A stage manager is an individual who has overall responsibility for stage management and the smooth execution of a theatrical production. Stage management by briana shipley byu theatre education. For a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage management by lawrence stern. Shall assemble and maintain the prompt book which is defined as the accurate playing. Records in stage managers book all blocking, intentional pauses, stage business, and all light, sound, music, special effects, and curtain cues, etc. Stage managers are also responsible for setting and editing rehearsal schedules and working closely with the director. One of the most important reasons for the prompt script. The stage manager and assistant stage managers are prohibited from handling contracts, having riders signed or initialed, or any other function which normally comes under the duties of the general manager or company manager. Preproduction planning the stage manager must meet with the director and production manager to go over the specific job description and expectations for the project. The stage management prompt book is the bible of stage managers. Prompt books were originally used by a prompter to much the same effect that they are today used by deputy stage managers. During the period spanning from the mid 17th through the early 19th centuries, rehearsal periods were generally very short by modern standards. Stage managing is the best way to learn firsthand everything it takes to put together a show. Oct 06, 2018 the stage manager is responsible for creating a master copy of the script called the prompt book that contains everything pertaining to the show.
Each stage manager s method of blocking notation will be different. As the production is created keeping cast and crew in the loop about what they will have to work with is important. Stage managers have several key responsibilities and tasks to perform in each phase of a production, including. The stage manager is required to attend all production meetings, auditions, all rehearsals and performances and strike.
A crashcourse in american stage management history. A production book a binder containing components of the stage management promptbook and paperwork used to perform responsibilities should include but is. Check out why its good to keep these for future jobs and why its suc. One of the stage managers most important tasks is to create and maintain the prompt book sometimes known as the show bible which is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. The information in the prompt book also allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to determine precisely how it. Prompts the actors precisely and corrects mistakes to the extent that the director wishes. Proof doubt closer the odd couple suburbia the glass menagerie raised in captivity. Mar 29, 2021 however, if youre seriously interested in stage management, head to the library and check out a stage management text. The book should include everything concerning the production, and. Acquire access o the director should acquire a key, however building security is everyones responsibility.
Definition of the duties of a stage manager a stage manager under actors equity contract is, or shall be obligated to perform at least the. Apr 05, 2014 the stage manager maintains a prompt book, which contains all cues, technical notes, blocking and other crucial information. The following text is the summation of the latter experience in retrospect. Although the details of the role vary depending on the art. For my few years 10 working as a sm, i have always taken for granted the fact that the theatre kept the stage manager s prompt book at the end of a run. Ideal candidate will have experience running rehearsals, creating and maintaining a prompt book, working backstage and calling shows. The stage manager and the technical director also work out a smooth and. Sep 18, 2017 congratulations on being the stage manager of an upcoming colby production. A copy of the script with available space for notes and other resources provided by director. Emily stands, xdsr emily stands up and crosses downstage right. Stage manager agrees to schedule adequate time with the director for production execution. Read this entire handbook before you begin your responsibilities as a stage manager.
Review institutional andor union rules regarding production. The stage manager should make every effort to avoid. Its been requested, so i go through what i have in one of my prompt books for a show. What are the main responsibilities of a stage manager. Take line notes when actors are off book and prompt actors as needed. Descriptionthe stage manager has a wide number and variety of responsibilities, which can be broken down into three primary categories. The stage manager speaks for the director of the production and frequently speaks as a representative of the organization itself. Stage manager job description prerequisite classroom study.
You can obtain this from the technical director or sm adviser. Stage management team connect people and departments for any production. Dec 05, 2017 a late 1400s painting that featured, on the right handside of the painting, a monk prompter feeding lines and actions to the actors onstage. The stage manager has a wide number and variety of responsibilities, which can be. This book is considered the property of the theatre company. The role of the stage manager is especially important to the director in rehearsals. The prompt book is kept in such a manner that in the case of an emergency anyone could pick up the book and run the show. The prompt book is to a stage manager, what ballet shoes are to a dancer. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the basics of a stage manager s duties by taking a written final and presenting their final prompt book. One of the ideals of modern theatre is to achieve a unity of all production elements. The stage manager sm is the righthandman or woman to the director. Assistant stage manager tech theater responsibilities.
However the system should be consistent throughout the prompt book. The prompt book contains blocking notes, any changes that have been made, and all technical cues, in a neat and easytoread style. The stage manager typically comes on one week before rehearsals or only two days before opening with dance, glorsky notes and is essentially the chief organizing officer throughout the rehearsal process. I had a related question to the prompt book question in this thread. See more ideas about stage manager, theatre life, teaching theatre. Help the stage manager with scripts and other paperwork for the first day. Also, is there anything i can do to my prompt books to make them look more professional. Preparing your prompt book 5 prerehearsal meeting with director or choreographer 6 running rehearsals 7.
Checklistspreshow listed itinerary of all tasks to be completed before house opens until the show begins, including all. Maintaining the script and all documentation of your production in a single location is not just a good idea. The prompt book should be sectioned off with the following tab dividers, with the listed information under these headings. Approach all of your duties from a perspective of what can i. May 21, 2012 stage manager is responsible for penciling in all light, sound, fly, actor, and scene shift cues. The stage management responsibilities of every production in the theatre royal are. The stage manager and assistant stage managers are prohibited from participating in the ordering of food for the. See more ideas about stage manager, teaching theatre, stage. Based on the 6 hour limit of outside rehearsal or activities for our show per week, you will be assigned to attend specific rehearsals on a weekly bases.
It contains their call script, checklists, light and sound cues, schedules, emergency contacts, rehearsal reports, performance reports, emergency announcements, design plots and health information. You should be familiar with the standard stage map and terms for parts of the stage and blocking. His eight points explain perfectly what makes a good stage manager the best. Explain audition procedures to actors and help to distribute audition. The stage manager insures that all actors are in place prior to the beginning of each scene. See the difference between stage management and production management by. Explain audition procedures to actors and help to distribute audition information and help with the sign in process. The stage manager is responsible for obtaining cue sheets from the lighting and sound designers in enough time to prepare the 5. Sm prompt book 100 pts students will assemble a stage manager s prompt book over the course of the term by doing assignments for a mock production one of the following plays. As a student, the sm has the most important responsibilities of the production.
The stage manager must assume this responsibility with humility and finesse. The stage manager has a wide number and variety of responsibilities, which can be broken down into three primary categories. Performing double duty as both director and stage manager during my two years teaching theatre at brighton academy, gave me some practical experience to draw upon journeying into miracle on 34th st. Work with the stage manager to create and maintain the prompt book in a threeringed binder. But essentially they all have one function in common. During rehearsals, stage managers are responsible for helping establish the shows rehearsal schedule. This is a living handbook and will go through revisions as needed. In addition to performing their typical stage management duties e. A crashcourse in american stage management history stage. Weekly stage manager roundtable specific job duties. For a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage. Usually you can get a copy from the director or from the stage management advisor.
The stage manager also maintains a prompt book, sometimes called the bible. It offers an extensive discussion of what makes a good stage manager, and takes the reader through each phase of a production from getting hired, to auditions and. May 14, 2019 using a prompt book to help prompt actors with their lines getting a rehearsal space ready with an outline of the sets ground plan is critical. If youre working with a very large cast on a very huge production, make an extra copy of your script. The prompt book is the productions bible, containing a wealth of instructions and information alongside the basic text of the play. I have also always taken for granted the fact that actors are ignorant of this basic fact of sm life. Production job descriptions north country community theatre. Ncct looks for experienced stage managers to help manage our shows backstage. The stage manager for each show is in charge of the prompt book. A stage manager is like the hub of a wheelthe central, stabilizing core from which the spokes of a production radiate. The book started as a project of the stage management course taught by associate. Stage managers facilitate communication across all creative and technical departments. Make sure that reports go to the director, all designers, department heads technical director, choreo grapher, costume shop manager, etc.
Stage managers are responsible for their own typing, i. The information in the prompt book also allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to determine precisely how it needs to be timed to coordinate with the onstage action. I think two of the best intro to stage management books are by lawrence stern my favorite and thomas kelly. The stage manager is responsible for creating a master copy of the script called the prompt book that contains everything pertaining to the show. Stage management organization starts backstage, but ends in their prompt book. Jan 27, 2020 prompt book project each student will put together a prompt book using the play the effects of gamma rays on maninthemoon marigolds. In modern theatrical productions, the prompt book is generally maintained and kept by the stage manager, with differences in. Whats in a stage managers prompt book aka sms bible. You will have the opportunity to influence the process at every step of the way and you can be an indispensable help to your director, design team and performers. Asms will need to coordinate the recording progress of this document with the sm. May 19, 2014 one of my stage manager friends suggested creating a cover page for the front cover of the prompt book binder, has anyone done this and if so, how do i make it look professional. Stage management guide chipstead players theatre group.
Work with the producer, technical associate and production staff during preproduction. Stage managers are responsible and adaptable communicators who have the ability to handle and coordinate diverse groups of artistic personalities with tactful discipline and a sense of humor. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book theatrefolk. In a high school setting, the stage manager role is frequently taken on. The prompt book the prompt book is a working document that organizes lists, schedules, notes, reports, script, etc. The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and. Oct 01, 2020 performed duties associated with being a stage manager which includes keeping performers on schedule and managing other crew members scheduled and assigned responsibilities to all assistant stage managers and running crew members for rehearsals and production run. Oct 27, 2018 written by kerry hishon one of the stage managers most important tasks is to create and maintain the prompt book sometimes known as the show bible which is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. They establish a creative environment by combining the ability to prioritize and anticipate and solve problems, with the calm sensitivity and grace under.
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