I was wondering if someone could give me some tips on how to be a good stage manager. I work in a university setting and have been working with a couple of different professors who have acted as director for the plays.

Each director seems to give me different advice in regards to being a SM. I have a basic list of what my duties are, but it seems that, at times, each professor springs something new on me that I was not told prior and then reprimands me for not doing it. This often results in me feeling as though I've disappointed them.

I own up to my mistakes when I make them and do my best to keep my tone neutral at all times. I very rarely give any opinion unless questioned, and my usual answer is that it is 'ultimately the director's choice.' Anything regarding actors is always cc to the director (since we're in an academic setting), and I'm always filling out rehearsal reports, taking notes, etc.

I have reached the point where I feel as though I have to question everything I can/can't do or I'm going to be yelled at.

Are there any tips, tricks, advice, or resources someone can give me? My school tries to run theatre as professional as possible, and while I don't plan to take this as a career, I do take it seriously.

Edit:

First of all, thank you all so much for the responses. I really appreciate it.

Second, here is some added information that might help answer some things.

1. This is a paid opportunity for students that is offered each year. I am a junior, but my major is not theatre. I do, however, have a strong appreciation for theatre and film.
2. There is no one acting as a mentor to me outside of the directors and it is the current director of the show that is mentoring me.
3. There are no assistant SMs on this show.
4. There is no props crew on this show.
5. I only cc the director to avoid a scenario where someone thinks I have treated them inappropriately. We have a few actors who feel as though they can do anything they want to do regardless of the director's words.