A new not-for-profit association has been established to support stage managers around the country, to assist in their professional development and to advocate for their wellbeing. Stage Managers Association Australia Ltd (SMAAU) was launched on 10 October, a date recognised as International Stage Management Day, and is initially focused on recruiting members, as well as promoting diversity and accessibility for all people interested or engaged in the practice of stage management.

Much has been written about the struggles of performing artists and arts companies throughout the pandemic, but of course the shutdown of productions has greatly affected an entire ecosystem of backstage crew, of which stage managers are an indispensable part.

Stage Manager Erin Coubrough preparing for rehearsal at His Majesty’s Theatre Perth. Photo by Claire Mayers.

It was the lockdowns that spurred the creation of the association, as a group of 13 stage managers working in a range of genres across the country came together to discuss whether there was scope for a professional organisation of this kind. After a year of consultation with industry, SMAAU was born.

“During the 2020 shutdown, stage management organisations overseas...