Becoming a Better Manager: Managing Yourself and Managing Others

In the performing arts, management rarely arrives with a job title. You become a manager when you book the first tour, lead a rehearsal or look after a small team. Often you’re managing yourself at the same time, as a freelancer who is also the producer, the accountant and the marketing department. Good management starts in both places.

Managing yourself

Protect your energy. The Equal Arts units describe a sector that asks women to give everything and offers little rest. Treat your energy as a resource: plan breaks, say no to what doesn’t serve you and don’t wait for burnout to set the limits.

Set clear priorities. Write down what matters this month and what can wait. Freelance life is full of urgent requests, and without priorities they will run your calendar.

Keep a record of your achievements. Note what you’ve produced, organised and delivered. It builds confidence and gives you evidence for applications, pay conversations and promotion.

Build your own support. Judith’s story in Unit 2 shows what it costs to build a career without mentoring. Find a mentor, coach or peer group, and meet regularly.

Keep learning. Short courses, like the free Equal Arts micro-learning units, fit around a busy schedule.

Managing others

Communicate clearly. Say what is needed, by when and why. Most conflict in rehearsal rooms and on tour comes from unclear expectations.

Share credit. Women in the sector are often placed in supporting roles while recognition flows elsewhere. A good manager names people’s contributions publicly.

Make it safe to speak up. Long hours, close contact and power imbalances make it hard to raise concerns. Practices like La Mecànica’s anti-discrimination protocol, with clear measures, support networks and confidential channels, show how safety can be built in before anything goes wrong.

Care for your team and keep boundaries. Model sustainable working: realistic schedules, fair pay where you can and rest after intense periods. The care you offer others should be offered to yourself too.

Ask for feedback. Ask your team what is working and what isn’t, and act on it.

Start small

Pick one habit from each list and try it for a month. Better management is built through small, consistent changes.

For more, the free Certificate in Performing Arts Leadership and Women in Leadership playbooks are at equalarts.eu, alongside the Digital Portfolio of 52 real practices. 🎭