STAGE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP - The Rural Root · PDF file1 STAGE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP • Workshop Overview • Stage Management Overview • Production Hierarchy and the Stage Manager

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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

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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.

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PROducTiON HiERARcHy

diREcTOR dESiGNERS(set, lights, sound, ProPs,

cOSTuMES etc)

PROducTiONMANAGER

STAGEMANAGER

lightingOPERATOR

SOuNdOPERATOR

STAGEcREW

ASMASM

PrePared by:WendyWagner,2012.CommunityTheatreProductionHierarchy

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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.•

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Qualities oF a good stage Manager

Assumesresponsibility.•

Level-headedandeven-tempered.•

Organizedandefficient.•

Thinksaheadandanticipatestheneedsofthedirectorandactors.•

Considerateandsensitive.•

Punctualanddependable.•

Keepsmouthshut,quietlylistenswitheyesandearsopen.•

Senseofhumour.•

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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

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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.

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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

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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?)

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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

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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.

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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...”

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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

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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.•

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


Give1/2hr.calltocastandcrew.

Curtainwarmerup.(LXpreset)

Preshowmusicup.(SXpreset)

Finalcheckonstage.

Informcastandcrewthat“stageisclosed”.


Housedoorsopen.(FOHdoesthis)


Give15minutecalltocastandcrew.

Collectvaluables.


CheckFOHtoensureaudienceisflowingwell;noissuesthatmightdelaythestarttime.

Crewonheadset.

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Headtobooth.Crewtopositions.

Checkthatcommlinesareopen.AllcrewcheckinwithSM.


Call“beginners”togetactorstotheirpositions.

Curtain time:

Housedoorsclose.

“BeginnersPleaseStandby”.

Crewstandbys.

Callopeningsetofcuesandstartstopwatch....

during show:

MaintainDirector’svision.

Callcues.

Recordtimingsofscenesandacts.(seeshowreport)

Recordanyproblemsthatoccur.(seeshowreport)

Beawareofcastandcrewmoraleandintercedewhennecessary.

intermission:

Give15minutewarningtocastandcrew.

Resetonstageandbackstagefornextactifnecessary.


Headtobooth.

“BeginnersPleaseStandby”.

Crewonheadsetscheckin.

Crewstandbysandawayyougoagain...

Post show:

Givecalltimeforfollowingday.

Resetforbeginningofshow.

Valuablesreturned.

Cleanupandlockup.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.•

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•

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.

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

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

30

SOuNd BREAKdOWNProduCtion: Page ____ oF ____

direCtor:

PerForManCe dates:

sound designer:

cuE PAGE length leVel SPEEd dEScRiPTiON cuE WORd

31

lighting breaKdoWnProduCtion: Page ____ oF ____

direCtor:

PerForManCe dates:

lighting designer:

cuE PAGE dEScRiPTiON dialogue Word(s)/Visual

32

cOSTuME BREAKdOWNProduCtion: Page ____ oF ____

direCtor:

PerForManCe dates:

CostuMe designer:

aCtor: CharaCter:

ScENEno.

cOSTuME HAT jeWelry AccESSORiES SHOES OuTERWEAR

33

ProPerty listProduCtion: Page ____ oF ____

direCtor:

PerForManCe dates:

ProPerty designer:

Propnumber

description act/scene/Page no.

notes

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:

35

sCene tiMing ForMProduCtion:

direCtor:

date:

ScENE TiME uP TiME dOWN

total ScENE TiME uP TiME dOWN

total

aCt one total aCt tWo total

36

CoMPany sign-inProduCtion:

direCtor:

NAMEd

ATE

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

38

daily CheCKlistProduCtion:

direCtor:

date:

diREcTOR AcTORS SET

lights SOuNd cOSTuMES

PROPERTiES STAGE MANAGEMENT OTHER

39

daily rehearsal sCheduleProduCtion:

direCtor:

date:

rehearsal

reQuired Personnel

other (CostuMe Fittings, Photos/PubliCity, Meetings etc.)

40

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910

1112

1314

1516

1718

1920

2122

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3031

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3435

3637

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4041

4243

4445

4647

4849

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