STAGE MANAGER

De: Lawrence Stern , Alice R. O'Grady

A Chronological Approach and Priorities of Stag Manager

Task
BEFORE REHEARSALS BEGIN: Get things to run smoothly on stage and backstage. Gather equipment. Be aware of police, fire and municipal regulations. Inspect safety conditions. Get to know the teacher. Make a diagram of the stage Check out the fuses boxes. Make a Diagram of lighting instruments. Keep a do list. Make a prompt script. Identify the problems of the script. Write out plots. Make master calendar. Schedule staff meetings. Distribute staff schedules. Arrange the callboard. Distribute and explain company rules. Obtain audition forms. Prepare staff, crew, cast lists. Make gel patterns. Make supply directory. Post emergency numbers. DURING READINGS AND REHEARSALS: Prepare audition rooms. Post notes for readings. Accept resumes. Control scripts. Make preset diagrams. Prepare for rehearsals. Post running order. Supervise department heads. Control required forms. Conduct deputy election.

Priority
A B, E, F A A B C C C B A, B, D A B, C, G B, C C B, C. C C, G. B, C C D E A

Coordination with

Producer, Tech Director.

Tech Director. Tech Director Tech Director, Light Design. Director. Director. Director, Technicians. Everyone. Producer. Producer, Director. Producer. Producer, Director Producer, Director Prod., Dir., Staff, Crew. Technicians

B, C, D BCDFG E B A B, D B, D C C B

Producer, Director. Producer, Director, Publicist. Director Director Dir, Tech Dir, Sc Des. Director Director Producer, Dep. Heads. Producer, Director Union, Cast

Keep cast on time. Distribute touring agreement. Post duty roster. Make checklist. Supervise props. Distribute scene shift diagrams Contribute to advance letters. Maintain order Call rehearsal cues Take blocking notation Make French scene diagrams Spike Set Pieces Prompt Give rehearsal, publicity, costume calls Warn Cast Keep rehearsal log Submit rehearsal reports Time rehearsals Post photo calls Prepare lighting sheet Work on take-in; brief crew. Make shift plot chart. Supervise arrangement of scene dock Supervise technical rehearsal Choreograph scene changes. Prepare are lighting diagram Prepare re-gelling plans Post sign-in sheets. Place curtain call light cues on lighting sheet. DURING PRODUCTION Conduct lighting check Post scene shift diagrams Give calls Caution audience Call late actors Coordinate with house manager Give cues Check immediate effect of each cue Supervise shifts Inspect shifts Time performances Walk the curtain Time curtain calls Maintain sets

A, B C C B A B, C, D C B, E A B, C, D E A, C C A E E B, G B, D E B, C C, D, B C, D C, D A B, D C C B, C B

Director, Cast Cast Everyone Producer, Director, Property Master Scene Designer Producer Director Director Director Tech Dir. Director, Cast Everyone Director, Cast. Producer Publicist, House Manager Costumer, Cast Light Techs Scene Designer, Crew, Tech Dir. Tech Dir. Tech Dir. Director, Tech Dir. Dir., Tech Dir. Light Designer Light Designer Director, Light Techs

A B, C, D A C A A A A C, D B, C, D B D A D, C, B

Light Designer, Light Techs Tech Dir. Cast Producer Cast House Manager Technicians Tech Dir. Tech Dir. Director Tech Dir. Director Tech Dir.

Be aware of cast morale Keep the show in hand Post V.I.P. list Rehearse understudies, block replacements POST PRODUCTION Distribute strike plan Post changeover schedule Supervise moves Write letter to next stage manager Write critique Write letters of recommendation, thank-you notes. IN GENERAL Make contact file Make a theater information packet Get acquainted whit unions Send out rsums Read theater news Keep in contact with theater acquaintances Start a theater library. *Priority:

A A, C F C

Cast Director, Cast Producer Producer, Director, Cast

B, C, G C, G A, B, C F D F

Tech Dir Producer, Tech Dir Producer

E C, F, G C, E A E F F

Producer, Tech Dir

A. Ive got to do this first. The quality if the production will be adversely affected if I dont. B. Ive goy yo o this because id I dont, time and energy of staff and cast will be wasted. C. Someone else may do this well, but Ive got to make sure it gets done. D. I can assign this task to a subordinate if I make sure it gets done. E. Ill do it if I have time, and it would help, but well survive without it. F. A luxury; Ill leave it for least. G. This might be helpful for another show, but will be useless here.

Fuente: Stage Management (9th Edition)

De: Lawrence Stern , Alice R. O'Grady

A Chronological Approach and Priorities of Stag Manager

BEFORE REHEARSALS BEGIN: Get things to run smoothly on stage and backstage. Gather equipment Be aware of police, fire and municipal regulations. Inspect safety conditions. Get to know the teacher. Make a diagram of the stage. Check out the fuses boxes. Make a Diagram of lighting instruments. Keep a do list. Make a prompt script. Identify the problems of the script. Write out plots. Make master calendar. Schedule staff meetings. Distribute staff schedules. Arrange the callboard Distribute and explain company rules Obtain audition forms. Prepare staff, crew, cast lists. Make gel patterns. Make supply directory. Post emergency numbers. DURING READINGS AND REHEARSALS: Prepare audition rooms Post notes for readings. Accept resumes, Control scripts. Make preset diagrams. Prepare for rehearsals Post running order Supervise department heads Control required forms Conduct deputy election Keep cast on time Distribute touring agreement Post duty roster Make checklist Supervise props Distribute scene shift diagrams Contribute to advance letters. Maintain order Call rehearsal cues Take blocking notation Make French scene diagrams Spike Set Pieces, Prompt Give rehearsal, publicity, costume calls Warn Cast, Keep rehearsal log Submit rehearsal reports Time rehearsals Post photo calls Prepare lighting sheet Work on take-in; brief crew. Make shift plot chart. Supervise arrangement of scene dock Supervise technical rehearsal Choreograph scene changes. Prepare are lighting diagram Prepare re-gelling plans Post sign-in sheets. Place curtain call light cues on lighting sheet. DURING PRODUCTION Conduct lighting check Post scene shift diagrams Give calls, Caution audience Call late actors Coordinate with house manager Give cues Check immediate effect of each cue Supervise shifts Inspect shifts Time performances Walk the curtain Time curtain calls, Maintain sets Be aware of cast morale Keep the show in hand Post V.I.P. list Rehearse understudies, block replacements POST PRODUCTION Distribute strike plan Post changeover schedule Supervise moves Write letter to next stage manager Write critique Write letters of recommendation, thank-you notes. IN GENERAL Make contact file Make a theater information packet Get acquainted whit unions Send out rsums Read theater news Keep in contact with theater acquaintances Start a theater library.

Fuente: Stage Management (9th Edition)

De: Lawrence Stern , Alice R. O'Grady
Wikipedia: Stage management is the practice of organizing and coordinating a theatrical production. It encompasses a variety of activities, including organizing the production and coordinating communications between various personnel (e.g., between director and backstage crew, or actors and production management). Stage management is a sub-discipline of stagecraft. A stage manager is one who has overall responsibility for stage management and the smooth execution of a production. Stage management may be performed by an individual in small productions, while larger productions typically employ a stage management team consisting of a head stage manager, or "Production Stage Manager", and one or more assistant stage managers.

The 10 Commandments of Stage Management

If you're looking to become a stage manager, you're in for a terrific ride! The stage manager is often described as being the glue of any production, the person who always knows what's going on, where it's happening, and how things are actually progressing. A great stage manager is typically a calm, professional, and organized person with a good base knowledge of stagecraft, and an ability to courteously manage others. To help you in honing your skills and approaches for that next upcoming production, following is a brief list of "10 Commandments" for great stage management:

1. Thou Shalt Be Prepared. 2. Know Thy Contacts. 3. Taketh Good Notes, and Giveth Good Notes... 4. Know Thy Blocking Language and Abbreviations. 5. Go Forth and Make it Fun. 6. Thou Shalt Be Accountable. 7. Thou Shalt Stay Classy. 8. Be Thou Courteous. 9. Thou Shalt Not Gossip! 10. Know Thy Tech!

1. Thou Shalt Be Prepared. Begin your preparations before your very first production meeting, jotting notes on what you'll need, as well as on preliminary scheduling or contacts. As some productions are always more challenging than others, it never hurts to do a little research on Google, as well, to get a feel for any common hurdles ahead. And once the rehearsal period begins, make sure you always have a toolbox of essentials with you, including everything from administrative stuff (pencils, chalk, tape, highlighters), to tools (flashlights, penlights, batteries of all kinds, and more), first aid basics, emergency sewing supplies (especially buttons and snaps), and more. 2. Know Thy Contacts. Always carry your production contact info with you on any meetings, rehearsals, performances, and more. Luckily, today's cell phones and gadgets make this easy, because it's vital. A little administrative planning can be a godsend when an emergency pops up, so be sure to write, print, and copy call lists and rehearsal schedules as soon as theyre set. Most importantly, always ensure that you have contact information for everyone in the production, from the director and assistant(s) and other personnel, cast and crew, to the venue managers or janitorial staff for your rehearsal (and performance) spaces. 3. Taketh Good Notes, and Giveth Good Notes... In the life of the stage manager, especially during the rehearsal process? There are never too many notes. So listen closely at each and every meeting, taking extensive notes on blocking, lighting and tech cues as they occur, as well as any other noteworthy aspects. Write in block capitals, clearly, and in pencil until the show is set. And when giving notes to actors after performances, be tactful and professional. Sometimes youll have to keep an eye on morale, so if an actor, for instance, flubbed six lines tonight, but four of them were minor omissions or rephrases? Save it for another note, or talk to the actor privately, later. Try to consciously point out something positive when giving multiple notes, as well, as a sweetener. 4. Know Thy Blocking Language and Abbreviations. To take good notes, youll need a working knowledge of stage terms and especially blocking language. For instance, if Chris is going to cross to upstage right during a monologue, youd ideally write it in simplified form, like this: C X USR next to that action in the script. This language will enable you to write notes fast, and to be able to accurately recreate even complex stage movement back to the director or players as needed. 5. Go Forth and Make it Fun. Stage managers are often the caregivers of the production, keeping up morale, making sure everyone's happy, on time, and doing their best. So cultivate an enjoyable work atmosphere. Be attentive to breaks, noting the times in your logs, and bring candy and veggies to rehearsals for cast and crew to snack on (get reimbursement if you can--it's a common and legitimate expense). When it comes time to open, give out small gifts or heartfelt well-wishes in personal, handwritten cards on opening night. Make sure you include EVERYONE who has helped to bring the production to life-not just cast and crew, but any other volunteers, venue support or janitorial staff, and others. All these little things mean a lot in the crazy world of the theatre.

6. Thou Shalt Be Accountable. The buck stops with you. So arrive first. And leave last. The stage manager's job is as grueling as it is rewarding. Being ever-present is an important part of the work. 7. Thou Shalt Stay Classy. This doesnt mean you have to abandon the awesome casual feel of working in the theatre. It just means you need to be attentive to how you present yourself. So make an effort to be presentable and professional, and even when casual, try to stay classy, with no low cleavage or exposed midriffs in the girls, or shirtlessness for you guys, etc. 8. Be Thou Courteous. As the stage manager, people will look to you for cues on how to behave, and for whats acceptable during the production. So try to reign in your language, and avoid profanity and ANY questionable slurs or references, even in jest, among friends, etc. Be professional and courteous at all times. And during a tedious rehearsal or difficult production, a simple smile or encouraging word from you can accomplish great things, so make sure you're always cheerful, accessible, and approachable. Pay special attention to your crew, techs, volunteers, and janitorial help. Make sure to point out jobs well done, and thank them for their contributions regularly. We all want our hard work noticed and acknowledged. 9. Thou Shalt Not Gossip! This is a tricky one, just because the theatre's a fun place, and it's one in which we all tend to make friends and form relationships. But, in a nutshell, while it's great for you to make friends with actors and crew during the process of mounting your production, make sure that you nevertheless maintain a certain amount of slight but professional distance. Try to avoid too much carousing with the actors, and absolutely never badmouth the director in front of cast or crew, even casually or after hours. You should always put yourself forth as a united front with the director. 10. Know Thy Tech! Ideally, all stage managers should know how to run the lightboard, sound effects equipment, and spot(s). If you dont know? Learn. It's invaluable knowledge for anyone in the theatre. While not every stage manager can run a lightboard, you never know what will happen, and its always good to have good working knowledge of your lighting and sound equipment. At best, it will enable you to manage those crew members more effectively, and at worst, you'll be able to step in, in case of emergency. Also acclimate yourself to common headset workarounds, errors or snafus. http://performingarts.about.com/od/Stage_management_tips/tp/The-10Commandments-Of-Stage-Management.htm

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