STAGE MANAGEMENT

Stage managers coordinate all aspects of a theatre company to ensure the successful delivery of the performance. In order to do this, they must have excellent people management skills. THE JOB DESCRIPTION

They manage rehearsals, actors, technicians, props and costume fittings, and liaise with front of house staff and the director.

A stage manager needs to have a good understanding of both the technical and artistic elements of a performance so that they can ensure it is delivered exactly to the director's requirements.

They will be involved from the rehearsal stage through to the live performances, where they will be on hand to deal with any emergencies or issues that may hinder the show. Trouble-shooting

Larger productions will typically have a stage manager supported by a deputy stage manager and one or two assistant stage managers. However, small shows may just have the stage manager working on their own.

What is a good SM? A professional attitude Personal traits Assume responsibility Keep your cool Keep your mouth shut and ears and eyes open Think ahead—anticipate! Personal traits Be considerate Keep a sense of humor Organize and be efficient Punctuality and dependability What is a good SM?

Areas of responsibility PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER Assistant stage managers Calls cues for Board operators, Stagehands and House staff As a member of Actor’s Equity is employed by producer and answers to producer, director and designers Areas of responsibility

Flow Chart

The Prompt Script Provide wide margins for notes and cues When photocopying, be aware of “fair use provisions” of US Copyright law Keep in a safe place Page tabs for easy reference are recommended Develop a code which others, if needed, can understand (IE: Warn, Go, Blocking notations, etc.) The Prompt Script

Charlotte Cushman’s promptbook for HAMLET, 1861

As a record of production, the promptbook is a record not just of staging but of the entire production Script notations including entrances & exits Company list with contacts Costume, prop, light, sound plots Pronunciation guides Special effects Emergency guidelines Indices and Charts

ESU THEATRE Standard Operating Procedures Rehearsal procedures

Technical rehearsals

Running the show

Michelle Bosch, AEA PSM

ESU GRADS ON BROADWAY Robbie Young

Trinity Wheeler, AEA SM

SM Resources American Association of Community Theatre Websites for Stage Management 10 Commandments of Stage Management THEATRE CRAFTS: Stage Management Stage Managers Association SM Resources

Books on Stage Management