Wanting to move up in NY ranks

[eileen73]

Greetings!

I am a Stage Manager recently relocated to New York City from Cleveland, OH where I spent 7 years stage managing. Since arriving in NY last August, I got my Equity Card and am currently stage managing a tour with theatreworksUSA.

My goal is to move up in the New York ranks and ultimately to acquire a stage management job with a major Off-Broadway or Broadway show and wanted some advice from fellow stage managers on the best way to go about this.

Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated!

[benjaminbales]

Search long and hard on Art Search, CraigsList (crew listings), Backstage Jobs, and Playbill.com

That is how I have landed any work in the city. Latch onto a director and they will take you with them.

[Jessie_K]

Be prepared to plateau money-wise. Once you hit a certain level (off Broadway) there just aren't [many] better paying jobs out there.

[Meg_23_c2o]

I've been stage managing locally for a year or so and am preparing to move to NYC in August 2008.  I will be receiving my Equity card over the summer with my current theatre, but I'm not quite sure how to get started there.  Any suggestions?

[nystagemanager26]

Network.  Go to SM events, drink nights, etc.  The more people know you the more work will come your way.

One thing I notice is 'young' stage managers want to work on Broadway right away.  Well, when you play with the big boys you better know your stuff and I don't just mean the paperwork.  If you have a hard time relating to older men (IA) or have a difficult time working with "stars" then wait.  The one thing you don't wnat to be is a one show wonder.  Several  stge managers from outside NY come in and work on Broadway and without knowing it, make enemies and never do another Broadway show again.

Pay your dues on the road and then come in.

[chops]

Pay your dues on the road and then come in.

Agreed.  You need to have full confidence that you can handle ANY situation with a smile on your face before you step into the lions den or meat grinder or whatever you want to call it.  I've never worked on Broadway but it helps to know your stuff in Vegas.  And make sure that you are not easily intimidated.  Also you never really finish paying your dues.  They seem to be more on an instalment system rather than one lump sum.