In a live production, who is considered the brain that coordinates the performance?

In a live production, the stage manager plays a critical role in coordinating the performance and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. The stage manager is responsible for overseeing the rehearsal process and the live performances, calling cues for lighting, sound, and set changes. This position acts as a central hub for communication between the various departments, including actors, crew, and designers, making sure everyone is on the same page and executing their responsibilities in harmony.

While the producer focuses on the financial and business aspects of the production and the director is primarily concerned with the artistic vision, the stage manager’s role is crucial for the day-to-day operations during rehearsals and performances. The tech director manages the technical elements, but it is the stage manager who synthesizes all these components, making them flow together to create a successful live performance. Therefore, the stage manager is rightly considered the “brain” that coordinates the performance.