How to Make Money Online as a Stage Manager: 10 Actionable Ideas

The world of entertainment is evolving rapidly, and so are the ways to make money within it. For stage managers, traditionally an on-site role requiring presence in rehearsal spaces, theaters, or live events, the rise of digital platforms and remote work has opened up new opportunities to earn money online. As a stage manager, your role is often a blend of organization, coordination, and problem-solving, ensuring the smooth running of productions. With the right approach, you can apply these skills in the online space, whether for virtual events, theater productions, or consultancy work.

This article will explore 10 actionable ideas for stage managers to make money online, allowing you to diversify your income streams while applying your expertise in an increasingly digital world.

Virtual Event Production and Management

One of the most natural extensions of stage management skills is the realm of virtual events. These events can range from conferences, webinars, and online performances to virtual trade shows and workshops. As a stage manager, your organizational skills, ability to coordinate multiple elements, and problem-solving approach make you a perfect fit for virtual event production.

Actionable Steps:

• Understand Virtual Platforms: Learn the tools used for virtual events, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or more specialized platforms like Hopin or StreamYard. Familiarize yourself with the technical aspects, like managing breakout rooms, virtual stages, or live streaming.
• Offer Full-Service Event Management: Provide end-to-end solutions for virtual events, including coordination with speakers, managing the event schedule, handling technical rehearsals, and overseeing the live event.
• Promote Your Services: Create a professional website showcasing your expertise in virtual event management, including any past projects or testimonials. Leverage social media and platforms like LinkedIn to target potential clients.

Income Potential:

• Event managers can charge a flat fee per event or hourly rates. Fees can range from $500 to $5,000 per event, depending on the scale and complexity.

Online Theater Production Consultation

Many theater companies are transitioning to digital or hybrid models, where performances are streamed online or produced with virtual elements. As a stage manager, you can offer consultation services to these organizations, guiding them on best practices for remote production, virtual rehearsals, and managing the logistical challenges of digital theater.

Actionable Steps:

• Identify Potential Clients: Reach out to theaters, arts organizations, and independent producers looking to shift their productions online. Many may be unfamiliar with the logistics of virtual rehearsals and performances.
• Develop a Consulting Package: Create a consulting framework that covers the essentials of transitioning a theater production to an online format. Offer advice on everything from pre-production to post-production, including streaming logistics, rehearsals, and online audience engagement.
• Share Your Expertise: Write blog posts, record YouTube videos, or offer free webinars on the basics of online theater production to attract clients who might be interested in paid consultation.

Income Potential:

• Consultants typically charge hourly rates ($50-$200 per hour) or project-based fees, which can range from $500 to $10,000 depending on the production's size.

Freelance Stage Management for Live Streamed Events

Stage managers can now apply their skills to live-streamed events, such as concerts, festivals, corporate events, or even sports games. These events require a highly organized individual to manage the various elements of the live stream, including timing, technical setup, coordination with talent, and managing the crew.

Actionable Steps:

• Build a Network: Get involved with companies that specialize in live streaming and broadcast services. You can offer your stage management skills to help these companies run events smoothly.
• Focus on Smaller, Niche Events: Target smaller live-streamed events, such as webinars, independent concerts, or local theater performances, which might not have the same budget as large productions but still require strong stage management.
• Market Your Services: Use your experience with live events to market yourself as an expert in virtual stage management. Highlight your skills in working with live-streaming technology and your ability to adapt to online platforms.

Income Potential:

• Freelance stage managers for live events can earn anywhere from $200 to $1,500 per event, depending on the event's duration and complexity.

Virtual Production Assistant

As a stage manager, you are already adept at handling various aspects of a production. This makes you an ideal candidate for a Virtual Production Assistant (VPA) role. A VPA typically works remotely to assist with logistical and administrative tasks, such as managing communication between team members, tracking progress, and ensuring deadlines are met.

Actionable Steps:

• Create a Service Package: Outline the services you can provide as a VPA. This could include scheduling, coordinating virtual rehearsals, managing event timelines, and assisting with technical production.
• Target Online Production Companies: Look for production companies that focus on online content, such as YouTube creators, online education companies, or corporate firms hosting virtual events.
• Use Online Job Boards: Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr allow you to promote your services to a global audience and connect with clients looking for virtual assistants.

Income Potential:

• As a VPA, you can earn an hourly rate between $15 and $50, or project-based fees, depending on the scale of the production and the tasks involved.

Launch an Online Stage Management Course

If you have years of stage management experience, sharing your knowledge through an online course can be a lucrative option. Many aspiring stage managers or those interested in the performing arts are looking for professional guidance. By creating an online course, you can generate passive income while teaching others the essentials of stage management.

Actionable Steps:

• Choose a Platform: Platforms like Teachable, Udemy, or Skillshare allow you to create and sell your own courses. These platforms also provide tools to market your course and track its success.
• Design a Course Curriculum: Create a comprehensive curriculum that covers all the fundamental aspects of stage management, from pre-production to opening night. Consider breaking the content into modules for better learning flow.
• Market Your Course: Leverage social media platforms, your personal website, or even YouTube to promote the course. Offering free webinars or sample lessons can help attract potential students.

Income Potential:

• Online courses can be priced anywhere from $50 to $500 per student, depending on the depth of the material. You can also generate passive income as your course gains traction.

Offer Technical Direction for Online Events

In many online performances and events, the technical aspects are just as important as the content. As a stage manager, you are already familiar with managing technical teams, which makes you an excellent candidate to offer technical direction for live-streamed events or digital productions.

Actionable Steps:

• Develop Your Technical Skills: In addition to your stage management skills, ensure you have a solid understanding of the technical equipment involved in online productions, including cameras, sound equipment, and streaming software.
• Reach Out to Event Planners and Production Teams: Offer your services as a technical director for virtual events, including managing the technical setup, overseeing streaming quality, and troubleshooting during live broadcasts.
• Create a Portfolio: Showcase your technical direction experience by posting examples of past live-streamed events or online productions that you have worked on.

Income Potential:

• As a technical director for live-streamed events, you can expect to earn between $500 and $2,500 per event, depending on the technical complexity and event duration.

Become a Remote Rehearsal Coordinator

Many productions, especially theater or film projects, are holding rehearsals online due to logistical constraints. As a remote rehearsal coordinator, you can manage the rehearsal process remotely by organizing schedules, facilitating communication between actors and directors, and ensuring that the production stays on track.

Actionable Steps:

• Connect with Production Teams: Reach out to theaters, film production companies, or independent producers who are conducting virtual rehearsals. Offer your services in organizing and coordinating these rehearsals.
• Set Up Rehearsal Schedules: Utilize platforms like Google Calendar or scheduling tools like Doodle to coordinate the timing for online rehearsals.
• Ensure Effective Communication: Assist directors in communicating effectively with cast and crew during virtual rehearsals, ensuring that everyone has the necessary resources and is on the same page.

Income Potential:

• Rehearsal coordinators can charge anywhere from $25 to $75 per hour, depending on the scope and duration of the rehearsal process.

Write a Stage Management Blog

Sharing your experiences and insights through blogging can be a great way to establish your authority in the field and create additional income streams. You can monetize your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or even by offering consulting services to those who read your content.

Actionable Steps:

• Create a Blog: Start a blog on platforms like WordPress, Medium, or your personal website, focusing on topics related to stage management, virtual events, and production.
• Write Regularly: Write engaging and informative content, offering tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and industry updates. Tailor the blog posts to the needs of aspiring stage managers and those in the event production space.
• Monetize Your Blog: Use affiliate marketing by promoting relevant products and services. Additionally, you can offer paid consultations or coaching through your blog.

Income Potential:

• Bloggers can earn money through ad revenue, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts. You can expect to make anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per month, depending on traffic and engagement.

Offer Stage Management Coaching

For individuals wanting to break into the stage management field or advance their careers, coaching can be an effective way to generate income. As an experienced stage manager, you can offer personalized coaching sessions to individuals, helping them develop skills and strategies for success in the industry.

Actionable Steps:

• Develop a Coaching Program: Design a structured coaching program that helps individuals learn the fundamentals of stage management, including project management, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Target Aspiring Stage Managers: Market your coaching services to aspiring stage managers or professionals looking to transition to the role. Offer packages that include one-on-one coaching or group sessions.
• Promote on Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share success stories and testimonials from previous coaching clients.

Income Potential:

• Stage management coaches can charge anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour for personalized sessions, or offer package deals for ongoing coaching.

Manage a Virtual Stage Management Community

Creating and managing an online community for stage managers and event professionals is a way to share knowledge, provide support, and offer additional resources for others in your field. This can be an opportunity for you to monetize through membership fees, exclusive content, and partnerships with brands or service providers.

Actionable Steps:

• Set Up a Community Platform: You can set up a community on platforms like Slack, Discord, or even Facebook Groups to connect stage managers and event professionals.
• Offer Exclusive Resources: Provide members with exclusive resources such as guides, templates, or webinars on topics like virtual productions, equipment recommendations, or career development.
• Monetize the Community: Offer paid memberships for exclusive content, conduct online workshops, or partner with relevant brands to offer discounts to your members.

Income Potential:

• Community managers can earn money through membership fees ($10 to $50 per month), sponsored content, or paid workshops.

Conclusion

As a stage manager, the transition from on-site to online work might seem daunting, but the opportunities are vast and growing. By leveraging your skills in organization, coordination, and problem-solving, you can build a diverse and profitable career online. Whether it's virtual events, online courses, coaching, or consulting, there are numerous ways to adapt your expertise to the digital world and generate income. By staying proactive and continuously learning new tools and platforms, you can position yourself for long-term success in the online realm.

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