🎭Stage Management Unit 6 – Blocking Notation and Prompt Books

What's the Deal with Blocking Notation?

• Blocking notation is a system used by stage managers to record actors' movements on stage
• Utilizes a set of standardized symbols and abbreviations to efficiently capture blocking information
• Allows stage managers to create a visual representation of the actors' positions and movements throughout the play
• Blocking notation is typically recorded in the prompt book, which serves as the master document for the production
• Helps ensure consistency in staging and facilitates communication among the production team
• Enables understudies and replacement actors to quickly learn their blocking
• Serves as a reference for future productions or remounts of the play

Key Elements of a Prompt Book

• The prompt book is a comprehensive manual containing all essential information needed to stage the play
• Includes a clean copy of the script, often with the stage manager's blocking notation and cues marked
• Contains a detailed record of all technical cues, such as lighting, sound, and special effects
• Incorporates key production information, including contact sheets, rehearsal schedules, and performance reports
• Houses important documents like the ground plan, which is a bird's-eye view of the set layout
• Includes the props list, which itemizes all props used in the production and their placement on stage
• Serves as a centralized resource for the stage manager to oversee and coordinate all aspects of the production
  • Acts as a communication tool between the stage manager and the production team

Symbols and Shorthand: Speaking the Language

• Blocking notation relies on a standardized set of symbols and abbreviations to represent actors' movements and positions
• Common symbols include arrows to indicate movement direction, such as ↑ for upstage and ↓ for downstage
• X often represents the crossing of two actors, with the initiating actor's symbol placed first
• Numbers or initials are used to denote specific actors, such as 1 for Actor 1 or JD for John Doe
• Shorthand for stage areas includes US for upstage, DS for downstage, CS for center stage, and SL and SR for stage left and right, respectively
• Additional symbols may represent specific actions, such as a rectangle for sitting or a triangle for kneeling
• Parentheses can indicate simultaneous movement, while a slash (/) may denote sequential movement
• Learning and consistently applying these symbols and shorthand is crucial for effective blocking notation

Creating Clear and Effective Blocking Notes

• Begin by creating a legend that clearly defines all symbols and abbreviations used in your blocking notation
• Use a pencil to record blocking, as adjustments are often made during the rehearsal process
• Be consistent in your use of symbols and shorthand to avoid confusion
• Record blocking in a clean, legible manner, making it easy for others to read and interpret
• Use colored pencils to differentiate between actors or types of movement if needed
• Include key dialogue cues or line numbers to help contextualize the blocking
• Be specific and accurate in your notation, ensuring that the blocking can be easily reproduced
• Regularly review and update your blocking notation as changes occur during rehearsals

Organizing Your Prompt Book Like a Pro

• Divide your prompt book into clear, logical sections using tabs or dividers
• Create a table of contents to help navigate the prompt book quickly and easily
• Use a consistent format for each page, such as including the page number, scene number, and date at the top
• Develop a system for marking cues, such as using different colored highlighters for lighting, sound, and special effects
• Keep a separate section for daily rehearsal reports and performance notes
• Maintain an updated contact sheet with the cast and crew's information
• Include a calendar section with important dates, such as rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances
• Regularly update and organize your prompt book to ensure it remains a reliable and effective resource throughout the production process

Tech and Tools: Going Digital vs. Sticking to Paper

• Some stage managers prefer to use digital tools for creating and maintaining their prompt books
• Digital prompt books can be easily shared and updated, allowing for real-time collaboration with the production team
• Software such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets can be used to create digital blocking notation and cue sheets
• Tablets or laptops can be used to record blocking notation during rehearsals, eliminating the need for paper
• However, paper prompt books remain popular due to their reliability and ease of use
• Paper prompt books don't rely on technology, which can be prone to glitches or battery issues
• Many stage managers find that writing blocking notation by hand helps them better remember and internalize the information
• Ultimately, the choice between digital and paper prompt books depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the production

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Inconsistent or unclear use of symbols and shorthand can lead to confusion and misinterpretation
  • Ensure that all members of the production team are familiar with the blocking notation system being used
• Failing to update blocking notation as changes occur during rehearsals can result in outdated or inaccurate information
  • Make a habit of reviewing and updating your blocking notation after each rehearsal
• Neglecting to include key information, such as dialogue cues or prop placement, can make it difficult to contextualize the blocking
  • Be thorough in your notation, including all relevant details
• Overcomplicating the blocking notation system can make it challenging to read and interpret
  • Stick to a simple, standardized set of symbols and abbreviations
• Not backing up digital prompt books can lead to data loss in the event of technical issues
  • Regularly save and back up your digital files to prevent loss of important information
• Poor handwriting or cluttered notation can make it difficult for others to read and understand the blocking
  • Take the time to write clearly and organize your notation in a logical, easy-to-follow manner

Putting It All Together: Practice Scenarios

• Scenario 1: An actor crosses from stage left to stage right, stops center stage to deliver a line, then exits upstage center
  • Blocking notation: (SL) A1 → CS, "Line here" A1 ↑ (UC)
• Scenario 2: Two actors enter simultaneously from opposite sides of the stage, meet center stage for a brief dialogue, then exit together stage left
  • Blocking notation: A2 (SR) ↓ | A3 (SL) ↓, CS "Dialogue" A2 + A3 ← SL
• Scenario 3: An actor enters stage right, crosses to a chair positioned downstage left, sits, and begins to read a book
  • Blocking notation: A4 → SR, A4 ↓ (DL) ⬜ "reading"
• Scenario 4: A group of five actors enters upstage center, forms a semi-circle, and sings a song in unison
  • Blocking notation: A1-A5 ↓ UC, (A1 A2 A3 A4 A5) "Song title"
• Scenario 5: Two actors enter stage left, engage in a heated argument while moving in a circular pattern center stage, then exit separately, one stage right and one stage left
  • Blocking notation: A6 + A7 ↓ SL, CS 🔄 "Argument dialogue" A6 → SR | A7 ← SL