Broadway Stage Management Symposium Connects and Unites
The Broadway Stage Management Symposium (BSMS) returns for its 11th year, welcoming stage managers of all levels to an enriching weekend of learning, networking, and inspiration. Taking place May 17–19, 2025, this unique event offers in-person access at Open Jar Studios in New York City, along with a dynamic online and on-demand experience for those joining from anywhere in the world.
Created by stage managers, for stage managers, BSMS has become the go-to professional development event for those who keep productions running smoothly behind the scenes. Attendees will gain insight from top Broadway professionals and have access to all recorded sessions for six weeks following the event.
At the helm of BSMS is seasoned Broadway stage manager and educator Matthew Stern. With over 20 Broadway productions to his credit, including Come From Away, Wicked, and The Little Mermaid, Stern also teaches at SUNY Purchase and serves on the board of the Stage Managers’ Association. Inspired by his students’ curiosity about the craft, he founded BSMS to create a collaborative space for growth and connection.
I had the chance to sit down with Matthew and ask him about the Symposium, its evolution, and what attendees can look forward to this year.
Anna Robb: How long has the Broadway Stage Management Symposium been running?
Matthew Stern: This is the 11th year of the Broadway Stage Management Symposium. The first was in 2015, and we celebrated the 10th anniversary last year!
AR: For those who haven’t attended before, what exactly is BSMS?
MS: The Symposium is a professional development and networking event made by stage managers, for stage managers, and featuring Broadway’s stage managers. It’s a one-of-a-kind educational and enrichment event for stage managers of every level. Students and professionals from across the US and around the world come to learn, grow, and connect. Broadway professionals share their expertise and experience over two days of sessions on various aspects of the art and craft of stage management.
The Symposium also includes an expo where companies share their products and services to help stage managers be more efficient and effective. It’s a place for our community to come together in a welcoming space that puts the needs of stage managers center stage. It’s where the people who take care of everyone else take care of themselves.
AR: Who is the Symposium for?
MS: It’s for anyone and everyone interested in or working in stage management. We’ve had high school students from New Jersey, educators from California, and professionals from Australia all participate and love it! Participants have worked in cirque, cruise ships, as well as theater, with dozens of different colleges and countries represented—creating a rich, diverse, and passionate community.
AR: What are some of your favorite moments or sessions from past Symposiums?
MS: There are over 150 to choose from, so that’s tough, but I’ll try. The Tao of Stage Managing with Julia Jones was awesome! She had everyone get up and move all the chairs away and shook hands with every person in the room—it was a real ‘break the fourth wall’ moment. The Stage Manager Moms session was incredible. Seven Broadway stage managers, all women with children from 7 months to 17 years old, shared their experiences.
Narda E. Alcorn and Lisa Porter sharing their work on Stage Manager Power was illuminating. The self-care session with Justin Scribner (now PSM of Maybe Happy Ending) and his friend and author of Self Carefully, Gracy Obuchowicz, was revelatory—and now every year we have a wellness session! I’ll stop there, but I could go on and on…
AR: What’s coming up this year that you’re especially excited about?
MS: This year, the theme is connection, which I love! I’m especially excited about Cody Renard Richard and Jhanaë Bonnick talking about their connection on The Last Five Years. He’s such a rock star and she is so amazing. I want to know all the details of how they work together.
We’re bringing together a stage manager, actor, and producer who have all become mental health professionals and therapists to share their unique insights on our wellness (how cool is that!). And, we’re doing a bonus day on Monday with sessions on going paperless, AI for stage management, and so much more! The full schedule and description of all the sessions are on the website.
AR: How does the hybrid format work for attendees?
MS: In 2020, the Symposium went fully virtual and was a huge success. Coming out of the shutdown, we kept all the great parts of the online experience, creating a fully hybrid experience.
The online platform is intuitive, self-directed, and includes a variety of text and video chat options, networking features, a Broadway show Q&A, breakout rooms, expo booths, and more. It’s not just online—it’s on-demand too! Every attendee can stream sessions for six weeks after the event. It’s like stage manager Netflix—watch when you want, where you want. This way, stage managers from around the world can participate on their schedule.
AR: How do we sign up?
MS: You can register for either the NYC or online experience on the website. There’s a payment plan available for both options. And for StageLync readers, we’re offering a special discount! Use the code STAGE10 at checkout for 10% off any registration—whether NYC, Online, or On-Demand.
Main image: Courtesy of BSMS.
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