Page 1
1
STAGE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
Workshop Overview•
Stage Management Overview•
ProductionHierarchyandtheStageManager•
RoleandQualitiesofaGoodStageManager•
TheStageManager’s“BagofTricks”•
TheatreEtiquette•
StageManagementDuties•
Pre-production•
Rehearsal•
Tech Week•
Run•
Post Show•
ScriptAnalysisandStageShorthand•
The Prompt Script•
The Assistant Stage Manager•
HeadsetEtiquette•
Forms•
Case Studies & Problem Solving•
Wrap Up and Q & A•
Participants will take home:ComprehensivestagemanagementchecklistofdutiescoveringallproductionstagesSampleofstagemanagementforms
Page 2
2
STAGE MANAGEMENT THROuGH HiSTORyVerylittleisknownabouttheevolutionofthestagemanagerthoughthetitleisthoughttohavecomeintorelativelycommonuseinEnglandinthe18thcentury.Beforethattime,thedirector(s)andactorsofacompanywouldhavetakencareofallshowdetailsthemselves.Astheatrebecamemoreinvolved,itbecamenecessarytoemploystagehandsandeventuallysomeonefromwhomthosestagehandstookcues.ThisbecamethecaseduringShakespeare’stime.
MaudGillisgenerallycreditedashavingbeenthefirstfemalestagemanager,whotookoverthepostattheBirminghamRepertoryTheatrein1917.SheleftafascinatingandentertainingaccountofherexperiencesinherautobiographySeethePlayers.Shewastoldthatawomanoughtnottobeputinchargeofstagehandsbecause“workingmen”wouldnottakeordersfromher,butshedecidedthat,sincemothershadbeenkeepingorderinthehomesincethebeginningoftime,thewaytogoaboutitwastotreatthemasamotherwouldtreatherfamily.Itworked.
STAGE MANAGEMENT iN THE 21ST cENTuRyTherearestillmany,many“oldschool”StageManagers.Triedandtruemethodsworkforareason.However,thereisalsomuchtobesaidforinnovation.
Wordprocessingpackages,spreadsheets,GoogleDocs™,email,andotherelectronicmethodsareworthinvestigatingtoseeifthesetechniquesmightaddtothesmoothmanagingandrunningofashow.
SpendalittletimeontheInternet:www.controlbooth.comandwww.smnetwork.orgarebothgoodplacestogotofindoutwhatworksforotherStageManagers,whatproductsareavailableetc.
Thebottomlineisstill:usewhateverworksforyouanddiscardtherest.
Page 3
3
PROducTiON HiERARcHy
diREcTOR dESiGNERS(set, lights, sound, ProPs,
cOSTuMES etc)
PROducTiONMANAGER
STAGEMANAGER
lightingOPERATOR
SOuNdOPERATOR
STAGEcREW
ASMASM
PrePared by:WendyWagner,2012.CommunityTheatreProductionHierarchy
Page 4
4
the role oF the stage Manager
Servesasaconduitforinformationbycontinuallydistributingshowinformationbetween•alldepartments.Treeswillperish.
Documentsthetechnicalandartisticdetailsoftheproductionintothepromptscript.•
Prompts actors during rehearsals unless there is an assistant stage manager or other •continuitypersonavailable.
Co-ordinatestheschedulingofactors’time.•
Givescallpriortoeachperformance.•
Callstechnicalcuesduringtherunoftheshow.•
Maintains the • director’s Vision andgivesshownotesintheabsenceoftheDirector.
Givestechnicalshownotestocrewandactorswhennecessary.•
Ensuresthatnecessaryrehearsalitemsareassembled(unlessthereisaproductionprops•person).
Ensuresthatsafeandcleanconditionsexistintherehearsalhall,backstageandonstage.•
Documentstheactionofallperformancesinshowreports.•
Preservescastandcrewmorale.•
Page 5
5
Qualities oF a good stage Manager
Assumesresponsibility.•
Level-headedandeven-tempered.•
Organizedandefficient.•
Thinksaheadandanticipatestheneedsofthedirectorandactors.•
Considerateandsensitive.•
Punctualanddependable.•
Keepsmouthshut,quietlylistenswitheyesandearsopen.•
Senseofhumour.•
Page 6
6
stage ManageMent “bag of triCKs”SuggestedlistofsuppliestobekeptatalltimesintheSMDesk,RehearsalHallorGreenRoom.
general
prompt script blank paper spike tape
erasers lined paper Glo-tape
pencils holereinforcers masking tape
pencil sharpener tacks scotch tape
highlighters straight pins duct tape
scissors safetypins gaffertape
clipboard paper clips flashlights
stapler/staples handsanitizer Work light
labels kleenex batteries
rehearsal calendar Post-it notes ruler
stopwatch/timer dividers/tabs tape measure
Gluestick coloured‘flags’ elastics
WD-40 rags extension cord
First aid Kit
Aspirin/advil heat/ice packs peroxide
bandaids Polysporin scissors
antihistamine Tensor bandages tweezers
needle/thread throat lozenges
other
water jug cups garbage pail
Page 7
7
THEATRE ETiQuETTE
Beontimeforyourrehearsalandshowcalls.Bereadytoworkatthetimescheduled.•
Donottalkloudlyorcarryonbackstage.•
Donotdrinkanythingbutwaterbackstageandintheauditorium.•
Cleanupafteryourselfinallareasofthetheatre.•
Ifyouhavetoleavetherehearsalfor• anyreason,telltheStageManager.
Donotcrossinfrontoftheproductiontableduringrehearsal.•
DonotinterrupttheStageManagerwhiles/heistalkingtothedirectororthedesigners.•
Donottakefoodorcoffeeontothestageunlessitiscalledforintheplay.•
Donottalktocrewmembersorperformersbackstageduringrehearsalsorperformances•unlessitisaboutthebusinessoftheproduction.
Signinonthecallboarduponarrivalduringfinalrehearsalsandrunoftheshow.•
Donotdrinkalcoholbeforearehearsalorperformance.Savethecelebrationsforafterthe•show.
Performersshouldshowupfortechnicalrehearsalsinneutral-colouredclothing:never•wearwhite.
Aftertheperformance,changeoutofcostumeandmake-upbeforegreetingtheaudience.•Enterthelobbyfrombackstage,notthroughtheauditorium.
Page 8
8
stage Manager’s resPonsibilities & CheCKlist
a/ Pre-ProduCtion
read script:
Pleasure read
Scriptanalysis
assemble Prompt script:
ThepromptscriptistheStageManager’stool-theformalrecordoftheproduction-sometimesnick-named“TheBible”.Thisvaluabledocumentshouldalwaysbekeptinasecureplace:eitherwiththeSMorleftintheboothduringtherun.Thepromptscriptshouldbewell-organized,detailedandneatinorderforittoworkfortheSMandforothersduringtheproductionprocess.
Insertscript
Personnel contact lists
Dividersforscenes/acts
Dividersforlistsandplots
FrenchScenebreakdown(entrance/exitofnewcharacter)
Legendforblockingnotation
Markingsoundandlightcues(inpencil!)
Prepare Forms and insert into prompt script:
DailyRehearsalSheet
Scene Timing Sheet
PropertiesPre-set
Costumes Sheet
Show Reports
Sign-in Sheet
Prepare lists:
Cast List
Crew List
Character/Scenebreakdown(preliminary)
PropertiesList
Page 9
9
Prepare Plots and insert into prompt script:
Lighting(Lx)Breakdown
Sound(Sx)Breakdown
CostumeBreakdown(withpreliminary‘quickchange’info)
Scene Change Breakdown
SpecialEffects(Fx)Breakdown
Prop/Costume Preset Plot
other items:
Theatrefloorplans
Set Design drawings
SetDesignfloorplans
Costume Sketches
Other?
assemble supplies:
Stage Management Supplies
Valuables box
First Production Meeting (usually organized by Producer):
ExpectationsofSM
CopyofScripttoSMandASMs
Scriptsfordesignersandcrew(whodistributes?)
Cast Scripts
Cast/CrewLists(whocompiles?)
Floorplan/Maquette
Lock-up procedures
Biographies/Photos(whenneededandtowhomdotheygo?)
Wardrobefittingrequirementsandschedule
ConfirmCharacter/Scenebreakdown
Date/Time/Locationforfirstrehearsal
RehearsalSchedule(whoprepares?)
Page 10
10
First Production Meeting (cont.):
FinalizeMasterProductionSchedule(rehearsals,setload-in,sound&lightload-in,costume parade,publicityphotos,levelsetting,Q-2-Q,techrehearsals,dressrehearsalsetc.)
Script changes
Rehearsalprops/furnishings
Promptingstyle
Dateactors“offbook”
Lx and Sx cues called during rehearsal?
Nextmeeting?
Prepare schedules and insert into prompt script:
Masterproductioncalendar(usuallypreparedbyProducerand/orDirector)
FirstDaySchedule
WeeklyRehearsalSchedule(fittings,meetings,photosetc)
PerformanceSchedule
auditions (usually scheduled by director and/or Producer):
Confirmauditionspace,date,time
Auditionprocedure(grouporindividual?)
Whonotifiesauditioners?
Greetauditioners
Assistwiththeorganizationandrunningofauditions
rehearsal hall:
Tapeoutfloorplanofset(usuallydonebysetdesigner)
Setoutproductiontableandchairs
Props table
Maquette,Drawingsforshow&tell
Rackforrehearsalcostumes
Setuprehearsalprops/furniture
Soundsystem(ifnecessary)
Coffeearea
Cleanliness
Garbagepails
Boxesorstorageforprops
Page 11
11
rehearsal hall (cont.)
First Aid Kit
EmergencyExits/procedures
RehearsalHallpolicies(nosmoking,dryindoorshoes,cleanupafteryourselfetc)
Lock-up procedures
Prepare information packages for cast and crew:
Script
Rehearsal Schedule
MasterProductionCalendar
Cast/Crew List
Callcast(date,time,locationoffirstrehearsal)<Directorusuallymakesthiscall.
**Gooverthescriptandyourliststimeandtimeagain!Itisessentialthatyouareconfidentandknowl-edgeableatthefirstrehearsalandinsubsequentweeks.
Page 12
12
b/ rehearsals
Duringthisstage,theSM’sattentionshouldbegiveninthefollowingorder:Director,Actors,Producer.Thedesignteamandheadsoftechnicaldepartmentsareyourconcernonlywhenitcomestopassingoninformationthatcomesoutofrehearsalsormeetingswhichaffectsthem.
the director:YouaretheretomaketheDirector’sjobeasierandtoservehis/hervisionoftheshow.Alwaysbesensitivetohis/herneedsandtakecontiualnotesofyourDirector’squestions,statements,comments,changes,dreams,hairbrainedideas...HelpyourDirectortoorganizehistimeandpayattentiontogooduseofanactor’stime(letDirectorknowifyouthinkthatactorisdonefortheevening).YouaretheretoberesponsibleforthetechnicalaspectsoftheproductionallowingtheDirectortofocusontheartisticside.Remember-youarenottheDirector.However,itisuptoyoutounderstandthereasonsforforthedirectionsothatyoucanassisttheactorsaftertheopeningoftheshow.
KeepinmindthatinprofessionaltheatretheDirectorleavesafteropeningnightanditisuptotheSMtomaintaintheDirector’svisionandtheintegrityoftheshow.
the actors: Listentothemactivelyandcompassionately.Beawareoftheirneedsbothprofessional(theirpreferredmethodforprompts,howtheyliketheirpropsset,problemswithcostumesetc)andpersonal(aretheysick,didtheyhaveabaddayetc).Donotattempttodirectthembecauseyoumightconfusethemanditisnotyourjob.Iftheyseekyouradvice,keepwithintheDirector’svision.Treatyourcastmemberswiththerespecttheydeserve.Betactful,supportiveandcaring.
the Producer:Thispersonisyourlinktotherestofthecrew.ItisessentialthatyoumaintainclearcommunicationwiththeProducerandthatinformationflowsinbothdirections.Youshouldpassonall“politicalproblems”tohim/herwithoutemotionortakingsides.Letthemdotheirjob.
the stage Manager in rehearsal:You,theSM,canbestservetheplaybykeepingthebroadestandmostobjectiveviewoftheproductionandthepeopleinvolved.Donotmake“executivedecisions”.YouaretheretogatherinformationandtopassthatinformationthroughthecorrectchannelsbeittheDirector,Producer,and/orDesigners.Makecontinuousnotesofproblemsandchangesandalwayskeepapersonal“to-dolist”.Staytranquilandsereneevenwhenitischaosaroundyou.Ifyouhavetoloseyourcool,do it in private!Remember,youhavetobeseenas“thecalmintheeyeofthestorm...”
Page 13
13
b1/ First rehearsal or REAd THROuGH
TheSMhelpswiththeflowofrehearsalbyalwaysbeingprepared,keepingeveryoneonschedule,andthinkingahead.TheSMmaintainsrehearsaldisciplinewithdiplomacyandfirmness-alwaysusetheword“please”beforecallingforquietandlearntodeveloplungcapacityandprojectioninthecaseoflarge,noisycasts.
Meetcastandintroductions
Double-checkaccuracyofnamesandcontactinfo
Askforalternatetelephonenumbersincaseofemergency
Ask actors to check in and out with SM or ASM
Remindactorsthatitistheirresponsibilitytocheckrehearsalcalendar
Tourtheatre(fornewmembers)
Distributeinformationpackages(rehearsalschedule,mastercalendar,contactlists)
Distribute scripts
Discussrehearsalscheduleandnoteanyabsences,conflicts,specialissues
Explanationoffloorplan/setdesign/maquette
Director’s notes
Script changes
Promptingstyle
Breaks
Programrequirements(deadlineforbios,photos)
Bringfirstdaygoodies(ifdesired)
Commencereadthroughandtimeit
Page 14
14
b2/general rehearsal resPonsibilities(someofthesedutiesmaybedelegatedtoASM)
Checkingattendanceandcallingactorswhenlate.•
Blockingnotesusingshort-handandsmalldiagramswherenecessary.•
Callingsoundcues(“dingdong”,“ring,ring”,“knock,knock”,“bang”etc)•
Callinglightingcues(“blackout”,“lightsup”,“lightningflash”etc)•
Dailyrecordinganddistributionofrehearsalnotes.Thesenotesare• vitalforthenecessarycommunicationbetweendepartmentstohappeneffectively.Passalonginformationandchangesinclear,concisewordingandwithdiplomacy.
Scene,scenechangeandquickchangetimings.•
Pre-setandtravelpatternsofprops,furnitureandcostumes.•
Spikingofsetpiecesandactors’marks.•
Documentingscriptchanges.•
Beingconsciousofbestuseofactors’time.Ex.Ifyounoticethattheactor’sscenesareover,askthe•Directorifthatpersonmaybereleasedfortheevening.
Dailyandweeklyrehearsalcallsand/orchangestotheschedule(inconsultationwiththeDirector).•
Solvingproblemsandkeepingtherehearsalrunningsmoothlyandontime.•
Page 15
15
c/ TEcH WEEK(orwhenrehearsalsmovetotheauditorium)
TheTechWeekisthebusiest,mostcreativeandmoststressfultimefortheSM.Thisisaverysensitivetimefortheproduction,andyoumuststayevenclosertoyourDirector,castandcrew.Atthisstageoftheproduction,linepromptingshouldnolongerbenecessary.
Theoverallscheduleshouldeffectivelyusestagetimethatisdividedthusly:
actor time:Notechnicalelements.Directorandcastworkonplaywithouttechconstraints. Allowsactorstogetusetothestage.
tech time: Allowsforlightingandsoundlevelsetsandtouch-ups.
Final time: IncludesQ2Q,TechandDressRehearsals.
C1/ sM’s prep work before allowing company on set:(donewithASMsandstagecrew)
Organizetransportationofallmaterials(props,furnishingsetc)fromrehearsalhallto auditorium.Userehearsalpiecesifperformancepiecesaren’tcomplete.
EnsurethatTechCrew/TechDirectorhascompletedload-in.
Spikefurnitureandaudiencesightlines.
Distributepreliminarybackstagerunningcues(assumingASMshavenotalready donethisontheirown).
Createscenechangeboards(what,where,when,who).
Createcostumechangeboards(what,where,when,actor,dresser)
Ensurethatalllists,plots,pre-setsandcuesheetsareaccurateandup-to-date.
Remindeveryoneofemergencyproceduresandpolicies.
Retainresponsibilitiesinfrontofstage(callingcues,givingtechnotes,liaisonwith FOHetc.).
DelegatebackstagedutiestoASMs(propandsetentrancesandexits,scenechanges, quickcostumechangesetc.).
on stage safety check:
Platformsandrisersfirmlyinplace.
Staircasesabove3’highhavehandrailsinplace.
Glo-tapewhereabsolutelynecessary.(handrails,cornersoffurniture,edgeofstage)
Page 16
16
C2/ asMs prep work:(donewithSMandstagecrew)
Makesurewingsareclean.
Safetycheck.
Tapedowncarpetforcrossoversandpacing.
Checkoperationofallwork,flashand“blue”lights.
Tapecables(ifnotalreadydonebytechcrew).
Glo-tapewhereapplicablebutbe frugal-thesetshouldn’tlooklikeanairportrunway!
Firstaidkit.
SewingKitand/orsafetypins.
Broom,mop,dustpan.
Propstables(mappedoutandassignpropstoparticularplaces).
Headsets
ASMspromptbooks.
Costumechangeareas.
Waterandcups.
Kleenex
Chairs
Garbagepail
Set up green room (or delegate to green room personnel):
Cleanandcheerful.
Providefoodandbeveragesduringperformances.
C3/ First rehearsal on set:
Acquaintcastwithset(specialfeatures,doors,windows,operationofmovingpieces)
Showcastbackstageandquickchangeareas
Collectvaluablesinboxandlockaway.Evenbetter-askthecasttoleavetheirvalu ablesathome!Valuablesarereturnedatendofrehearsalorshow.
C4/ Prep for remainder of tech Week:
Topofshowandintermissionpre-sets(pre-showmusic,curtainwarmer)
Postsign-insheet.
Remindcastnottoeatordrinkincostume.
Smokingshouldbedoneoutsidebeforeoraftertheshow.
Page 17
17
DelegatedutiesandgooverprocedureswithASMs
LiaisewithFOHregardingemergencyprocedures,curtaintime,timingofeachact, holdingofshowduetoweatherorotherinterruption.
Checkallheadsets.Returnbatteriestochargerwhennotinuse.
Callmeetingwithrunningcrewtodiscussshowpoliciesandheadsetetiquette.Itis theSM’sresponsibilitytokeepheadsetchattertoaminimum.
ensure cue sheet lists are accurate and up-to-date:
Props
Costumes
Scene Changes
Lights
Sound
SpecialEffects
C5/ level set:
Recordlightcues,cuenumber,effect(DSarea,specialetc),count(howlongcuelasts), operation(howquicklythecueoccurs-Xfade,snapblacketc)
Recordsoundcues(asabove).
Rewritecuesneatly.
Writeinstand-bys.
C6/ Costume Parade:
Ensurethacastareontime.
Recordchangesfromdirectoranddesigner(thismaybedelegatedtoASMorcostumedesign assistant).
Noteanyissueswithlights(“Ohno,theredlightmakesthisgreencostumeturnbrown!”)
C7/ scene Change rehearsal:
Callrequiredcastandcrewmembers.
Ensurethatallpropsandsetpiecesareready.
Runscenechangeswithlightson.
Runscenechangeswithshowlighting.
Timescenechanges.Theyshouldallbeunder30secondsmax.
Page 18
18
d/ Cue-to-Cue (Q2Q):
TheSMusuallymovestotheboothasofthisrehearsal.Thisiswhenalltechnicalelementsoftheshowcometogether(oftenforthefirsttime,thoughit’spossiblethatyoumayhavehadrudimentarysoundeffectsorgenerallightingbeforenow).Theemphasisisonthetransitionfromone“state”tothenextandincludestheactors’participation.TheQ2QisfortheStageManagerandthecrewtoworkoutthespecifictimingsanddetailsofhowtheshowisgoingtobeexecutedtechnically.Cuesequencesmayberepeatedseveraltimesuntilcorrect.Thisisalsothetimefortheactorstobecomeusedtoenteringandexitinginblackout.
Acquaintactorswithspotsandspecials.Spikethesefortheactors.
ExplainQ2Qprocedurewithcastandcrewbeforebeginning.
CommenceQ2Q.
running the Q2Q: Foreverycue,theSMshouldgiveastandbyapproximately10-15secondsinadvanceofwhenthecueshouldhappen.Actorstandbysshouldbegivenwithatminimumaone-pagewarning(2pagesisbetteriftheactorsonstageskipdialogue!).Forcomplexcuesorcuesgiveninrapidsequence,standbymaybegivenearliertoallowtheoperatoraddedtimetoprepare.
Example:
SM:StandbyLightcues10,11,12.Soundcue5.Scenechange3stageright.
LX:StandingbyLights10through12.
SX:StandingbySound5.
ASM:StandingbyScenechange3stageright.
(actors’ dialogue)
SM: Lights10...GO
Lights11andSound5...GO.
Lights12...GO.
SceneChange3...GO.
TheSMwillcallthecuesfortheshowuntiltherehearsalbogsdowntechnically.TheSMstopstheactionand asks the cast to wait while the tech details are worked out and then the cast will be asked to repeat theactionuntilthecuesarerunningsmoothly.
Therehearsalcontinuesuntilapointisreachedwheretherearenocuesforseveralpages(beawareoflongrunningcuesorquickchangesthatmaybehappeningbackstage-thesestillcountas“cuesinprogress”).TheSMwillaskthecasttostopandanewstartingpoint,positionsoftheactorsandnewlinewillbeannouncedusuallyafewlinesbeforethenextstandby.TheSMwillaskthecasttocontinuewiththeactionandwillresumecallingcuesuntilthenextsetofproblems,whenanotherhaltwillbecalleduntiltheproblemissolved.
Thisisusuallyalongandtediousrehearsalfromtheactors’pointofview.Continuetobepolite,thankingthemfortheirpatience.Aboveall,remaincalmandefficientandremembertokeepthingsmovingasmuchaspossible.
Itisstrongly advisedthattheSMpreparethepromptscriptaheadoftimewithstartandstoptabssothatnotimeiswastedfindingthenextspottocontinue.
Page 19
19
Aftertherehearsal:
GettechnotesfromtheDirector.
Giveand/orcommunicateDirector’snotestotechcrew.
GiveSMnotestotechcrewandcast.
Thankeveryonefortheirpatienceandcontributions.
Remindcastandcrewofcalltimes.
Readjustcuesandstandbysinthepromptbookasnecessary.
e/ technical rehearsal (first dress):
Thisistherehearsalwhere(hopefully)everythingcomestogether-scenechanges,lights,sound,specialeffects,costumesetc.Makechecklistsforeverything!
Nolinepromptingshouldbeneeded.ActorstaketheentrancecuesfromASMs.ASMsgetusedtodealingwiththebackstageflow.TheSMdealswithcallingtheshowandtheASMstakefullresponsibilityfortheactorsandtheir‘stuff’.
StopsintheactionarecalledbytheSMonlyifthereisatechnicalissue.TheDirectorneedstoberemindedthatthisisarehearsalprimarilyforthecrewwitheveryeffortmadetohaveaflawlessrehearsal.
Thisprocesscanbestop/startorsometimesastraightrun-thru,inwhichtechnicaleffectsandactingarefurtherintegratedtosmoothoutanyglitchesandre-establishthepaceoftheproduction.Adjustmentsinallareasmayneedtobemade.
F/ Final dress rehearsal/Preview:
Proceedasifitwasafullpublicperformance.Nostopsintheactionunlessadireemergencyoccurs.Fullcostume,make-up,propsetc.Treattheserehearsalsasactualperformances.
Page 20
20
g/ PerForManCe run
90 minutes prior to curtain time: (orsoonerdependinguponrequirementsoftheshow)
Checkattendanceandcalllatecast/crewmembers.
LampCheck(LightingoperatorwilldothisandcheckinwithSMwhendone).
SoundCheck(SoundoperatorwilldothisandcheckinwithSMwhendone).
Headsetandpagingcheck.
Stagesweptand/ormopped.
SynchronizewatcheswithASMsandFOH.
60 minutes prior to curtain time:
Checkattendanceandcallanyremaininglatecomers.
Onstagepresets(props,costumes,furniture).
Backstagepresets(props,costumes,furniture).
Casttoldtocheckstageandprops/costumes.
Giveactorsand/orcrewanynotesfrompreviousshowbutonlyiftherewasamajorissue.
30 minutes prior to curtain time:
Give1/2hr.calltocastandcrew.
Curtainwarmerup.(LXpreset)
Preshowmusicup.(SXpreset)
Finalcheckonstage.
Informcastandcrewthat“stageisclosed”.
20 minutes prior to curtain time:
Housedoorsopen.(FOHdoesthis)
15 minutes prior to curtain time:
Give15minutecalltocastandcrew.
Collectvaluables.
10 minutes prior to curtain time:
CheckFOHtoensureaudienceisflowingwell;noissuesthatmightdelaythestarttime.
Crewonheadset.
Page 21
21
5 minutes prior to curtain time:
Give5minutecalltocastandcrew.
Headtobooth.Crewtopositions.
Checkthatcommlinesareopen.AllcrewcheckinwithSM.
3 minutes prior to curtain time:
Call“beginners”togetactorstotheirpositions.
Curtain time:
Housedoorsclose.
“BeginnersPleaseStandby”.
Crewstandbys.
Callopeningsetofcuesandstartstopwatch....
during show:
MaintainDirector’svision.
Callcues.
Recordtimingsofscenesandacts.(seeshowreport)
Recordanyproblemsthatoccur.(seeshowreport)
Beawareofcastandcrewmoraleandintercedewhennecessary.
intermission:
Give15minutewarningtocastandcrew.
Resetonstageandbackstagefornextactifnecessary.
Give5minutecalltocastandcrew.
Headtobooth.
“BeginnersPleaseStandby”.
Crewonheadsetscheckin.
Crewstandbysandawayyougoagain...
Post show:
Givecalltimeforfollowingday.
Resetforbeginningofshow.
Valuablesreturned.
Cleanupandlockup.
Page 22
22
H/ STRiKE
Ensurethatbooth,stageandbackstageareasarecleanandallitemshavebeenputaway.
Headsetsshouldbestoredintheboothwiththeirbatteriesinthecharger.
Producer(orinsomecasestheSM)isresponsibleforco-ordinatingadutyroster.
Makesurethatthefacilityiscleanandtidyforthenextproduction.
WrittenbyMichelineChevrierandMarilynLawrie,withacknowledgementsto:TiggerJourard,JanetKennedy,DebraMcKay,JohnRaymond,BrianScott,DavidL.SmithandNicoletteTheroux.
SheridanCollegeTechnicalProductionHandbook;YorkUniversityProductionManual;StageManagementWithoutTears,RonDavies;TheBackStageGuidetoStageManagement,ThomasA.Kelly;StageManagement,LawrenceStern.
EditedandadaptedforCommunityTheatreusebyWendyWagner,Kanata,2012.
Page 23
23
sCriPt analysisReadthescript.Ifyouenjoyit,considerbecomingtheStageManager.Ifyoudon’tenjoyitthenitmightbebesttowaituntilabetter,morecompellingscriptcomesalongbecausespendinguptothreemonthsoftimeworkingashowyoudon’tenjoyisarealchore.
Ifyouenjoythescript,readitasecondtime.However,thistimeyouwillwanttomakenotessohaveapenandsomepaperhandy(oruseyourlaptoportablet).
Readthetextwithaneyeforthefollowingitems(itmaybenecessarytoreadthescriptseveraltimes):
lightingcues-Hastheplaywrightmentionedthetimeofday?Isitaninteriororexteriorscene?Isthere•alightsourcementionedinthesetdescription(wallsconce,window,glowingtvscreen)?
soundcues-Doesthetelephonering?Isthereaknockatthedoor?Canwehearbirdsorarainstorm?•
setdesign-Arethereanymovingpartstotheset?Howmanydoors(entrances/exits)arethere?•
costumes-Aretheactorswearingthesamecostumesfortheentireshoworaretherechangestobe•made?Howmuchtimeistherebetweenchanges?
properties/furnishings-Makelistsofallpropsandfurnitureneededfortheplay.Beawarethatthislist•willchangeoncethedirectorstartstherehearsalprocessbutatleastyouhavesomeplacetostart.
specialeffects-Doestheplaycallforhaze?Doessomeonehavetodisappear?Doessomethinghaveto•appear to explode?
specialconsiderations-Doesanythinghaveto“fly”?Issomeoneusingawheelchair?•
actors’entrancesandexits(FrenchScene)•
how to “French scene” a script:
StartbyusingaCharacterSceneBreakdownchartforeachcharacter.•
Note on which page the actor enters and whether that entrance takes place near the • Top,Middle or Bottomofthepage.
Note on which page the actor exits and note • T,M,orB.
example: (usetheCharacterSceneBreakdownchart)
Actor:WendyWagner Role:StellaMay
Page2M-enters(ENT)
Page8B-exits(EX)
Page27T-enters
Page 53T - exits
Page 24
24
STAGE SHORTHANd
uSR uc usl
SR c sl
dSR dc dsl
AudiENcE
SR = Stage Right
U = Up
D = Down
SL=StageLeft
C = Centre Stage
X=Cross(ie:XSL=CrosstoStageLeft)
ENT = Entrance
EX=Exit
LX=Lights
SX=Sound
SFX=SpecialEffect
Itishelpful,whenmakingblockingnotes,tousetheaboveshorthandorsomethingsimilarthatmakessensetoyouandyourstagemanagementteam.
Page 25
25
THE ASSiSTANT STAGE MANAGERQualities of a good asM:
Diligence•
Tact•
Punctuality•
Reliability•
DoestheStageManagerneedmorethanoneASM?Thatdependsontheproductionanditsneeds.Iftheshowisalargecastmusicalortherearemultipleentrances,exits,movingsetpiecesetcthenyou’llneedatleasttwoASMs.TheneedforextraASMsalsodependsuponwhethertheStageManageriscallingtheshowfromthewingsorfromthebooth.
Remember,thatiftheSMdelegatescertainareasofresponsibilitytoanASM,thisdoesnotmeanthattheSMisrelinquishingfullauthorityforthatarea.BesuretocommunicatewithyourSMconstantly.
some duties that may be assigned to the asM during the rehearsal period:
Checkattendanceandcallactorswhenlate.•
Blockingnotesusingshort-handandsmalldiagramswherenecessary.•
Callsoundcues(“dingdong”,“ring,ring”,“knock,knock”,“bang”etc)•
Scene,scenechangeandquickchangetimings.•
Pre-setandtravelpatternsofprops,furnitureandcostumes.•
Documentscriptchanges.•
Collectandreturncastvaluables.•
duties during performance:
Sweepand/ormopstagepriortoeachshow.•
Keepwingsclean,tidyandinorder.•
RespondtoSMwarnings,standbysandcues.•
CommunicateanyissuestoSM.•
Assiststagecrewwithsceneandpropschanges.•
Assistdressersand/oractorswithcostumechanges.•
Handpropstoactorsorcatchthemfromtheactorass/hegoesby.•
Maintainbackstagemorale.•
Page 26
26
HEAdSET ETiQuETTEIfyouareonheadset,thereisacorrectmethodofrespondingtocalls.Wheneverpossible,theStageManagerwillgiveawarning(orstand-by)onacue.Yourespondbysaying“standingbylights12”,“standingbysound24”,or“standingbyscenechangestageleft”depending,ofcourse,onwhatyouaredoing.
Ifyoudon’tknowwhatyouaredoing,telltheStageManagerNOW.S/hewillwanttostartarrangingforacontingencyplanorforyourfuneral,whichevercomesfirst…
Afterastand-bycue,youusuallyhavejustenoughtimetoflexyourfingersandplacethemontheswitch,fader,rope,orsetpiece.
TheStageManagerwillthensay,forexample,“lights25...GO”,Ontheword“GO”,runyourcue.Doitimmediately,evenifyouthinktheStageManageriswrong.Itisbetterforonepersontomakeamistakethanforeveryonetobeoutofsync.Besides,theStageManagerisprobablyright!
Ifitdoesn’tdisturbyourconcentration,youmayrespondtothecuewhenthecueiscompleted.Theresponsecanbe“lights25complete”,orsimply“complete”or“gone”.
Ifthecuesarecomingthickandfast,reduceyourresponsestostandbystooneword(ie“lights”,“sound”)tocleartheairformoreimportantcommunication.
Thesearetheonlythingsyoushouldsayonheadset.Whenawarningorstandbyhasbeengiventosomeoneelse,donotsayaword.Yourchattermayhindersomeonefromhearingtheircueandyouwillthenhavetwopeopleplanningyourdemise.
Therulesareverysimple:Listenforyourcue•Respond•Keepyourmouthshut•
Page 27
27
reFerenCe booKs
stage Management
CAEA&PACT.Canadian Theatre Agreement.Toronto:CanadianActors’EquityAssociationandtheProfessionalAssociationofCanadianTheatres,1993.
Carter,Paul.Backstage Forms.NewYork:BroadwayPress,1990.
Davies,Ron,forTheatreOntario.Stage Management Without Tears.Toronto:TheatreOntario,1977.
Kelly,ThomasA.TheBackstageGuidetoStageManagement:3rdEdition.NewYork:Watson-GuptillPublications,2009.
Stern,Lawrence.Stage Management.Boston:AllynandBacon,1992.
Page 28
28
PROducTiON cONTAcT SHEETnaMe oF ProduCtion:PerForManCe dates:
POSiTiON NAME PHONE e-Mail
MA
NA
GEM
ENT
DirectorAssistant DirectorProducerAssistant ProducerStage ManagerAssistant SMAssistant SM
dES
iGN
ERS
Set LightingSoundCostumesPropertiesFurnishings
Pro
du
Cti
on
Per
son
nel
Construction
SetPainting
Set Décor
Seamstress
Dresser
Make Up
HairStyling
Continuity
GreenRoom
HouseManager
Page 29
29
AcTOR cONTAcT SHEETnaMe oF ProduCtion:PerForManCe dates:
POSiTiON NAME PHONE e-Mail
MA
NA
GEM
ENT
DirectorAssistant DirectorProducerAssistant ProducerStage ManagerAssistant SMAssistant SM
AcT
OR
S
Page 30
30
SOuNd BREAKdOWNProduCtion: Page ____ oF ____
direCtor:
PerForManCe dates:
sound designer:
cuE PAGE length leVel SPEEd dEScRiPTiON cuE WORd
Page 31
31
lighting breaKdoWnProduCtion: Page ____ oF ____
direCtor:
PerForManCe dates:
lighting designer:
cuE PAGE dEScRiPTiON dialogue Word(s)/Visual
Page 32
32
cOSTuME BREAKdOWNProduCtion: Page ____ oF ____
direCtor:
PerForManCe dates:
CostuMe designer:
aCtor: CharaCter:
ScENEno.
cOSTuME HAT jeWelry AccESSORiES SHOES OuTERWEAR
Page 33
33
ProPerty listProduCtion: Page ____ oF ____
direCtor:
PerForManCe dates:
ProPerty designer:
Propnumber
description act/scene/Page no.
notes
Page 34
34
rehearsal notesProduCtion:
direCtor:
date:
start tiMe: end tiMe:
rehearsal detained by:
Personnel late or absent:
sCenes CoVered: Run through: aCt i aCt 2 aCt 3
aCtors:
sound: lights:
CostuMes: ProPerties:
set:
other:
Page 35
35
sCene tiMing ForMProduCtion:
direCtor:
date:
ScENE TiME uP TiME dOWN
total ScENE TiME uP TiME dOWN
total
aCt one total aCt tWo total
Page 36
36
CoMPany sign-inProduCtion:
direCtor:
NAMEd
ATE
Page 37
37
SHOW REPORTProduCtion:
direCtor:
date:
TiMiNG AcT 1 int. AcT 2 int. AcT 3 totals
uP
dOWN
total
AcTORS SET
lights SOuNd
cOSTuMES PROPS
MisCellaneous
Page 38
38
daily CheCKlistProduCtion:
direCtor:
date:
diREcTOR AcTORS SET
lights SOuNd cOSTuMES
PROPERTiES STAGE MANAGEMENT OTHER
Page 39
39
daily rehearsal sCheduleProduCtion:
direCtor:
date:
rehearsal
reQuired Personnel
other (CostuMe Fittings, Photos/PubliCity, Meetings etc.)
Page 40
40
cHA
RA
cTER ScEN
E BR
EAK
dO
WN
Pro
du
Ctio
n:
dir
eCtor
: d
ate: Pa
ge ____ o
F ____
aC
tor
:
ro
le:
12
34
56
78
910
1112
1314
1516
1718
1920
2122
2324
25
2627
2829
3031
3233
3435
3637
3839
4041
4243
4445
4647
4849
50
5152
5354
5556
5758
5960
6162
6364
6566
6768
6970
7172
7374
75
7677
7879
8081
8283
8485
8687
8889
9091
9293
9495
9697
9899
aC
tor
:
ro
le:
12
34
56
78
910
1112
1314
1516
1718
1920
2122
2324
25
2627
2829
3031
3233
3435
3637
3839
4041
4243
4445
4647
4849
50
5152
5354
5556
5758
5960
6162
6364
6566
6768
6970
7172
7374
75
7677
7879
8081
8283
8485
8687
8889
9091
9293
9495
9697
9899