Stage Management

[Millie42]

Posted: 9/3/04 at 11:06am

Ok, I know there are some people out here that work in theatre and I need a little help.
Can someone explain what exactly stage management entails... like specific tasks. I just got an internship in this area and I just wanted to know what things will be like.

Thanks!

[JustAGuy]

Posted: 9/3/04 at 12:42pm

OKAY...it's a long list but here goes!

Prior to the start of rehearsal the stage manager is involved in production meetings with the Director, Designers, Producers, perhaps the Playwright if it's an original work. In these meetings each element of the play is discussed including props, lighting, costuming, how the set works, what scenic elements will be involved...the tech schedule etc. Usually there are several production meetings on large scale projects. Many times the stage manager takes notes in these meetings to be distributed to the various deparments and to make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the production.

Prior to the 1st rehearsal, the stage manager contacts Equity to let them know when the 1st rehearsal will be, so that the Equity Rep. can be present and take care of the Equity business that is required.

The stage manager also compiles a complete contact list (phone numbers, email addresses etc.) to be distributed to all of the staff and acting company.

The stage manager also puts together the rehearsal schedule with the Director and schedules any costume fittings that need to be done during the rehearsal process. The stage manager also coordinates with the publicity department any press or photo calls. Basically the stage manager is the person that everything is filtered through...it's his or her responsibility to co-ordinate the entire production.

During rehearsal the stage manager will put together a blocking script to write down the complete blocking of the show. And a calling script to call the cues from during the actual run of the show. He or she will tape out the ground plan of the set in the rehearsal space...put down spike marks for the various pieces of furniture or props that are moved and need to be placed in an exact position. He or she will also keep a tracking sheet of the props..where they are placed...when they are struck..where they are struck to if they are used again...etc. The same for any set moves..flys...pallets..wagons..elevators...etc. And the same for sound cues...anything technical...is the SM's job to keep track of and cordinate with the various departments...this is usually done with individual cue sheets for each dept. Each day during the rehearsal the stage manager will set up the rehearsal hall...for that day's rehearsal. Placing any rehearsal props and costume pieces that may be used during the rehearsal. He or she will also call all breaks for the actors, and deal with individual problems as they arise. At the end of the rehearsal day...the following days schedule will be given to the company and the stage manager will do a rehearsal report to be sent to all departments...that will entail what went on during the rehearsal..the progress that is being made...or not made. Any additional props that might be needed, changes that the director would like to be made to sets, costumes..etc.

During the rehearsal process...most SM's take notes on the direction of the show...so that if it's a long run...and the director is not present they can give notes to the actors that are based on the directors concept. This can be tricky...some actors resent notes in any form that are not from the director...but it is the stage managers job to maintain the show after the director leaves.

Prior to the play or musical moving into the performance space...the SM along with the Tech Director and the Director co-ordinate the technical rehearsal schedule..so that all departments have adequate time to get their jobs done...set installation...hanging and focusing the lights...setting up prop tables...quick change booths...dressing rooms...etc. Depending on the size and scope of production..the technical rehearsals can be as short as a couple of days...to several weeks prior to the 1st preview.

During the Tech period..the SM is usually in the house with the designers...booking the show. That is writing in all the sound, lighting, scene shift cues into the calling script. It's usually a very slow and painstaking process getting all the technical aspects coordinated. After each Tech rehearsal, there will probably be a production meeting...to discuss what's working..what's not...and what needs to be changed..added or cut. These meetings go through the entire Tech period..and perhaps through out the Preview period as well..depending upon how well the production is going.

Once the show has been Tech'd the stage manager will usually move backstage to a calling position...or to a booth in the front of house to call the show.

During the run...the SM will continue to make rehearsal schedules...make sign-in sheets, performance reports etc. take notes on the performance...and give notes to all departments when necessary. If understudies are involved in the production, it will be his or her job to put the understudies into the show.

This is sort of a broad overview...there's much more involved. Depending upon the size of the show..the budget etc. A Stage Manager will usually have one assistant stage manager...or sometimes more who will help with all of the above.

Hope this give you an idea...I'm sure other SM's will have more to contribute, but this is a start.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 9/3/04 at 12:51pm

It's the person that does the most work, that everyone kicks around and has to smile and take it, and gets the least recognition.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 9/3/04 at 4:48pm

How did you get an internship without any stage management experience?!

[Jon]

Posted: 9/3/04 at 5:00pm

Remember, a stage manager in an Equity theatre is also a member of Equity -so he is sort of the buffer between the actors and management.

Two ways to get stage mangement experience:

1: Do it on a collegiate or community theatre level. Then do it for a good Non-Equity theatre.

2: Get a position such as as a props runner, light board operator or stage hand - assuming the theatre doesn't use union members for those jobs(Broadway has unions for these - regional theatres usually don't). The more experience you can get being backstage during the running of a show, the better. Do as many different jobs as possible. A good stage manager should have a practical understanding of scenery, costumes, lighting, props, directing,and for that matter, acting.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 9/3/04 at 5:34pm

Always found it interesting that in England the SM's & ASM's are often actors. Maggie Smith was one eons ago.

[Millie42]

Posted: 9/4/04 at 12:23am

Thanks for all of the information! I am excited about learning what all goes into making a Broadway musical... then I can see if this would be something for me to do after graduation.
Thanks again!