Stage Management

by Stern, Lawrence

• ISBN13: 9780205335312
• ISBN10: 0205335314
• Edition: 7th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-01-01
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon

Summary

The bible in the field of stage management, this text is a practical examination of the role of the stage manager in overall theater production. Full of practical aids such as Web sites and email addresses in every chapter, checklists, diagrams, glossaries, and step-by-step directions, this volume has been used and admired by students and theater professionals alike. It eschews excessive discussion about method or philosophy and, instead, gets right to the essential materials and processes of putting on a production. Perhaps most importantly, Stern has continued to keep pace with the technological and professional developments affecting the stage.

Table of Contents

1. Making Things Run Smoothly.
A Point of Departure.
The Care and Feeding of the Amateur Stage Manager: A True Tale of the Theater.

2. Characteristics of a Good Stage Manager.
Professional Attitude.
Personal Traits.

3. Getting the Play and Understanding It.
The Prompt Script.
Understanding the Script.
Plots.

4. Scheduling and Company Rules.
The Master Calendar.
Staff Meetings.
Rehearsal Schedules.
Company Rules.
The Callboard.

5. Getting Acquainted with Your Theater.
Who Does What?
Personal Equipment for Stage Managers.
Stage Diagrams.
Circuit Breakers.
Diagram of Lighting Instruments.
Information Packets.

6. Expediting Auditions and Readings.
Working with Actors.
Posting Notes for Readings.
Accepting Resumes.
Controlling Scripts.
Obtaining Information.
Controlling Forms.
Preparing a Cast List.
Conducting the Deputy Election.
First Cast Meeting or Read-Through.

7. Budgeting.

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.

9. Keeping the Cast on Time.
Sign-In Sheets.
The Calls.

10. Department Management and Property Management.
The Stage Manager as Supervisor.
Supervision of Department Heads.
Property Management and You.
Property Person's Checklist.
Property Forms.

11. Lighting, Sound and Cueing.
Conducting the Light Check.
Preparation of the Lighting Cue Sheet.
Re-Gelling Plans/Instrument Schedule.
Gel Patterns.
Area Lighting Diagrams.
Control Boards.
Control Board Capabilities.
Keeping Current.

12. 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.

13. Running the Technical Rehearsal.

14. Running the Show.
Checklists.
Giving Cues.
Timing Curtain Calls.
Walking the Curtain.
Access to the Control Booth.

15. Working with the House Manager.
Duties of the House Manager.
Blood-Borne Pathogens.
Rotating Duty Rosters.
VIP Lists.

16. Keeping the Show in Hand.
Long-Run “Improvements.”
Cast Morale.
Blocking Replacements and Rehearsing Understudies.
Upkeep of Sets and Costumes.

17. Closing and Moving/Touring.
Strike Plan.
Changeover Schedule.
Moving the Show.

18. Organizing Information.
Local Theater.
Newspapers and Magazines.
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.
Getting to Know the Unions.

19. Correspondence.
A Letter to the Next Stage Manager.
Critiques.
Letters of Recommendation.
Thank-You Notes.

20. Festivals.
Purpose of Festivals.
Festival Format.
Planning.
To Compete or Not to Compete.
Conclusion.
Appendix: Rules for High School Festivals.

21. Getting a Job.
Your First Job as Stage Manager.
Resumes.
Personal Mailing List.
Long-Range Goals.

Appendix A: Production Checklist from a Stage Manager's Point of View: A Chronological Approach and Priorities.

Appendix B: Forms.

Appendix C: A Few Theater Stories.

Appendix D: Websites.

Glossary.

Reader's Comments Form.

Index.