The Back Stage Guide to Stage Management, 3rd Edition

by Kelly, Thomas A.

• ISBN13: 9780823098026
• ISBN10: 0823098028
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-06-16
• Publisher: Back Stage Books

Summary

The Most Widely Used Manual For Aspiring And Veteran Stage Managers - Now Revised and Expanded The next best thing to shadowing a Broadway stage manager, this detailed, behind-the-scenes book as been brought completely up to date. First published in 1991, it is widely used and has been lauded as the most comprehensive, educational book on stage management available. From preproduction planning and first rehersals to opening night and final strike, all the essentials of the profession are presented here in a friendly, engaging style. Blending how-to information with anecdotes from his own career, author Thomas A. Kelly explains the entire theatrical process, including: - Organizing all rehearsals and performances - Maintaining the working script, cue sheets, and daily records - Supervising the technical aspects of the show - Running shows outdoors and at other non-theatrical venues - Dealing with performers and crew members on all levels This new edition reflects all the latest developments and innovations in the industry and adds a totally new chapter on opera stage management, complete with an in-depth breakdown of the challenges this style of production presents. The text is supported by sample documents, diagrams, and charts that straddle time-honored approaches with what can be generated by today's computer software. All the latest stage machinery is discussed, along with tips on finding employment. This guide remians the first choice for anyone who works in any branch of the profession, whether amateur, educational, or professional.

Author Biography

Thomas A. Kelly has been a professional stage manager and production manager for over forty years. He most recently worked as Production Stage Manager for New York City Opera and before that on Broadway and major production venues in New York City and nationally. He has taught Stage Management at Rutgers, SUNY Purchase, and Columbia University and is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from USITT.

Sir Peter Hall is an English theatre and film director who was knighted in 1977 for his service to the theatre. He founded the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1960 and served as its artistic director until 1968. He was director of the Royal National Theatre from 1973 to 1988. He is currently director of The Rose Theatre at Kingston upon Thames.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. 6
Preface to the Third Edition	p. 8
Preface to the Second Edition	p. 11
Introduction	p. 17
What Does a Stage Manager Do?	p. 20
Preproduction	p. 28
Stage Managers and Computers	p. 58
The First Rehearsal	p. 64
The Rehearsal Period	p. 90
Automation	p. 113
Load-In and Technical Rehearsals	p. 123
Previews and Opening Night	p. 150
Maintaining and Running a Show	p. 157
Closing a Show and Touring	p. 171
Stage Managing Opera	p. 179
Career Information	p. 195
Conclusion	p. 204
Appendixes	p. 206
Definitions of a Stage Manager	p. 206
Sample Production Schedule	p. 212
Production Meeting Notes	p. 216
Rehearsal Schedules and Scene Breakdowns	p. 219
Rehearsal Report Form	p. 226
Sample Cue Sheet	p. 227
Tracking Sheet and Prop List	p. 228
Technical Rehearsal Schedules	p. 234
Cue Lights	p. 240
Actors' Equity Association Work Rules	p. 250
Performance Report and Schedule	p. 260
Production Schedules for Touring/Closing a Show	p. 264
The Who/What/Where: Il Matrimonio Segreto	p. 270
Site Survey for an Event at Yankee Stadium	p. 272
Basic Guide to a Site Survey for an Outdoor Event	p. 274
Scheduling and Running Events in Hotel Situations	p. 275
Discussion Agenda for Planning and Producing a Performance in a Nonperformance Space, Along with Load-In and Trucking Schedule	p. 276
Costume Breakdown	p. 278
Costume Run Sheet: Il Matrimonio Segreto	p. 279
Glossary	p. 281
Suggested Reading	p. 291
Index	p. 295
About the Author	p. 303
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