ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ transitive verb
Etymology: back-formation from stage manager
1.
a. : to arrange or exhibit with an eye to striking effect
prewar pageantry, pictorially beautiful and brilliantly stage-managed — Mollie Panter-Downes
b. : to arrange or direct from behind the scenes
arrest and trial had been stage-managed for a sinister purpose — Atlantic
2. : to act as stage manager for
stage-managed a few more productions, but his heart was set on directing — E.J.Kahn