🎭Stage Management Unit 1 – Introduction to Stage Management

What's Stage Management?

• Stage management involves overseeing all aspects of a theatrical production from pre-production through the final performance
• Serves as the primary communication hub between the creative team, technical crew, and cast to ensure a smooth and efficient production process
• Coordinates and facilitates rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances while maintaining the artistic vision of the director
• Manages the logistical aspects of a production including scheduling, resource allocation, and problem-solving
• Ensures the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in the production by enforcing proper protocols and procedures
• Creates and maintains essential documentation such as prompt books, rehearsal reports, and performance reports to track the progress and changes throughout the production
• Collaborates closely with the director, designers, and production team to bring the script to life on stage while adhering to budgetary and time constraints

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• The stage manager is responsible for creating and distributing daily rehearsal schedules and performance calendars
• Attends all rehearsals, production meetings, and performances to ensure continuity and consistency throughout the production process
• Manages the rehearsal space and maintains a productive and professional environment for the cast and creative team
• Takes detailed notes during rehearsals and meetings to document blocking, technical cues, and other important information
• Coordinates with the props master to ensure all necessary props are available, properly maintained, and set for each scene
• Serves as a liaison between the director and the technical crew to communicate any changes or adjustments to the production elements
• Calls cues during technical rehearsals and performances, including lighting, sound, and set changes, to ensure smooth transitions and precise timing
• Maintains the artistic integrity of the production by ensuring that all elements remain consistent with the director's vision throughout the run of the show

Essential Tools and Documents

• The prompt book is the stage manager's master copy of the script containing all blocking, technical cues, and other essential information
  • Serves as a comprehensive reference guide for the entire production team
  • Includes detailed notation of entrances, exits, prop usage, and scene changes
• Rehearsal reports are daily summaries of the progress made during each rehearsal, including notes from the director, choreographer, and music director
  • Distributed to the production team to keep everyone informed of updates and changes
  • Helps track the development of the production and identify areas that may require additional attention
• Performance reports document the details of each performance, including any technical issues, actor substitutions, or audience feedback
  • Used to analyze the overall success of the production and make necessary adjustments for future performances
• Contact sheets provide essential information for all members of the production team, including phone numbers, email addresses, and emergency contacts
• The stage manager's kit includes various supplies such as tape, scissors, flashlights, and first aid items to address any unexpected needs during rehearsals or performances

Pre-Production Process

• The pre-production process begins with a thorough reading and analysis of the script to identify key elements, themes, and potential challenges
• Collaborates with the director and production team to establish a clear vision and concept for the production
• Participates in preliminary design meetings to discuss set, lighting, sound, and costume designs and how they will integrate with the overall production
• Creates a detailed production calendar outlining key dates for auditions, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances
• Organizes and facilitates auditions, including preparing audition materials, managing the audition schedule, and assisting with the casting process
• Conducts a first read-through of the script with the cast to establish a foundation for the rehearsal process and address any initial questions or concerns
• Assists in securing rehearsal spaces and coordinating schedules with the cast and creative team

Rehearsal Period Basics

• The rehearsal period is a crucial time for the stage manager to establish a positive and productive working environment for the cast and creative team
• Manages the rehearsal schedule, ensuring that all necessary personnel are present and that rehearsals start and end on time
• Records blocking, choreography, and other important staging elements in the prompt book for reference and consistency
• Facilitates communication between the director, cast, and production team to address any questions, concerns, or changes that arise during the rehearsal process
• Monitors the progress of the production and identifies areas that may require additional rehearsal time or attention
  • Works with the director to adjust the rehearsal schedule as needed to ensure the production remains on track
• Coordinates with the technical crew to integrate technical elements, such as lighting and sound cues, into the rehearsal process
• Maintains an organized and well-stocked rehearsal space, including props, furniture, and other necessary items

Tech Week Survival Guide

• Tech week is the final stage of the rehearsal process, where all technical elements are integrated into the production
• The stage manager plays a critical role in coordinating the various technical departments and ensuring a smooth transition into the performance phase
• Creates a detailed tech week schedule, including technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and preview performances
• Collaborates with the technical director and crew to establish and refine lighting, sound, and set change cues
• Conducts paper tech sessions to review and finalize all technical cues before integrating them into the rehearsal process
• Manages the backstage area during technical rehearsals and performances, ensuring that all cast and crew members are in place and prepared for their cues
• Maintains a calm and focused demeanor during high-pressure situations, serving as a stabilizing force for the cast and crew
• Addresses any technical issues or challenges that arise during tech week, working with the appropriate departments to find solutions quickly and efficiently

Show Time: Running the Performance

• During performances, the stage manager is responsible for calling all technical cues and ensuring the smooth execution of the production
• Arrives at the theater well in advance of each performance to complete a pre-show checklist, including verifying prop and set placement, checking technical systems, and communicating with the cast and crew
• Manages the backstage area, ensuring that all cast and crew members are in place and prepared for their entrances and cues
• Calls the show from the prompt book, using clear and precise language to communicate with the technical crew
  • Maintains constant communication with the lighting, sound, and set crews via headset to ensure accurate and timely execution of cues
• Monitors the performance for any issues or deviations from the established plan, making quick decisions and adjustments as necessary to maintain the integrity of the production
• Handles any emergency situations that may arise during the performance, such as medical emergencies or technical malfunctions, following established protocols and procedures
• Conducts a post-show check-in with the cast and crew to address any notes or concerns and prepare for the next performance

Wrapping Up: Post-Show Duties

• After the final performance, the stage manager oversees the strike process, ensuring that all elements of the production are safely and efficiently removed from the theater
• Coordinates with the technical crew to create a strike schedule and assign specific tasks to cast and crew members
• Ensures that all rented or borrowed equipment is returned in good condition and in a timely manner
• Organizes and archives all production documents, including the prompt book, rehearsal reports, and performance reports, for future reference
• Conducts a post-mortem meeting with the production team to discuss the successes and challenges of the production and identify areas for improvement
• Distributes final paperwork, such as contact sheets and production photos, to the cast and crew as a record of their involvement in the production
• Assists with the financial wrap-up of the production, including reconciling budgets and submitting final expense reports
• Reflects on the experience and identifies personal areas for growth and development as a stage manager to continue improving their skills and knowledge for future productions