Behind the Scenes on Broadway: What a Stage Manager Really Does

We talk with Billy, a Broadway stage manager with 30 years of experience, about what it really takes to run a live theater production. He shares how he built his career, what stage managers do during rehearsals and performances, and how they handle missed cues, technical problems, injuries, and emergencies—all while keeping the show moving.

Billy also explains how to become a stage manager, the skills you need, the demanding Broadway schedule, job security, union benefits, and how much stage managers can earn—from low-paying early jobs to around $200,000 a year at the Broadway level. Plus, hear what it was like working with stars including Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, and Scarlett Johansson.

If you’re considering a career in theater or curious about what happens behind the curtain, this episode offers an honest look at the pressure, rewards, and earning potential of Broadway stage management.

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Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation

About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people. A former CBS Producer and a documentaries filmmaker. 

During her years at CBS, Mirav developed a television pilot built around a simple idea: giving people an honest look at what different careers are really like. Although the pilot was never picked up, the concept stayed with her. Years later, she brought it back as How Much Can I Make?, a podcast that explores real jobs, real stories, and the many paths people take to build a career.