{
  "id": 10772419,
  "title": "Stage manager is arguably the most stressful job in live performance. Here’s why",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/stage-manager-is-arguably-the-most-stressful-job-in-live-performance",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T19:53:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation AU",
    "slug": "the-conversation-au",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/stage-manager-is-arguably-the-most-stressful-job-in-live-performance-heres-why-291869"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The stage manager is often regarded as one of the most demanding jobs in live performance, despite rarely receiving recognition. During performances and rehearsals, they are responsible for overseeing every aspect of the show and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. From lighting, sound, projections, set moves, fly cues, and pyrotechnics to costume changes and pre-show calls, the stage manager's role is crucial to the success of a production. They act as the air traffic controller of the performance, coordinating and communicating with various teams and ensuring that all creative decisions are executed accurately and consistently. Their work is physically and mentally demanding, with high levels of stress and the constant need to adapt to changing circumstances. A recent report found that 34% of stage managers report high levels of anxiety, 74% experienced mental health problems in the past three years, and 85% felt lonely in the past year. Burnout is another significant challenge, with 93.6% of stage managers experiencing it at some point. Despite these challenges, many stage managers continue in their roles due to the rewarding nature of the work and the opportunity to collaborate with creative individuals. Notable stage managers in Australia include Sue Nattrass AO, who is honored with an award in her name, and in the US, Ruth Mitchell, one of the first female stage managers on Broadway.",
  "summary": "In one research project, more than 93% of stage managers interviewed said they had ‘probably’ or ‘definitely’ experienced burnout.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}