The founding of the SMA was built upon the need to advocate for the Stage Management voice in the Union.
Since 1982, the SMA continues as the voice of the profession, advocating for equitable treatment of Stage Managers in pursuit of their careers.
On this page you will find info on the SMA's advocacy efforts and groups as well as resources to help and inform you.
Public Policy Committee
This committee is focused on supporting stage managers by improving the relevant policies of entities external to the SMA.
The charge of the Public Policy Committee (PPC) is to:
- identify policy issues that affect stage managers as a group, including issues involving:
- policies or practices of performing arts unions
- policies or practices of arts producing organizations
- policies and practices of arts education programs
- local, state, or federal laws or regulations
- identify specific policy changes that will benefit stage managers as a group
- develop advocacy campaigns to effect those changes, including resources to support such advocacy by individual members and by the SMA as an institution
- assist the SMA leadership with advocacy activities
- work in coordination with other SMA committees that intersect with policy advocacy
In carrying out its charge, the Public Policy Committee will adhere to the SMA charter, by-laws, mission, and core values, as well as to all applicable laws and regulations. The Committee will approach all of its work with a focus on antiracism and anti-discriminatory policies and practices.
Policies & Resolutions
Resources for Stage Managers
Below are links to outside organizations and info that might help you and/or the stage management profession. Click on a topic and then the bolded wording in the drop down menu to visit the new site. This will be a regularly updated section. If you have a link to suggest, please send it via the Contact us form.
- Actors’ Equity Association: The theatrical union for stage managers.
- Actors’ Equity Association Open Access: Learn more about joining this union for stage managers and actors.
- AEA Workplace Harassment Info Sheet
- Lighthouse Workplace Harassment App: Info Sheet about how to download and access the app on your phone to report workplace harassment to AEA. Union and non-union can report through this app.
- Actors’ Equity Curtain Up Fund: Donate to help fellow artists.
- American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA): Learn about joining this union for artists and stage managers in opera and dance.
- Entertainment Community Fund
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Provides unemployment benefits to individuals who have become unemployed as a direct result of a Presidential declared major disaster.
- Unemployment Benefits Finder: This is an easy way to access each state’s unemployment site.
- Healthcare.gov: If you need health insurance and your work or union isn’t covering you, visit this site to see if you qualify for health coverage in another way.
- National Employment Law Project: Has several resources for workers during this pandemic including updates about the CARES Act.
- Actors’ Equity Curtain Up Fund: Donate to help fellow artists.
- MentalHealth.gov: Find resources and info about mental health, suicide prevention, and more.
- Mental Health First Aid: Info about how to get certified, subscribe to informative newsletters, and more.
- AEA COVID information for Producers
- USITT COVID Resources page
- AGMA COVID Resource page
- Entertainment Community Fund COVID-19 Resource List: This is a regularly updated list of grants, funds, trusts, etc to apply to if you need financial and other types of help.