Stage Management
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER: The organizational backbone of the show.
Preproduction:
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Assist in running auditions
After the auditions:
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Put together contact sheet.
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Get rehearsal schedule from director and post on call boards and online.
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Remind the cast of rehearsal schedule before they are released for each day. If there is a change and you did not give them the information you are responsible for the mistake and must contact those affected by the schedule change.
During rehearsal:
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Assign to your Assistant and Second Assistant any responsibilities from below. Remember ASM will handle SR and running of crews, 2nd ASM will handle SL and crews.
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Put together a cast contact list.
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Manage the rehearsals.
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Take attendance. Use sign in sheet
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Start on time. Must have watch.
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Keep actors quiet. (Nicely)
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Announce the upcoming rehearsals before they are released. Do not assume that actors have read the schedule..
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Edit Rehearsal Schedule
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Write down Blocking. Director and TD will show you how.
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Writing down prop list, special light and sound cues and anything else the director asks. Put in rehearsal report.
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Act as an information conduit to TD.
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Put together a running crew for the show.
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Handle all paperwork handed to you from other department heads.
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Fill out rehearsal report
During the performance:
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Check sign in sheet. Have ASM contact late personal.
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Make sure running crew has swept, mopped, and has all the props and costumes, etc ready.
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Call cast and crew hour, ½ hour, 15 mins, 5 mins and places for show. Before the show, if for any reason, an actor is not available let the director know in advance and contact the swing.
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Collect valuables and give to faculty to lock up.
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Call cues
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Fill out show report at end of the night.
Another task of the stage manager is to attempt to deal with problems between team members. The stage manager is a diplomat that tries to prevent personal problems from affecting the show.
Below are the forms you will need to make your job easier. It looks overwhelming but we'll help you along.
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ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER & 1st ASSISTANT: Assist the PSM in any way needed.
This list of responsibilities is not all inclusive.
· Attend all production meetings and take notes.
· Attend auditions and be responsible for organizing sign-in and order of actors auditioning
· Inspect and sweep rehearsal and performance space before rehearsal and show
· Supervise proper storage of props, furniture, moveable set pieces and costumes after each show.
· Take line notes and gives to actors
· Prompt actors who drop lines.
· Supervise all stage crews
· Keep in contact with SM via clear comm.
· Responsible for smooth and efficient running of backstage area at all times. Supervise all prop, costume, set shifts and make sure they have been completed safely.
· Maintain order and cleanliness of backstage area.
· Help with show reports
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