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to stage-manage

to stage-manage

1 5.8
To plan and run a play or event so it goes smoothly
  • verb
  • /ˈsteɪdʒˌmænɪdʒ/
translation icon : dirigir
  • He had to stage-manage the rehearsal carefully to make sure everything went according to plan.

Examples

  • The director worked hard to stage-manage the production, ensuring every detail was perfect.

  • She was hired to stage-manage the charity event, coordinating the speakers and the schedule.

  • "He has stage managed many theatrical productions on Broadway and on tour."

    Blog text (34)
  • For the most part, he has stuck to campaigning in the countryside, where events are easier to stage-manage.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Nicholas was stage-managing a show at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park that had turned into a technical nightmare.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • He has stage-managed many theatrical productions on Broadway and on tour.

    Blog text (27)
  • And this, I must admit, he stage-managed superbly, timing his appearance at Ladder Bay exactly to coincide with the sound of the noonday gun.

  • This past weekend, she stage-managed "The Fedora Project," and next quarter she will be designing costumes for "The Quare Fellow" and acting in "The Night of the Iguana."

    Blog text (10)

Synonyms

to manage
vsto stage-manage
643 2.7

To be in charge of a group or a business

concentrates specifically on producing and running live performances smoothly
to stage
vsto stage-manage
167 3.5

To organize and run a public event

focuses on supervising performance details to ensure smooth running
to run the show
vsto stage-manage
  • Informal
58 4.1

To be in charge of an activity or group

is more hands-on with performance and production details during events

How Organized

to oversee
221 3.9
to run
2.5
to stage-manage
1 5.8
to coordinate
325 4.1
to arrange
162 1.7
to assist
605 1.0

Surface Forms

stage-manage infinitive
stage-managed past participle
stage-managing present participle
stage-manages third person singular

Morphology

stage-manage = stage + manage (transparent) = stage + manage

Meaning is directly derived from 'stage' (theatrical production) + 'manage' (to organize or supervise), so learners can infer the sense.

Etymology

Stage-manage comes from the two English words stage and manage, and it literally means to 'manage the stage'. Think of a person behind the curtain who controls the lights, sound and actors so the show or event runs smoothly.