Resume Writing Tips for Assistant Stage Manager

Introduction

In the world of theatre and live productions, the assistant stage manager plays a pivotal role ensuring smooth execution behind the curtains. However, the behind-the-scenes nature of this role sometimes means your tangible impact can go unnoticed on paper. A strong resume bridges this gap by translating your skills, experiences, and achievements into a narrative that resonates with casting directors, production managers, and hiring teams. This blog will guide you through the essentials to create a powerful, ATS-friendly resume that highlights your value effectively.

1. Resume Summary

The resume summary is your elevator pitch—concise, compelling, and tailored to the assistant stage manager role. Focus on your core competencies, experience length, and what you bring uniquely to productions. Use action-oriented language and keywords from job listings to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Example: “Organized and proactive Assistant Stage Manager with 5+ years in fast-paced theatrical environments. Expert in cue coordination, team communication, and cross-department collaboration. Adept at managing schedules, rehearsals, and on-stage logistics to ensure seamless performances.”

2. Key Skills

Highlighting relevant skills demonstrates your readiness to tackle the varied demands of assistant stage management. Use a mix of technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

• Stage Management Software (e.g., QLab, StagePlotPro)
• Cue Calling & Timing
• Team Coordination & Communication
• Rehearsal scheduling & documentation
• Conflict resolution
• Script Breakdown
• Safety & Compliance
• Multi-tasking under pressure
• Technical Equipment Handling
• Problem-solving & Crisis Management

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

While listing responsibilities shows what you were tasked with, achievements illustrate how well you performed. Focus on quantifiable impacts like how you improved rehearsal efficiency or contributed to on-time show starts.

Example:

• Reduced rehearsal setup time by 20% through optimized cue documentation and efficient stage layout coordination.
• Managed logistics for productions with casts of 30+ people, achieving a 100% on-time performance record over three years.

4. Tailor to Job

Every production company or theater has specific needs; tailor your resume using keywords and skills mentioned in the job description. This customization increases your chances of passing ATS scans and appealing directly to recruiters’ priorities.

5. Tools

• QLab – Audio and video cue management
• StagePlotPro – Stage layout and plotting
• Microsoft Office Suite – Scheduling and documentation
• Google Workspace – Collaborative communication
• Show Cue System – Cue timing
• Slack – Team messaging
• Schedulicity or similar scheduling apps
• AutoCAD – For technical drawings (if applicable)
• Calendar management tools (Google Calendar, Outlook)
• Dropbox/Google Drive – Cloud document storage and sharing

6. Metrics

• Percentage reduction in rehearsal setup time
• Number of shows managed per season/year
• Cast and crew size supervised
• On-time performance rate percentage
• Cost savings or budget adherence percentages

7. Education

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Production or related field
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Stage Management Certificate, OSHA Safety Training)

8. Format

• Keep it to two pages maximum, focusing on relevant experience and skills
• Clean, clear fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman at 10-12pt size
• Use bullet points for easy scanning, with consistent formatting and spacing
• Use section headers to break up content logically
• Avoid graphics or complex formatting that ATS might not parse correctly

9. Concise

Clarity and brevity are key; avoid overloading sentences. Prioritize strong action verbs and achievements over long paragraphs.

10. Bonus

• Include Keywords: Identify keywords from job postings and naturally embed them in your summary and skills sections.
• Professional Affiliations: Mention memberships in organizations like the Stage Managers’ Association to add credibility.

Examples

• “Coordinated stage crews and artists to deliver 50+ live performances annually with zero safety incidents.”
• “Developed digital rehearsal notes system reducing paper use by 30%, improving accessibility for entire crew.”

Conclusion

For assistant stage managers, your resume must clearly articulate your impact, leadership, and analytical abilities. Demonstrating how you improve processes, ensure smooth shows, and manage teams under pressure distinguishes you from other candidates. By crafting a resume that focuses on your achievements, tailors your skills to job descriptions, utilizes relevant tools, and incorporates measurable results, you present a professional image that hiring managers won’t overlook. Invest the effort into your resume today—it’s your first step toward your next successful production.