Stage Manager

When in Doubt...
ask the person standing next to the director!



STAGE MANAGEMENT (SM)

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Before rehearsals begin

This job requires:

1.) Helping the director organize audition materials

2.) Running the "cattle call" - (closed or open audition)


3.) Posting notices and annoucements from the production staff on the call board for the show.


Once rehearsals begin

The SM is the eyes and ears of the production


- Keeping records about props, costumes, and all blocking notes that come out of each rehearsal.


 - Making sure every note or new idea that comes up in rehearsal gets communicated to the appropriate departments.


 - Maintaining order in rehearsals, keeping things running smoothly and on time, insuring that people are where they need to be at the appropriate time.


 - Prompting when actors are off-book and need a line.


 - Taking line notes (when actors get the line wrong) 


 - Calling breaks when appropriate. 

 - Scheduling EXTRA rehearsals so that everything gets done on time, and people's time is used efficiently.


 - Posting all updates to schedules and maintaining accurate contact sheets for the staff. 


 - Writing up and distributing rehearsal notes from the director(s). 

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TECHNICAL WEEK OF THE SHOW

Once the production moves into the theater, the responsibilities expand to include:

- Maintaining safety at all times.

- Keeping the crew informed about what's happening and what they need to be ready for 

- Maintaining the prompt script with cues for lighting and deck moves (mapping), etc.

PERFORMANCE NIGHTS

- Posting and maintaining accurate sign-in sheets and performance schedules, etc.

- The stage manager will "call" the show (lighting, sound and deck cues) if possible.

- Responsible for taking and distributing any show notes for actors and for each production department.

- Holding brush-up rehearsals as necessary (with the dance and/or fight captains, as appropriate)

"Without a really good right arm...
we are only left..." -anonymous