STAGE MANAGEMENT

 

PRESHOW

 

× S.M. organizes space, props, scripts, etc, for audition.

 

× Checks with producer well before auditions to make sure scripts have been ordered, space for auditions and rehearsals have been acquired and that any needed permits have been taken care of.

 

× Keeps names, phone numbers, time problems, etc, of all actors and crew.

 

× Attends to all the physical requirements of rehearsal ‑ scripts, coffee, taping floor, pencils, rehearsal props and furniture, cleaning up.

 

× Attends, or has A.S.M. attend ALL rehearsals to "keep the book", writing down...

‑ all blocking

‑ all changes to script

‑ if necessary, "french scenes"

‑ all scene diagrams

‑ assembles the requirements for the sound, props  and lighting dept

 

× Calls production meetings as necessary.

 

× Makes sure rehearsal props are provided, and proper hand props are being acquired.

 

× Acts as technical director or liaisons with T.D. to ensure progress of events.

 

× Acquires and trains crew.

 

× Deals with any personality problems,  or any other actor problems.

 

× Sets, explains and enforces Company rules.

 

- One of the S.M.’s most important functions is to ensure “a harassment free work place.”

 

× Ensures comfort of cast and crew

‑ coffee and tea supplies

‑ clean, comfy, warm waiting area

‑ clean acting environment

 

× Ensures all aspects of production running smoothly.

 

× Calls tech rehearsals, laurelites stage and sets.

 

× On tech day, adds lighting and sound cues to the book.

 

SHOW TIME

 

× S.M. takes total control of the show, including starting times, preshow music, FOH, cast and all crew, even those acquired by the producer.

 

- You are responsible for the legal minors in your cast and crew. This is a very serious responsibility, and unfortunately, it’s yours and the producers. Parties, obviously, are your main problem.

 

× Arrives or has A.S.M. arrive before actors makeup call, makes coffee/tea, sweeps stage and wings, ensures sets and props are ready and cast/crews valuables are protected.

 

× S.M. "calls" the show .

 

× Gives the actors' warnings ‑ 30', 10', 5'.

 

× Calls extra rehearsals if necessary.

 

× Assure that no one EVER go through the curtain after the audience is in the house.

 

× Deals with any emergency in a CALM manner.

 

× Sometimes runs onstage tech effects.

 

× S.M. or A.S.M. should be on headset at all times. No exceptions!

 

× Ensures sets and props are properly stored away after the performance.

 

× Oversees set changes, props placements, etc.

 

× Gives the actors any notes he, or the director, feels are needed.

 

× In a long running show, ensures the show stays as directed.

 

× THINGS TO HAVE ‑ pencils, pens, scotch tape, masking tape, laurelite tape, spike tape. flashlight w/colored lenses, felt pens, first aid kit, safety pins, sewing kit and most important, a sense of humour!

 

MOST IMPORTANT THING ‑ THE SHOW IS NUMBER ONE!

 

HINTS FROM A PRO

 

× Most important ‑ common sense and thinking ahead.

 

× You and you alone are responsible for every aspect.