Job Descriptions 
(Well, I’ve been given this job, but how do I do it)?
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.
× 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.
× 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.
× NEVER ASSUME!
× NEVER work from memory ‑ always use a
list ‑ TOUCH YOUR PROPS.
× Make sure everybody gets appropriate
info ‑ do it yourself.
× Put EVERYTHING in your book ‑ set
change notes, cues, props lists, warning notes for entrances...EVERYTHING!
× Check your "spikes" before every
show. They tend to come off on actors shoes. You may want to staple them down.
× 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.
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