stage managing with kids

[dfwtheatreguy]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 1:17pm

I have stage managed a lot of shows, some with one or two kids in them but I think I might be unprepared for my latest project - our local theatre is doing Cheaper by the Dozen this summer which consists of 14 kids from ages 7 to 18.

HELP!

What tips or tricks or recommendations can anyone give me on how to adjust my sm style to fit both the adult actors and the kids. And what special challenges am I going to face with all those kids????

[JillianMelko]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 2:07pm

I've only staged managed once, but I just did Sound of Music with 14 children (because they were double cast) and I can tell you about my experience from an adult/actor perspective.

First thing is first you must have Patience with the children! They're going to be wild and crazy at times and really obedient at others, but for the most part I find that theatre children listen pretty well.

They will be talkative for a fact, especially when they're sitting all together. I suggest coming up with a few rules for them like in Sound of Music we made all the children sit and watch the scenes when they weren't onstage, or made them bring homework to do(although since its summer I'm sure they don't have much). Make sure they know when its appropriate to go to the bathroom or get water so they don't disrupt rehearsals.

I think you won't really have issues with the older children like 14 and up we really didn't, they acted for the most part respectfully and got along really well with the adults. It's the little ones that are more of a handful.

They can get very fidgety at long rehearsals so see if you can get the director to adjust the rehearsal schedule so that the children don't have to stay as late as the adults. We had rehearsals from 7-9:30 in SoM and all the kids except Liesl were dismissed by 8:30 or 9 so that they weren't out too late, and the adults got to practice the more intimate scenes without the distraction.

Try to discuss a gameplan with the director too about rules and regulations for the children, and disciplinary actions that can be taken if they are really misbehaving.

That's about all I can think of right now because I'm distracted at the office, but if you have any more questions PM me and I'll be happy to answer them.

[lola_actor22]

Posted: 6/8/08 at 1:43pm

I've stage managed Annie Warbucks, The Wiz, and High School Musical all with kids ages 5-12. And each show had like 25 kids in it and 12 different casts. And this summer I'm stage managing Willy Wonka and Alice in Wonderland with 35 kids in each production and with 3 different casts.

The easiest thing to do which will help more than you think for rehearsals is to make everything simplified when talking to them. Talk to them like kids because then they will listen to you.

For the show, prop walks and like enter/exit walks are a must! And make sure that you know exactly what each kid does and that your asms have in their script where people enter and exit. Make a chart for yourself and for your asms of where the kids have to be and their costume changes and such.

Hopefully youll have like kid wranglers to keep them quite backstage and in the wings... if not then your asms will.

And I dunno like if your kids start at age 7 and go till 18 I'm sure that the older ones will be able to help. But be aware that the age of 7,8,and 9 is when they think they are better than you and think that they can do whatever they want.

So make sure you give them a good talk about "theatre rules" before they go into the theatre. Also another note... when the kids are called to the theatre for a certain call time... have their home numbers on hand because chances are that their mothers are busy with other kids and running around that they will be late. So make sure the kids know the importance of being on time.

I don't know what else to say, theres so much haha but just make sure you have fun with them and if you have any questions.. just PM me

[springstagemanager]

Posted: 6/8/08 at 11:43pm

Always make sure there are snack breaks, and update the kids on time frequently to make them sure that they are, indeed going somewhere.

Another tip that might help you to get there attention works out as follows:
You- One, two, three, look at me
Kids (in response)- One, two, look at you

Or, you can do the ever-popular clapping routine, where you rhythmically clap, and the kids copy is, and you are able to start talking... Finally!


Challanges will mainly lay in keeping the attention of the children and having them stay focused. As a Stage Manager, you generally are not to show gloom/despair, but this is ESPECIALLY important. They'll require massive amounts of encouragement.

Be nice to them, but let them know who is in charge.

Good luck!!! =)