Job Descriptions
(Well, I’ve been given this job, but how do I do it)?
STAGE MANAGEMENT
PRESHOW
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S.M. organizes space, props, scripts, etc, for audition.
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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.
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Keeps names, phone numbers, time problems, etc, of all actors and crew.
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Attends to all the physical requirements of rehearsal ‑ scripts, coffee, taping
floor,
pencils, rehearsal props
and furniture, cleaning up.
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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
- use a day sheet to
keep track of everything that has to be done. There is a sample
in the job descriptions
menu
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With the producer, calls production meetings as necessary.
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Makes sure rehearsal props are provided, and proper hand props are being
acquired.
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Acts as technical director or liaisons with T.D. to ensure progress of events.
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Acquires and trains crew.
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Deals with any personality problems, or any other actor problems.
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Sets, explains and enforces Company rules.
- One of the S.M.’s most
important functions is to ensure “a harassment free work place.”
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Ensures comfort of cast and crew
‑ coffee and tea
supplies
‑ clean, comfy, warm
waiting area
‑ clean acting
environment
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Ensures all aspects of production running smoothly.
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Calls tech rehearsals, laurelites stage and sets.
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On tech day, adds lighting and sound cues to the book.
SHOW TIME
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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.
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Arrives or has A.S.M. arrive before actors makeup call, supplies and makes
coffee/tea
and whatever else is
needed, sweeps stage and wings, ensures sets and props are ready
and cast/crews
valuables are protected.
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S.M. "calls" the show .
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Gives the actors' warnings ‑ 30', 10', 5'.
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Calls extra rehearsals if necessary.
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Assure that no one EVER goes through the curtain after the audience is in the
house
or afterwards until the
curtain is opened..
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Deals with any emergency in a CALM manner.
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Sometimes runs onstage tech effects.
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S.M. or A.S.M. should be on headset at all times. No exceptions!
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Ensures sets and props are properly stored away after the performance.
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Oversees set changes, props placements, etc.
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Gives the actors any notes he, or the director, feels are needed.
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In a long running show, ensures the show stays as directed.
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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
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Most important ‑ common sense and thinking ahead.
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You and you alone are responsible for every aspect.
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When possible, use two A.S.M.'s ‑ one for props, one to keep the book. S.M.
should absorb the whole
thing, and be free to assist and foresee problems. You cannot
see the show if your
nose is in the book.
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Your job is to help the actors. It doesn't matter what you think of them, THEY
are the
ones who have to
face the audience. They need and deserve all the help you can
give them.
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NEVER ASSUME!
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NEVER work from memory ‑ always use a list ‑ TOUCH YOUR PROPS.
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Make sure everybody gets appropriate info ‑ do it yourself.
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Put EVERYTHING in your book ‑ set change notes, cues and warnings, props lists,
warning notes for
entrances...EVERYTHING! See below for suggestions on how to mark
your script. A SM from a
different club should be able to walk into your theatre and
call a show.
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Check your "spikes" before every show. They tend to come off on actors shoes.
You
may want to staple them
down.
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This Club has a wealth of "sources". Don't ever be shy about asking for advise,
because
you're the one your
actors depend upon.
This new section is a work in progress, so if you have suggestions please email
me!
gordonmantle@gmail.com
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