Production Duties: Stage Manager
Are you:
...organized, assertive, tactful, and patient?
...a good problem solver?
...a team leader?
Do you:
...communicate well?
...work well under pressure?
...have a sharp eye for detail?
...have a sense of humour?
Time Commitment:
All rehearsals & performances; hours of organizing and consulting with
crew
As the stage manager, you will:
General
* Assist the director during rehearsals with administrative and production
details as required.
* Know the production in every detail.
* Act as a liaison between the director and designers/department heads.
* Be responsible for all backstage and onstage activity during the run of the
show.
* Attend all rehearsals and performances. Typical Guild productions
rehearse three times per week for 8-10 weeks and run for six performances
over two weeks. Discuss any conflicts or exceptions with the director as soon
as possible.
* Be the first to arrive at rehearsals and performances and the last to leave.
* Take notes at production meetings and distribute to all who attended.
* Ensure you're an official paid-up member of the Chilliwack Players Guild,
ASAP. This is for insurance purposes. Assist the producer in ensuring that the
rest of the cast and crew are paid-up members.
During Auditions
* Attend auditions, if requested by the director, to assist as necessary.
Assistance may include such things as setting up, distributing audition forms
and materials, calling auditioners into the room, or keeping notes for the
director.
* Provide input regarding casting choices, only if requested by the director.
* Assist the director in calling with audition results, as requested.
During Rehearsal
* Obtain a set of "Production Keys" from the producer.
* Tape the set design floor plan before first rehearsal.
* Distribute rehearsal schedules to the cast.
* Arrive at rehearsals early to open doors, turn on lights, etc. and be the last
to leave, ensuring the space has been restored to its previous condition,
turning off lights, and locking up after everyone.
* Maintain the prompt book---a binder containing a copy of the cast & crew
contact list, set diagram, rehearsal schedule, and each page of the script
(photocopied onto a separate page, leaving wide margins around the text for
notes). Record the following in the prompt book script (in pencil so you can
make changes as the creative process unfolds):
-- Blocking instructions actors receive from the director.
-- Backstage crew duties at various points in the show e.g. moving set
pieces, helping with quick changes, having certain props ready to hand off in
the wings, etc.
-- Notes for sound and light cues, with warning notations a half-page before
the cue to warn the appropriate tech operator.
-- Props required, noting where they're located on the set, where they
enter and exit, and by whom.
* Work with the props manager to obtain rehearsal props (either actual props
that'll be used in the show, or temporary props that will stand in until the real
thing is available), and ensure the director's wishes regarding props are
communicated to the props manager. The stage manager keeps track of props
between rehearsals, ensuring they're accounted for and appropriately stored
(again, working with the props manager).
* Prompt the actors on their lines once "off book".
* Take instruction from the director, assisting as requested.
* Be a liaison between the director and the designers/department heads,
ensuring that the director's wishes are communicated to the appropriate crew
leaders and that progress is reported to the director regularly.
* Be organized and on top of things. Try and anticipate questions and
problems that might arise. Use "I'll get back to you on that." instead of "I don't
know." When the stage manager looks like s/he's got it all together, it helps
everyone feel confident and comfortable, which translates into a great working
environment and a smooth, successful show.
Moving into the Theatre
* Attend set construction to unlock doors for the crew and to set up
backstage areas. Usually, Guild productions move into the theatre on the
Sunday, a little less than two weeks before opening night. A 9.a.m. start is
typical.
* Check the First Aid Kit and replenish supplies as needed. Locate the kit in
an accessible location and post a sign at eye level indicating where it is.
Inform cast and crew of the location at the next rehearsal, and find out which
cast and crew members have First Aid training. Attach a note with those names
to the sign and First Aid Kit.
* Locate fire alarms and fire extinguishers. You are responsible for backstage
fire safety.
* Check the "Stage Manager" suitcase and replenish supplies as needed.
* Purchase necessary supplies (tape, batteries, coffee, etc.) after checking
with the producer regarding amounts and procedure.
* Place the stage manager's lift-top desk in a suitable place backstage,
usually stage right, under the TV monitor. Stock the table with supplies that
might be required mid-show: extra flashlight batteries, masking tape, duct
tape, pens, safety pins, stapler, extra blue light bulbs, screw driver, hammer,
pliers, hot glue gun, crazy glue, double-sided tape, scissors, extension cord,
sewing kit, bobby pins, cough drops (most of these items can be found in the
stage manager's suitcase). With these supplies at your fingertips, cast
members will be amazed at, and eternally grateful for, the "magic" you
perform when the need arises.
* Enlist backstage crew members. Consult with the producer if you need
help finding people. Assign specific duties to each of the backstage crew:
stage setting between and within performances; props movement; sound
effects; dressers for specific cast members (coordinated with the costume
manager); making coffee, etc.
* Draw up a backstage crew schedule for the duration of the run and inform
crew members of their schedules. Ensure that backstage crew members know
to wear all black clothing and quiet footwear during dress rehearsals and
performances.
* Post a sign-in sheet for cast, musicians, and crew to sign in before each
performance. This could be a hanging clipboard or large chart on a piece of
poster board with pen attached. The sign-in sheet may include sound & light
technicians.
* Set up enough lighting backstage to allow for safe movement during the
show, for you to read the script, and for the crew to read their instructions.
This will include flashlights for crew (stored in the stage manager's suitcase), as
well as strategically placed clip-on lamps with blue light bulbs (which can be
found in either the suitcase or the lighting tech/props cupboard in the green
room). Electrical cords should be placed overhead, if possible, to avoid
tripping hazards. If cords must be on the floor, they should be thoroughly
duct-taped down.
* Set up chairs backstage for actors, ensuring that backstage movement is
unobstructed. (For British Nights off-site, take all of the stools and perhaps a
bench.)
* Mark sight lines at each stage entrance with masking tape on the floor.
Point out the taped sight lines to cast members, reminding them that if they
can see the audience, the audience can see them. Mark stair edges at stage
entrance/exits with dots of glow tape.
* Set up small mirrors backstage, as needed by the actors, usually one mirror
on each side, near a lighting source. Mirrors are stored in the lighting
tech/props cupboard in the green room. Ensure enough clothing hooks (a.k.a.
nails hammered into the set studs) are installed backstage as needed for use
during the show.
* Have the props manager set up props tables as needed---usually one on
each side backstage. The tables are lined with butcher paper, and each prop
outlined on the paper and labeled.
* Tape the door latch at the top of the stairs stage right, so it opens and
closes *quietly*.
Cue-to-cue and Tech Rehearsals
* Arrive first at the theatre, unlocking doors.
* Ensure that scene changes are practiced enough that the stage crew can
conduct them safely and quickly.
* Memorize this phrase and use it often: "I know what happened, and it'll be
corrected." It'll save you tons of explaining...most folks don't need/want the
gory details.
Before Each Performance
* Arrive first at the theatre. The timing will vary, depending on the
production, but usually around 1.5 to 2 hours before show time.
* Unlock all doors in the theatre, including theatre exit doors, tech booth,
box office, and front of house at appropriate times.
* Check that the green room, makeup area, bathrooms, and dressing rooms
are tidy. If necessary, remind cast members periodically that they're
responsible for hanging their own costumes, washing their own cups, cleaning
up after themselves etc.
* Assign a crew member to sweep the stage floor (give it a light swab with a
wet mop, if needed), and dust the stage furniture.
* Check that all stage props are correctly placed, and other props are in the
marked spots on the props tables. Remind cast members to check that their
costumes and props are in place before the stage is "hot". The props manager,
if working backstage during the run, may take on these responsibilities.
* Check the sign-in sheet and call tardy cast and crew members ASAP.
* About one hour before show time, synchronize your watch with the house
manager (stage manager time is the official time).
* Check with the lighting and sound operators to make sure they have no
technical difficulties that might delay the show---they're "set to go".
* About a half hour before show time, just before the stage goes "hot", turn
off the working stage lights. Cast warm-ups should be completed before this
time. Communicate via headset to the tech booth that the stage is "hot." and
ask the tech booth folks to pass that on to the house manager, so the house
manager knows it's ok to open the house. You may choose to tell the house
manager yourself, or arrange with the house manager that you will open the
vom door when the house is ready for patrons to enter. Then inform the cast
and green room crew that the stage is "hot."
* Lock the big red back door before the show starts.
* Announce to the cast: "15 minutes" and "10 minutes" before show starts.
About 5 minutes before show time, coordinate with the house manager (via
headset to the tech booth) to determine when the show will start. Call the
cast to "Places" backstage a few minutes before show time.
* Call the start of the show once the house manager says Front of House is
ready (audience is seated) via headset from the tech booth.
During Each Performance
* Remain backstage throughout the show (wearing all black clothing and
quiet footwear), even if all tasks have been assigned to other crew members.
Inform another crew member if you have to leave for some reason. At the
request of the director, the stage manager may run the show from the tech
booth, instead, in which case, an assistant manager is required to oversee
backstage.
* Handle any emergencies that arise backstage.
* Call tech cues from the prompt book via headset to the tech booth, if
required.
* At the beginning of intermission and at the end of the performance, inform
the tech booth via headset when the stage is clear for house lights to be
brought up.
* Relay information about costume repair and cleaning as reported by cast
members to the costume manager ASAP.
* Field any questions or problems regarding props, set, lights, etc., and solve
them if possible. If not, then contact the appropriate production crew member
the next day.
* Use a light step on the back stairs...they're prone to echoing thumps.
* Keep things quiet backstage, with minimal talking. We've had reports of
backstage whispers being heard in the front rows.
Intermission
* Note the time. Intermission usually lasts 15-20 minutes, depending on how
many people are using the lounge and how long it takes the stage crew and
cast members to prepare for the second half.
* Ensure any debris is cleared from the stage.
* Ensure that props, furniture or set pieces are in place for the next scene.
* Ensure that none of the cast or crew go through the stage to the audience.
* Communicate with the house manager (via headset to the tech booth)
regarding when the next act will begin.
* Announce to the cast: "10 minutes" before show starts. About 5 minutes
before show time, coordinate with the house manager (via headset to the tech
booth) to determine when the show will start. Call the cast to "Places"
backstage at five minutes to show time.
After Each Performance
* Once the audience has cleared the house, reset the stage for the next
performance.
* Ensure props are accounted for, in good condition, and in their correct
starting places.
* Be the last to leave (for safety, preferably with another person), turning
off lights, locking all doors, and setting the alarm.
* Ask cast members if any costume or props repairs are needed.
After the Run
* Attend the cast & crew party after the last performance. Party time!!
* Participate in set strike, ensuring all backstage materials---props, mirrors,
lights, lift-top desk and contents, stage manager's suitcase, First Aid Kit, etc.--have been put away.
* Return the "Production Keys" to the producer or executive member who
gave them to you originally.
Notes About Festivals
* Ensure the safe transportation of sets, props, costumes, tools, equipment
etc., to the festival venue.
* Coordinate rehearsal and performance times, and any limitations, with the
festival stage manager from whom you take direction.
If you're interested in being the stage manager for a
Chilliwack
Players
Guild
production,
email
us:
info@playersguild.ca.
To learn the ropes, offer to be assistant stage manager for a
production or two.