or degrees in stage management.
Skills and Personality Traits
Experience as an assistant stage manager is helpful. Some people obtain experience in school or local community theater and performing arts productions. Stage Managers should be very organized, detailoriented people. Supervisory and interpersonal skills are necessary to be successful. Knowledge of lighting, sound, and electronics is important.
Depending on the specific casino, this may or may not be a unionized position. Individuals interested in becoming Stage Managers can obtain additional information by contacting the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
I want ot be a Stage Manager
1. Look for internships in this field to give you on-the-job training. You will also make valuable contacts.
2. jobs may be advertised in newspaper classified sections. Look under headings such as “Stage Manager,” “Casinos,” “Casino Hotels,” “Stage Director,” “Entertainment,” or “Production Shows.”
3. Get experience by offering to act as the Stage Manager in your school or community theater, music, or performing arts production.
4. Consider getting other experience in small clubs and facilities. These venues usually experience a high employee turnover rate as people often move on quickly for career advancement.
5. A summer or part-time job assisting a Stage Manager will also give you good hands-on experience, as well as additional opportunities to make contacts.
6. Send your résumé and a short cover letter to human resources directors of casinos and casino hotels. Inquire about openings and ask that your résumé be kept on file.
7. Take as many workshops, seminars, and courses as you can regarding lighting, sound, electronics, and staging techniques. The more skills you have, the more marketable you will be.