stage-manage

American  

[steyj-man-ij] / ˈsteɪdʒˌmæn ɪdʒ /

verb (used with object)

stage-managed, stage-managing

1. to work as a stage manager for.

   When he wasn't acting, he stage-managed a repertory theater.

2. to arrange or stage in order to produce a theatrical or spectacular effect.

   The clients were most impressed with the way she stage-managed the whole presentation.

3. to arrange or direct unobtrusively or in secret.

   He stage-managed Mediterranean black-market operations from his secluded villa on the Riviera.

---

verb (used without object)

stage-managed, stage-managing

1. to work as a stage manager.

stage-manage British  

verb

1. to work as stage manager for (a play, etc)

2. (tr) to arrange, present, or supervise from behind the scenes

   to stage-manage a campaign

---

Etymology

Origin of stage-manage

First recorded in 1875–80; back formation from stage manager

Example Sentences

“This motley crew try so hard to stage-manage this moment together because they love her so much and want her to succeed, and it’s just so sweet,” explained Marshall.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2023

But an outburst at a news conference Tuesday showed the country is struggling to stage-manage the global event and keep the lid on domestic controversies.

From Washington Post • Nov. 8, 2022

They speak to the living and stage-manage events from the grave.

From Fox News • Mar. 23, 2019

In the later hours, your ability to stage-manage yourself gets weaker, your ability to hold it together starts to erode.

From New York Times • Sep. 5, 2018

"Now, another thing: How'd you like to have me stage-manage this d�but of yours?"

From The House of Torchy by Brown, Arthur William