Stage Management

by Stern; Lawrence

• ISBN13: 9780205006137
• ISBN10: 0205006132
• Edition: 10th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-09-02
• Publisher: PEARSON

Summary

Updated in its 10thedition, Stage Managementoffers readers a practical manual on how to stage manage in all theatre environments. Revered as the authoritative resource for stage management, this text is rich with practical resources, including checklists, diagrams, examples, forms and step-by-step directions. Stage Managementeschews excessive discussion of philosophy and gets right to the essential materials and processes of putting on a production. In addition to sharing his own expertise, Stern has gathered practical advice from working stage managers of Broadway, off-Broadway, touring companies, regional, community, and 99-seat Equity waiver theaters.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Making Things Run Smoothly

 

Chapter 2 Characteristics of a Good Stage Manager

Attributes of Good Stage Managers

Communication/Management Skills

 

Chapter 3 Getting the Play and Understanding It

The Promptbook

Understanding the Script

Plots

Area Lighting Diagrams

Entrances and Exits

Pronunciation Questions

Special Effects

 

Chapter 4 Scheduling and Company Rules

The Master Calendar

Staff Meetings

Rehearsal Schedules

Company Rules

The Callboard

 

Chapter 5 Getting Acquainted with Your Theater

Who Does What?

Personal Equipment for Stage Managers

Begin Box

Stage Diagrams

Circuit Breakers

Diagram of Lighting Instruments

Information Packets

 

Chapter 6 Expediting Auditions and Readings

Working with Actors

Accepting Resumes

Controlling Scripts

Obtaining Information

Controlling Forms

Preparing a Cast List

Conducting the Deputy Election

First Cast Meeting or Read-Through

 

Chapter 7 Budgeting

 

Chapter 8 Rehearsal Procedures

Working with the Director During Rehearsal

Preset Diagrams

Rehearsals Away from Your Stage

Your Rehearsal Call

Rehearsal Duties

Keeping Track of Rehearsals

Accident Prevention and Reports

Keeping a Do-List

Avoiding Rehearsal Problems

 

Chapter 9 Keeping the Cast on Time

Sign-In Sheets

The Calls

 

Chapter 10 Department Management and Property Management

The Stage Manager as Coordinator of Departments

Property Forms

 

Chapter 11 Supervision of Shifts

Shift Plot Charts

Take-In

Crew Briefing

Scene Dock

Shift Inspection

Scene Shift Diagrams

Audience Caution

Distribution of Scene Diagrams

Upkeep of Sets

 

Chapter 12 Running the Technical Rehearsal

 

Chapter 13 Running the Show

Checklists

Giving Cues

Cueing Equipment

Timing Curtain Calls

Walking the Curtain

Access to the Control Booth

 

Chapter 14 Working with the House Manager

Duties of the House Manager

Blood-Borne Pathogens

Rotating Duty Rosters

VIP Lists

 

Chapter 15 Keeping the Show in Hand

Long-Run “Improvements”

Cast Morale

Blocking Replacements and Rehearsing Understudies

Upkeep of Sets and Costumes

 

Chapter 16 Closing and Moving/Touring

Strike Plan

Changeover Schedule

Moving the Show

 

Chapter 17 Fire/Evacuation

Limitations

Stage Manager’s Fire/Evacuation Checklist

Evacuation

Resources

 

Chapter 18 Working with Unions

 

Chapter 19 Organizing Information

Local Theater

Newspapers, Magazines, and Internet Info

Guides to Goods and Services

Contact File

Books

Keeping Current with the Technology of Theater

Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)

Police, Fire, and Municipal Regulations

Organizations

 

Chapter 20 Correspondence

A Letter to the Next Stage Manager

Critiques

Letters of Recommendation

Thank-You Notes

 

Chapter 21 Getting a Job

Your First Job as Stage Manager

Resumes

Personal Mailing List

Long-Range Goals

 

Appendix A

Production Checklist from a Stage Manger’s Point of View

 

Appendix B

Forms

 

Appendix C

A Few Theater Stories

 

Appendix D

Website of Interest to Stage Managers

 

Appendix E

What Would You Do?

 

Glossary.

Reader’s Comments Form.

Index.