What kind of pay should i ask for as a Production Stage Manager?

Question

I have been offered this position and have been asked what i would expect for pay as this is a new position within the Opera/Musical Theater group i have been hired to, but the Director of the group doesn't know what to pay me, and i don't know what's fair to ask. I'm not sure yet wether it is Equity or not, either way what should i ask? I have a meeting this friday.

Answer 1

1,000

Answer 2

1,000,000 dollars.

Hey, tell them if they really need you they have to sacrifice a bunch :)

Haha, at least they'll think your special !

Answer 3

First of all, if it was Equity you would know, because stage managers are members of Equity and thus they have a minimum salary depending on what kind of contract the theater is operating under. I would suggest asking colleagues, friends, or even other theaters to find out what the going rate is in your area.