Production book organization directing theatre, stage manager. You will have the opportunity to influence the process at every step of the way and you can be an indispensable help to your director, design team and performers. The official production book prepare the production book so that it is an accurate record of the production. Its sometimes known as the book, prompt copy or prompt script. This book, written by a top professional in the field with years and years of experience, was everything one could expect to understand the critical role a stage manager plays in mounting, running and closing a production. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book theatrefolk. Whats in a stage managers prompt book aka sms bible. Oct 06, 2018 the stage manager must observe and listen carefully to ensure that no detail is neglected. The stage manager is responsible for creating a master copy of the script called the prompt book that contains everything pertaining to the show. Essentials of stage management by peter maccoy, the stage management handbook by daniel a. If you have some experience in stage management, this will be too basic for you but if you are someone who is just starting out it gives a very accessible introduction into how to do general stage management tasks.
The job requires keeping actors and technicians on task, managing meetings and rehearsals, and remaining calm and levelheaded throughout a process that tends to be emotionally and physically draining. Virtual stage manager handles all your time consuming theatre management tasks. The sm will provide support to the directors from the very beginning of the production at auditions through the final rehearsal. The stage manager sm is the righthandman or woman to the director. Be prepared to point out specific differences of each document in your production book to the class. To help you in honing your skills and approaches for that next upcoming production, following is a brief list of commandments to follow to ensure proper stage management. A stage manager encompasses a whole show from the production meetings to the rehearsal period, opening night and beyond.
The general manager and active production chair will enter all approved changes. Stage management is a broad field that is generally defined as the practice of organization and coordination of an event or theatrical production. Production stage manager university of memphis, 2017. Outline the change you purpose and the reason for this proposal. Follow these steps and your stage manager will be ready to go in no time. As all stage managers know, doing line notes for actors once they are off book is one of the most gueling parts of the job. Music and book by james valcq lyrics and book by fred alley based on the film by lee david zlotoff responsible for scheduling, blocking notation, props tracking, preset notation, management of run crew and asms, and calling lights and sound cues. A stage manager is responsible for the overall organization of a theatrical production.
The book outlines the duties of the stage manager and assistant stage manager throughout a production, discussing no. In other productions, the head stage manager is usually just called the stage manager. Stage management handbook v4 west virginia university. Choose styles that clearly indicate specific advantages or disadvantages of each document. Their responsibilities include costume and set design, installing lights, rigging, sound equipment, and scenery, and set building for events in parks, stadiums, arenas, and other places. Blocking is keeping track of the actors movements across the stage. The stage manager can take this home with all pertinent information to the production regarding schedules, conflicts, future fitting and meeting requests and todos, and leave the blockingcall scripts at the theatre.
If youre working with a very large cast on a very huge production, make an extra copy of your script. The book identifies communication objectives for each phase of production, paperwork to be created, and the necessary questions to be answered in order to ensure success. Stage managing is the best way to learn firsthand everything it takes to put together a show. The prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues, and is used by the deputy stage manager to run rehearsals and later, control the performance. Check out why its good to keep these for future jobs and why its such an important tool for a show. We copyedit the manuscript for style, consistency, grammar and nomenclature. Its been requested, so i go through what i have in one of my prompt books for a show.
No projects will be accepted after the last day of class. Stage production workers handle the behindthescenes tasks that are necessary for putting on theatrical performances. Some printable forms for stage managers, including signin sheets, checklists, and call sheets, which all help to make a production run smoothly. This call sheet should then be attached as the first page of the folder that contains all completed contact forms. The back stage guide to stage management, 3rd edition amazon. Usually you can get a copy from the director or from the stage management advisor.
This readytoprint signin sheet makes it easy for stage managers to implement and practice signins by cast and crew at all rehearsals, even on smaller productions. The book outlines the duties of the stage manager and assistant stage manager throughout a production, discussing not only what to do but why. The reports allow the stage manager to record notes for the production team, explain what actually happened in rehearsal versus what was originally on the schedule, and even who was absent or late. The member of stage management often the dsm cueing the show is said to be. Also, we identify tips and tricks to perfecting your stagemanagement skills. In this episode, we explore one of the many ways to build a stage management book.
When i first started as an assistant stage manager, i started using a template i was given, and from there i developed some of my own for furture stage managers to make things easier. May 14, 2019 stage manager duties are important in keeping a show on its feet and were here to tell you why and how. Mar 03, 2015 its been requested, so i go through what i have in one of my prompt books for a show. First published in 1991, it is widely used and has been lauded as the most comprehensive, educational book on stage management available. The production managers toolkit is a comprehensive introduction to a career in theatrical and special event production for new and aspiring professionals, given by expert voices in the field. Production stage manager the head stage manager, in charge of making sure the production goes smoothly and the supervisor of the other stage managers. The book discusses management techniques, communication skills, and relationship building tactics to create effective and successful production managers. The role of the stage manager is critical, straddling the line between the creative side of theater and the production side. Compare three samples of the following types of forms used by stage managers.
Stage managers are in the rehearsal hall, dealing with the actors and director, and taking notes for all production departments. This is a very good entry level book for stage management. As a stage manager, you are responsible for organizing r. Stage management first emerged as a distinct role in the 17th century during shakespeares and molieres time, though it wasnt until the 18th century in england that the term stage manager was used. If you would like to propose a revision to this handbook, please email the production manager. A great stage manager is typically a calm, professional, and organized person with a good base knowledge of stagecraft, and an ability to courteously manage others. Sm log book a place to write down notes throughout the production process. As a student, the sm has the most important responsibilities of the production. The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show.
The view from prompt side a stage managers perspective. It must be prepared in advance of the first rehearsal, so the stage manager is ready to go right away. The production editor or project manager will be the primary contact during production and will be in touch with you soon after the manuscript is delivered to production. Who to see when you are first notified that you will be stage managing a production, you will need to obtain items from the following people. May 16, 2018 the stage manager should also compile a onepage document, called the call sheet, with just the name of the cast or crew member, his or her phone number and his or her role in the production. The stage manager s toolkit templates and communication techniques to guide your theatre production from first meeting to final performance. Oct 18, 2016 in this episode, we explore one of the many ways to build a stage management book. Stage managers and directors can use this printable blocking. Check out why its good to keep these for future jobs and why its such an important tool for a. The stage managers toolkit provides a comprehensive account of the role of the stage manager for live theatre with a focus on both written and verbal communication best practices. On broadway, off broadway, in regional repertory, or on tour, the only book you need as your professional companion is peter lawrence s comprehensive and definitive production stage management for broadway. Now, this may look a bit intimidating, but i will show you how i write down blocking. Stage managers deal with scheduling of the rehearsal hall and communicating what happens in there to everyone else. A good stage manager sends these reports out after every rehearsal.
Be sure your name is on the inside cover of the three ring binder. Samples should show how the same information can be organized in three distinct ways. Here are the seven main duties of a stage manager everyone involved in a production should know. Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that. Production book organization directing theatre, stage. Stage management may encompass a variety of activities including the overseeing of the rehearsal process and coordinating communications among various production teams and personnel.
This was the first time a person other than actors and playwright was hired to direct or manage the stage. As a stage manager, you have to know absolutely everything that goes on. Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that delivers new books every 1, 2, or 3 months new customers receive 15% off your. The stage manager has a wide number and variety of responsibilities, which can be broken down into three primary categories.
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