Stage Manager

A stage manager (Afrikaans: formerly toneelmeester, later referred to as a verhoogbestuurder) is the person literally responsible for co-ordinating and managing all the activities (i.e. sets, lighting, sound, props, communication between departments, performers, management, etc.) that take place on and behind the stage during rehearsals and the production. In this sense s/he supports the director, actors, designers, stage crew and technicians, making sure that the production runs smoothly, and may often s/he act as the director's representative during performances, especially on tour.

The activity is known as stage management ("verhoogbestuur" in Afrikaans) .