The book started as a project of the stage management course taught by. A detailed, tech schedule will be developed in production meetings and with the director, designers, and shop heads. The other sections of this ebook will include examples. Be prepared to point out specific differences of each document in your production book to the class. He or she must have a working knowledge of how the various technical aspects of the theater work scenery, props, costumes, lights and sound, be part director, part playwright, part designer and part producer, and be prepared to act as confidant, counselor and confessor to everyone else in the company. In this episode, we explore one of the many ways to build a stage management book. Follow these steps and your stage manager will be ready to go in no time. They could be the same people as the stage management team or include the stage management team and a few subject matter experts. The one im really proud of is this one for what i would call fancy shows shows that are expected to run a long time andor need a really robust contact sheet with lots of info beyond just the cell numbers and emails of the cast and creative team. The member of stage management often the dsm cueing the show is said to. A copy of the stage management handbook, stage management forms, and other appropriate information. Stage manager definition of stage manager by merriamwebster. Stage manager resume, drama, production, example, sample.
There, i was speaking to stage managers of all ages and from all walks of life. Assistant stage manager members of the stage management team who may have specific responsibilities for some aspect of production, such as crew, or serve as overall assistants, doing what the stage manager assigns. The stage manager should read the script before meeting with the director. This will be finalized at least 1 week before tech starts and should then be distributed to the entire production team. This is page was created as reference material for the usitt 2011 charlotte conference session sm paper trail rides again. The audition cards have a place for actors to put any scheduling conflicts as well as. If you would like to propose a revision to this handbook, please email the production manager. And the first thing i do, after receiving the scripts.
Stage management examines every facet of this exciting and pivotal theatrical profession, from first receiving a copy of the script, through the rehearsal process and production period, to putting the show away after the final performance. A practical guide by soozie copley, philippa killner, cameron mackintoshauthor. Blocking is keeping track of the actors movements across the. There is always one stage manager, one assistant stage manager or production assistant. The prompt book, often known as the bible of the show, is a crucial tool. That is why defining what a stage manager is to someone unfamiliar with theater, or even someone who is involved with theater, can be quite challenging. One of my stage management professors captured this role by saying its like shuffling a deck of cards. As well as the script andor score of the show, the prompt book also contains contact lists for all concerned with the production. Stage management techniques event management people management. Serve as stage manager during production activities design and execute stage lighting plans operate, troubleshoot, service and maintain the sound reinforcement system. Pass around the stage management binder if you have one it should be complete with examples of all the different necessary forms stage managers need for a show.
Stage production definition and meaning collins english. Traditional and new methods for running a show from first rehearsal to last performance kelly, thomas a. Production stage management for broadway by peter lawrence. Stage managers also use this master script it contains to prompt actors if they forget lines during rehearsal. Central birmingham university business management degree 2003 2007 aston college hnd 2001 2003 coventry school. The anecdotes and advice are incredibly useful learning tools and the paperwork examples are exemplary. It must be prepared in advance of the first rehearsal, so the stage manager is ready to go right away. A cast list if auditions have been completed or audition information. Describe how each document might be useful in a particular situation under the following headings. Common duties listed on stage manager resume samples are running rehearsals, managing designers and workers crafting the set, coordinating the stage crew, and signaling actors to start their performance. The stage management staff typically consists of a resident production stage manager, 34 additional showcontracted stage managersassistant stage managers, production assistants and 68 stage management interns. Also, we identify tips and tricks to perfecting your stagemanagement skills. As we enter a new decade, routledges stage management theory as a guide to practice by narda e.
The three stages of production are increasing average product production, decreasing marginal returns and negative marginal returns. Stage managers are often employed by theaters and are responsible for providing support to the other members involved in the production process. Find out what you know about stage management by answering these short questions. Topics on the quizworksheet include the use of blocking notes and the. Stage manager on broadway, the second in command after the production stage manager. For an example of this break down applied to the rehearsal schedule, please. The back stage guide to stage management, 3rd edition. The stage manager is the first line of communication and serves as the hub that holds the. See appendix c for an example of a production meeting report. Rehearsal report template teaching theatre, report. The stage manager is the renaissance man of the theater. The production manager, will have audition cards that everyone auditioning needs to fill out. There is enough information in this book to support a novice through the basics of stage managing a full production. Before the rehearsals even begin, the production stage manager will ideally be.
The production paperwork provided below will provide insight into my stage management process from auditions to performances, and illustrate the various templates i use depending on specific requirements of a production. Actors also do more than cross from one side of the stage to the other. Then, make an appointment with the director to begin initial planning of the production and discussion of exactly what the director expects of the. We want you to fully enjoy your involvement and to give you guidance as you take on this very important role within the production. You will have to scour the internets for samples and templates and examples until you find or amalgamate a system that works for you. One of the most crucial meetings during the preproduction period for a stage manager is the meeting with the director. Samples should show how the same information can be organized in three distinct ways.
These two positions involve support for both the director and the producer s. Choose styles that clearly indicate specific advantages or disadvantages of each document. Production book organization directing theatre, stage manager. These stages of production apply to shortterm production of goods, with the length of time spent within each stag. In my preparation for the event, i thought a little bit about 21 year old mel and all the things i wish i had known about this ridiculous, amazing, stressful, 100% lovehate relationship stage management career ive had for the last 14 years. It contains clear explanations and concrete examples, serving as a tool to both teach and reinforce the basics. Stage management handbook v4 west virginia university. Posts about prompt book written by awesomestagemanager hit the stage building a stage manager book wedding planning keep it simple with a wedding time holds every light, sound, and prop cue, plus every scenery and costume change in the whole show. Stage management the prompt book the prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues, and is used by the deputy stage manager to run rehearsals and later, control the performance. In building their successful careers and training programs, porter and alcorn have applied general leadership. Now, this may look a bit intimidating, but i will show you how i write down blocking. You will have to scour the internets for samples and templates and examples until you find or amalgamate laura higginsi. Sm log book a place to write down notes throughout the production process.
Theatreuni stage management handbook the supplies for auditions are relatively simple, but they are not always simple to track down on a moments notice. Blocking is keeping track of the actors movements across the stage. For example, ch is a circle is charles, vn in a circle is vinnie, and so on. Introductions, syllabus, texts, projects, weekly schedules stage managers production book. This gives students a great idea of the type of workdocuments necessary, as well as all the many ways to complete them. These two positions involve support for both the director and the producers. Outline the change you purpose and the reason for this proposal. Alcorn and lisa porter is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in expanding their understanding of effective production leadership.
Stage manager resume samples and examples of curated bullet points for your resume to help you get an interview. I will investigate technologies such as virtualcallboard, the ipad, with a. The official production book prepare the production book so that it is an accurate record of the production. Stage management handbook wvu theatre west virginia. The key stage management positions are stage manager sm and assistant stage manager asm. O levels maths a english b geography b physics a references. Some departments do not offer stagemanagement courses or concentrations, but still need student stage managers for their departmental productions. Included are samples of scene breakdowns, audition forms, prop lists, rehearsal schedules, rehearsal reports, scene changes, line notes, checklists, and performance reports. The stage manager can take this home with all pertinent information to the production regarding schedules, conflicts, future fitting and meeting requests and todos, and leave the blockingcall scripts at the theatre. The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show.
The team members that will develop the stage detailed plan. Their responsibilities include costume and set design, installing lights, rigging, sound equipment, and scenery, and set building for. The bible in the field of stage management, stage management is a practical manual on how to stage manage in all theater environments. In regards to paperwork, most stage managers borrow other peoples templates to start, and then customize as preferences develop. What i am striving to do is to provide detailed examples of everything i do. Included are samples of scene breakdowns, audition forms, prop lists, rehearsal schedules, rehearsal reports, scene changes, line notes, checklists, and. Compare three samples of the following types of forms used by stage managers. Stage management internships south coast repertory. Lawrence, one of the founders of the sma and esteemed broadway psm, writes a comprehensive guide to stage managing in the big leagues of broadway. Below are some paperwork templates that i have created, all are designed to be customizable. They pick up props, sit in chairs, lean on desks, drink excessive amounts of alcohol the fake kind. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book theatrefolk. Stage production workers handle the behindthescenes tasks that are necessary for putting on theatrical performances. Traditional and new methods for running a show from first rehearsal to last performance.
284 1544 1026 1582 237 1640 707 1591 1028 1112 917 1402 1173 570 53 891 1597 345 540 1233 1505 394 961 1021 1006 93 1513 289 510 53 307 597 216 828 531 101 1343 1261 693 649 608 492 441 45 815 67 672 118 595