stage-manage

Verb

 * 1)  To manage or organise the operation of a theatrical stage; to act as stage manager.
 * 2)  To carefully control or direct (an event, operation, etc.) from the background, especially in a calculating manner, so as to achieve a particular desired appearance or outcome.
 * Bad practices were rife at the factory, but the boss stage-managed the inspectors' visit so that they did not see anything amiss.