Volunteering & Networking: A Stage Manager’s Guide

Some of the volunteers at the Stage Manager’s Association booth at USITT 2025

A photo a friend took while i was volunteering at the stage manager’s association booth at usitt 2025

Broadway stage manager, matt stern photobombing our picture!

There’s often pressure on young professionals to network, and if you’re anything like me, it doesn’t come naturally. I’m one of those ambivert types— a quiet wallflower around new people or I can’t stop talking around those I know well. When it comes to networking, I usually default to the quiet wallflower.

I’ve gotten better at networking, introducing myself to others, and so on, as my career has progressed. But it’s still a skill I’m constantly working on.

In March, I attended the USITT National Conference (United States Institute for Theatre Technology) for the first time. It was a blast—I met so many people! Afterward, I reflected on how my networking skills have evolved, and I’d like to share some of my thoughts.

Volunteer

It might sound simple, but volunteering is a great way to build connections. By volunteering at USITT, I worked the Stage Manager’s Association booth, assisted professional stage manager Erin Joy Swank in leading a floor taping workshop (she’s fantastic—check out her blog at erinjoyswank.com), and volunteered as a reviewer for the PRIMP (Portfolio Reviews & Interview Materials Prep) program. As a PRIMP reviewer, I teamed up with a stage management professor to help young stage managers improve their resumes and portfolios.

These activities alone helped me build several important contacts. As a result, I joined the Finance Committee for the Stage Manager’s Association, a volunteer position that will continue to provide opportunities to network and grow relationships.

I find volunteering to be an excellent way to network because it takes the pressure off having to deliver a traditional elevator pitch. It allows you to collaborate with others in a low-pressure setting, where relationships can develop naturally.

Join the Stage Manager’s Association

This one is specific to stage managers, but it’s been incredibly helpful for me. The association has provided resources, a sense of community, and more. There are various membership tiers, and often, there are discount codes available around USITT or other conferences. This small (and I mean small) investment has paid off many times over.

Attend Networking Events

This one might seem obvious, but for a long time, I avoided networking events because I dread small talk. In 2025 alone, I’ve attended two Stage Manager Association networking events (often called SM GO) and several other gatherings. While it was a struggle to push past my wallflower tendencies, I attended with other stage managers I’d met previously. This gave me a chance to reconnect with them and meet new people.

For example, one of the SM GO events I attended was hosted by Erin Joy Swank and Michele Kay (a stage management professor at CCM). After meeting Erin at the event, I volunteered to review for PRIMP and assist with her floor taping workshop. I also had a brief chat with Michele at the USITT conference. See how everything starts to connect?

I hope these tips will help as you continue to grow in your career. I know I’m still learning, and I’ll likely never stop. Now go ahead and take your places!