Here's how you can build a strong reputation as a freelance theatrical stage manager.

Gaining experience is tough, especially right now. I suggest always applying no matter the show material. I've learned different things working on a Shakespeare show then I did a musical. The 39 Steps and Arsenic and Old Lace are both great plays but completely different needs. Having diversity in both show material and actors is important. It's important to learn early if you can work with small children or if teenagers are more your speed. Or if you want to work with adults and strictly adults. These things you need to learn early in your career so you can better cultivate employment later in it.

One of the best ways I found to network has been to keep my stage manager life and my personal life separate. My Facebook page is almost exclusively to promote shows I'm doing and hype up my friends working in the industry. I've also found success in joining theatre forums, from SM forums to audition forums. You never know where your next job will come from. I also have an Instagram exclusively for stage management that is only followed by actors, directors, designers, etc. I try to post regularly about the multiple facets of stage management. I find actors, directors, and designers find it interesting and see it as a learning experience for them. It also allows me to keep my personal life separate, an important skill to have.

Keep it simple. Your paperwork doesn't have to be fancy, but it has to be legible. If you're just starting out or are having complaints about your rehearsal reports, ask for help. Ask mentors, other SMs, go online. You can even ask designers what you can do to make things clearer. Microsoft Suites and Google Suites are both great places for document sharing and easy editing. Keep backup records on your laptop as well. You never know when the internet might go out. I also suggest that any email you send, especially to actors, keep it short, sweet to the point, and bold any information like call times or dates. And try to get ahead of questions like "how early can I be there?" You'll find actors are appreciative and your inbox isn't as active

Things I do Post Show: Put my rehearsal script and my prompt book in my binder. Look at any material I made/used to see if I want to continue to use it. I also look to see if I want it in my portfolio. Update my resume, portfolio, and website. In the uploading process I take time to do self reflection on how I did certain things. I think about what's been staying with me. There are some moments where I've flown off the handle and I can't stop thinking about it. So I analyze it from my perspective, my actors, my director, and my designers. I see where I did wrong, what I looked like to others, and the example I set. I see the indictors that lead me there so I can better identify and prevent instances on my next show.