They are the lines of communication between actors, director, designers, technical staff, and front of house exc. Allisons book is a stepbystep guide that outlines all major stage management duties. Stage manager definition is one who supervises the physical aspects of a stage production, assists the director during rehearsals, and is in charge of the stage during a performance. Accept responsibility keep their cool keep their eyes and ears open and know when to share their opinions. The official production book prepare the production book so that it is an accurate record of the production. The stage manager is to have read the play at least twice prior to the meeting and be knowledgeable about the play and its basic needs. It is agreed that it is the duty of the stage manager to assemble and maintain the prompt script for the actual technical and artistic operation of the production. In the world of professional theatre, the stage manager is one of the most important players.
Stage manager definition of stage manager by merriamwebster. Get all the templates needed to stage manage a great theatre production. This paperwork is available to modify and use for production work at the university of iowa. Types of venues include concert halls, theaters, arenas and parks. The back stage guide to stage management, 3rd edition.
Mic plot theatre stage, directing theatre, theatre rehearsals. The information in the prompt book allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling. The member of stage management often the dsm cueing the show is said. For a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage management by lawrence stern. Most stage managers use some combination of written out blocking with drawings. Stage managers also use this master script it contains to prompt actors if they forget lines during rehearsal. For example, ch is a circle is charles, vn in a circle is vinnie, and so on. Compare three samples of the following types of forms used by stage managers. Oct 20, 2018 assisting the stage manager with administrative tasks for example, the stage manager may delegate calling latecomers to the asm so the stage manager can stay in rehearsal and take notes taking notes and updating the prompt book if the stage manager is sick or otherwise unable to attend rehearsal.
Theatre stage managers coordinate all aspects of a theatre production to ensure the successful delivery of the performance. Feb 29, 2012 for example, ch is a circle is charles, vn in a circle is vinnie, and so on. Actors also do more than cross from one side of the stage to the other. Stage managers sm make notes of all changes in the prompt book script, so check your list with theirs. Follow these steps and your stage manager will be ready to go in no time. Mic plot theatre stage, directing theatre, theatre. They pick up props, sit in chairs, lean on desks, drink excessive amounts of alcohol the fake kind. The sm should be one of the most informed and knowledgeable people in the production staff. The stage manager book summaries, test preparation. Traditional and new methods for running a show from first rehearsal to last performance kindle edition by thomas a. The information in the prompt book allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to. His eight points explain perfectly what makes a good stage manager the best. 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 stage manager is wilders unique, multipurpose invention a part which he himself played on the stage many times.
Every stage manager should own a copy of this wonderful. Assembling your prompt script can feel like a tedious process, but the time you invest to attain the proper page size and margins and pair it. This one is based on an actual job description for a community theatre stage manager, and should be edited to match thetherefore needs of a particular company. Check out why its good to keep these for future jobs and why its such an important tool for a show. It contains clear explanations and concrete examples, serving as a tool to. This means that a stage manager becomes a beacon for every production and. Oct 27, 2018 the prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book theatrefolk. The production manager, will have audition cards that everyone auditioning needs to fill out. Learning the concertrelated duties of a stage manager. The primary prompt book should have any and all information about a production in it incase the director, producer, anyone needs information. As all stage managers know, doing line notes for actors once they are offbook is one of the most gueling parts of the job.
Samples should show how the same information can be organized in three distinct ways. Assisting the stage manager with administrative tasks for example, the stage manager may delegate calling latecomers to the asm so the stage manager can stay in rehearsal and take notes taking notes and updating the prompt book if the stage manager is. The member of stage management often the dsm cueing the show is said to be on the book. Sample stage management paperwork this is page was created as reference material for the usitt 2011 charlotte conference session sm paper trail rides again. My personal style has evolved a lot over the past seven years. How to become a good stage manager with pictures wikihow. Below are some paperwork templates that i have created, all are designed to be customizable.
The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. When i first started as an assistant stage manager, i started using a template i was given, and from there i developed some of my own for furture stage managers to make things easier. There comes a sad day in any stage manager s life when a show closes. Throughout the process of the showcase we will all be undertaking the job role stage manager. I came across this book stage management forms and formats, by barbara dilker, and now i am a very happy stage manager with all the neccessary forms and formats at my fingertips on my theatre shelf. 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. Stage manager resume, drama, production, example, sample. Its been requested, so i go through what i have in one of my prompt books for a show. Stage props list, example of props list free download. Student directors need to document their process, including showing clearly the reasons for the directorial choices they have made. Stage manager january 2010 present employers name coventry responsible for managing a multifaceted stage team, and for ensuring the success of a show by looking after all the technical aspects related to its production.
The stage manager is to meet with the director prior to the first production meeting, auditions or the first readthrough in order to establish an early positive relationship. Mar 03, 2015 its been requested, so i go through what i have in one of my prompt books for a show. So, what does an assistant stage manager do, anyway. The prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues. Thank you, miss dilker for making my job so uncomplicated. Jun 24, 2011 its created as notes for the stage manager or, in dire instances, a substitute to follow, and not as a resource for teaching the choreography to a dancer thats someone elses job. 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. It must be prepared in advance of the first rehearsal, so the stage manager is ready to go right away. Production meeting notes template line changes template line notes template character scene breakdown rehearsal report template audition form template props list template blocking pages.
Stage management may encompass a variety of activities including the overseeing of the rehearsal process and coordinating communications among various production teams and personnel. If youre lucky, your show may be intended to have a life after the current production closes, in which case things need to be clearly labeled so they. Personal props are items actors carry inside their costumes or wear, like pocket watches, keychains, pens, glasses, etc. I choose to create a page with lines down one half of it and miniature floor plans of the set on the other half. Stage manager on broadway, the second in command after the production stage manager. Blocking is another one of those things that every stage manager does a bit differently.
And then there usually comes the even sadder realization that for some reason youre responsible for packing up the props. Notes made by the owner of the prompt book who could be a stage manager, an actor or any other theatrical professional to give further guidance about how a scene should be performed, how actors should deliver lines, where they should be positioned etc. They are kept with their costumes in the dressing room and are the actors responsibility as well. Before tech the stage manager will create a calling script or prompt book into which they have transferred major blocking notes, plus all the light, sound and set change cues. Youll stay organized, professional, and incharge with this pack of stage manager templates, including. The general manager and active production chair will enter all approved changes. The stage manager is responsible for picking up and distributing all scripts to the cast, crew, and designers. Stage management is an art that is learned through extended study, mentoring, and experience. Along with the materials outlined below, it would also include. Stage management handbook v4 west virginia university. However, at the end of the run, the show belongs to the stage manager with the task of maintaining the artistic intentions of the director and producer as indicated by equity. Whats in a stage managers prompt book aka sms bible. See more ideas about teaching theatre, stage and theatre stage. 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.
As all stage managers know, doing line notes for actors once they are off book is one of the most gueling parts of the job. Sm log book a place to write down notes throughout the production process. The stage manager is the renaissance man of the theater. Whats in a stage managers prompt book aka sms bible youtube. Youll need to have a good understanding of both the technical. Its sometimes known as the book, prompt copy or prompt script. May 04, 20 student directors need to document their process, including showing clearly the reasons for the directorial choices they have made. Stage management are there to prevent anything from adversely affecting the production. Like music, therell be points in the script when you turn a lot of pages quickly, and spots when you sit on the same page for a while. Please note that job descriptions vary considerably from theatre to theatre. This is a page that we can post templates for different paperwork that stage managers generate.
Far more than just calling cues, the stage managers position starts months before rehearsal and continues at 110% throughout the run, maintaining the. Stage management is a broad field that is generally defined as the practice of organization and coordination of an event or theatrical production. In regards to paperwork, most stage managers borrow other peoples templates to start, and then customize as preferences develop. Stage manager definition, a person responsible for the technical details of a theatrical production, assisting the director during rehearsal, supervising the lighting, costuming, setting, prompting, etc. A stage manager supervises stagerelated activities for concert rehearsals, recordings and performances at small or large indoor or outdoor venues. Under no circumstances shall anyone other than the stage manager or assistant stage manager be on book calling the cues of a production. The audition cards have a place for actors to put any scheduling conflicts as well as. All scripts will be collected by stage management at the final callback and re. Traditional and new methods for running a show from first rehearsal to last performance kindle edition. Check out why its good to keep these for future jobs and why its such an important tool for a. A stage manager works on a production from beginning to end unlike a director or an actor. Production meeting notes template line changes template line notes template character scene breakdown rehearsal report template audition form template props list template blocking pages template. Choose styles that clearly indicate specific advantages or disadvantages of each document.