A theater manager must have excellent organizational and people skills, as well as a thorough understanding of the technical and artistic aspects of the theater. Whether you’re in charge of a stage or a movie theater, the specific skills you’ll need will differ. A stage theater manager is in charge of the operations of a specific theater and is not to be confused with a stage manager, who is in charge of the organizational aspects of a specific production.
The ability to work with people is the most important skill set for a theater manager. The hiring, scheduling, and coordination of theater employees, such as box office, concessions, technical, and janitorial staff, are among the manager’s responsibilities. This may also include the actors and directors of individual companies and performances at a stage theater. To keep the theater running smoothly, the theater manager must make sure that all of these different workers have the resources they need to do their jobs.
In addition to organizing people, a theater manager must also organize the theater’s finances. Negotiating with film production companies about what percentage of ticket sales the theater keeps and what percentage goes back to the production company in exchange for the right to show films is part of the job of a movie theater manager. Stage theater managers may also include fundraising and advertising for individual productions. An accountant may be hired to help with the financial aspects of the theater, depending on its size, but both types of managers should have a basic understanding of business and marketing principles to ensure that the theater is profitable.
Stage managers may also require a general understanding of the workings of the theater arts in order to deal with problems that arise at the last minute before performances. The manager should be able to deal with any sound or lighting issues that arise. He or she should also serve as a liaison between various members of the staff and ensure that the needs of theater patrons are met.
Although an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business or finance may be beneficial, movie theater managers are not generally required to hold degrees or have any specialized training. Stage managers, on the other hand, frequently require a bachelor’s degree in either business or arts management. They may even pursue advanced degrees, such as a Master of Fine Arts, in order to work in more prestigious theaters.