Stage managers production book

The prompt book is kept in such a manner that in the case of an emergency anyone could pick up the book and run the show. Jan 11, 20 this pin was discovered by tawny plumley burkhardt. The stage manager is responsible for creating a master copy of the script called the prompt book that contains everything pertaining to the show. Check out why its good to keep these for future jobs and why its such an important tool for a.

Experienced stage manager live television, my experience includes holding multiple positions in a live and pre taped television setting. The member of stage management often the dsm cueing the show is said to be. The stage management staff typically consists of a resident production stage manager, 34 additional showcontracted stage managers assistant stage managers, production assistants and 68 stage management interns. Its been requested, so i go through what i have in one of my prompt books for a show.

One of the stage manager s most important tasks is to create and maintain the prompt book sometimes known as the show bible which is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. Descriptionthe stage manager has a wide number and variety of responsibilities, which can be broken down into three primary categories. In every theatrical production, a single indispensable person is responsible for ensuring that scenery, lighting, actors, directors, sound artists are in sync. Not only are you part of a team to help develop a production, in the end you are the individual responsible for the production s follow through. A survival guide for stage managers by mary ellen allison.

Paperwork examples in regards to paperwork, most stage managers borrow other peoples templates to start, and then customize as preferences develop. I created this document so that crew names would be organized on the page in a logical to my mind way. Production book organization directing theatre, stage manager. How to make a prompt book resources for stage managers. No single book can ever completely encompass the possible permutations and idiosyncrasies of production that a stage manager navigates on a regular basis. Never give out contact information or medical information of cast, crew, or production team without. 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.

Stage managers are in the rehearsal hall, dealing with the actors and director, and taking notes for all production departments. The official production book prepare the production book so that it is an accurate record of the production. Useful forms for stage managers from signin sheets to checklists. Roth, emily, jonathan allenderzivic, and katy mcglaughlin. Sm log book a place to write down notes throughout the production process. In other productions, the head stage manager is usually just called the stage manager. The aeas definition adds emphasis that the stage manager is the inner mechanism responsible for operating the show. The stage managers toolkit templates and communication techniques to guide your theatre production from first meeting to final performance. Stage management may encompass a variety of activities including the overseeing of the rehearsal process and coordinating communications among various production teams and personnel. Oct 06, 2018 the prompt book is kept in such a manner that in the case of an emergency anyone could pick up the book and run the show.

Stage management is an art that is learned through extended study, mentoring, and experience. Regular dialogue related to expectations and sharing of responsibilities need to be ongoing from day one in order to build a teamwork environment. The sm is in charge of ensuring all related parties in a stage production be it theater or concert are communicating effectively, on the same page, and able to work together to pull off the performance flawlessly. The stage manager s toolkit templates and communication techniques to guide your theatre production from first meeting to final performance. Stage manager resume, drama, production, example, sample. It must be prepared in advance of the first rehearsal, so the stage manager is ready to go right away. Additionally, the stage manager s toolkit provides a good overview of stage management for interested nonspecialist staff and faculty members who teach or supervise young stage managers. 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.

It contains clear explanations and concrete examples, serving as a tool to both teach and reinforce the basics. The stage manager s toolkit provides an articulate and detailed guide through the stage management of a traditional theatrical production, complete with useful paperwork samples and uptodate considerations of technology. And if the task is not executed with certain major ingredients, the keystone will be weak and the arch will fall anyway. Be prepared to point out specific differences of each document in your production book to the class. 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. Stage management internships south coast repertory. A professional organization created by and for stage managers. The stage manager should read the script before meeting with the director. The prompt book contains blocking notes, any changes that have been made, and all technical cues, in a tidy and easytoread style.

Stage managers and directors can use this printable. If the production is an official invited festival production at the regional festival, a photocopy of that productions prompt scripts may be substituted for the original along with an explanatory sign, at the stage managers discretion. Yet the stage manager isnt the person calling the shots for the entire production. 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. Jan 10, 2018 stage managers are often the caregivers of the production, keeping up morale, making sure everyones happy, on time, and doing their best.

This book and companion website are designed to provide the stage manager with a road map to discovering and sharing information about your production. How to make a prompt book, paperwork, prompt book, prompt script, rehearsal reports, show bible, stage managing. Theatrical index upcoming productions announcements, cast and crew listings requires subscription theatermania. Sm log book template a place to write down notes throughout the production process. Stage management is a broad field that is generally defined as the practice of organization and coordination of an event or theatrical production. Choose styles that clearly indicate specific advantages or disadvantages of each document.

For an average production, the sm will require a staff of one or more assistant stage managers, lighting board and sound board operators, properties assistants and stage crew to assist with set changes. Stage managers deal with scheduling of the rehearsal hall and communicating what happens in there to everyone else. One of the ideals of modern theatre is to achieve a unity of all production elements. With the barbizon electricians handbook app, barbizon lighting company provides entertainment techs with all the information they need, even on the go. If you would like to propose a revision to this handbook, please email the production manager. If you want to get an insight into what stage managers sometimes have to deal with, this is the book for you. The view from prompt side a stage managers perspective. In the world of professional theatre, the stage manager is one of the most important players. Be sure your name is on the inside cover of the three ring binder. The book outlines the duties of the stage manager and assistant stage manager throughout a production, discussing not only what to do but why. 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.

Created by the stage manager over the entire course of the production from prep to closing, it is the property of the production company. Follow these steps and your stage manager will be ready to go in no time. There is always one stage manager, one assistant stage manager or production assistant. Stage management software top 10 list controlbooth. Usually you can get a copy from the director or from the stage management advisor. Essentials of stage management by peter maccoy, the stage management handbook by daniel a. The book should include everything concerning the production, and should be in a location accessible to the entire stage management team. Stage manager january 2010 present employers name coventry responsible for managing a multifaceted stage team, and for ensuring the success of a show by looking after all the technical aspects related to its production. Must be enrolled in a high school, college, or graduate program focused on stage management, and not a member of any branch of any of the 4a unions. Everyone on the production are paid by the payment scales set by the equity union such as pact, caea the more the production earns, the more money everyone earns. Stage managers and casting directors can use this audition checklist to prepare for auditions and callback in a theater production.

Outline the change you purpose and the reason for this proposal. Definition of the duties of a stage manager a stage manager under actors equity contract is, or shall be obligated to perform at least the following duties for the production to which she is engaged, and by performing them is hereby defined as the stage manager. As the stage manager you are many things to many people. In modern theatrical productions, the prompt book is generally maintained and kept by the stage manager, with differences in the specific construction and organization to suit the style of the stage manager keeping the book, and the type of production legitimate theatre.

I do not claim to be an expert in stage management. Theatre stage musical theatre management books stage management stage crew teaching theatre drama class school scripts. Production stage manager the head stage manager, in charge of making sure the production goes smoothly and the supervisor of the other stage managers. Those who are working with stage managers such as production managers and technical directors, teaching stage managers, or who enjoy stage managing but do not practice it as a career. A prompt book documents everything about the production and could be used as a blueprint to remount the production if a company desires. Included are samples of scene breakdowns, audition forms, prop lists, rehearsal schedules, rehearsal reports, scene changes, line notes, checklists, and performance reports. Samples should show how the same information can be organized in three distinct ways. Theatreuni stage management handbook there are many different types of information that you should never give out as a stage manager. I can always add or delete a category depending on the production s needs. Production stage management for broadway is an excellent advancedlevel stage management book that could. The book discusses management techniques, communication skills, and relationship building tactics to create effective and successful production managers.

A stage manager encompasses a whole show from the production meetings to the rehearsal period, opening night and beyond. Production castcrew contact form this comprehensive production contact form will provide you with all the necessary contact and basic medical information youll need on your production s cast and crew members. The production paperwork provided below will provide insight into my stage management process from auditions to performances, and illustrate the various templates i use depending on specific requirements of a production. While stage management duties vary by both the institution and the production, below is a list of common stage management duties. In regards to paperwork, most stage managers borrow other peoples templates to start, and then customize as preferences develop. The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. Stage management handbook v4 west virginia university.

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. Stage production workers handle the behindthescenes tasks that are necessary for putting on theatrical performances. This was the first time a person other than actors and playwright was hired to direct or manage the stage. Now, its available as an appand best of all, its free.

Ive had to deal with a number of similar occurrences, but never all on the one production. Oct 27, 2018 the prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. The general manager and active production chair will enter all approved changes. For the past year i have been working as a stage manager for cnbc at the new york stock exchange, working on numerous live productions on a daily basis. Oct 26, 2015 and experienced stage managers may find the opening chapters too introductory before the real stories begin. Here are the seven main duties of a stage manager everyone involved in a production should know. These two positions involve support for both the director and the producer s. It is a welcome addition to the small cannon of stagemanagement texts, building on previous works while providing a unique focus on the early career experience and the systematic development of strong communication skills. The three most important aspects of stage managing are communication, communication, communication. 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. 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. We recommended reading recommended by the stage managers interviewed for this article.

How to become a good stage manager with pictures wikihow. Oct 18, 2016 in this episode, we explore one of the many ways to build a stage management book. Includes sections on knot tying, pictures of stage related tools, shop math, and much more. Production book organization directing theatre, stage. Be attentive to breaks, noting the times in your logs, and bring candy and veggies to rehearsals for cast and crew to snack on get reimbursement if you can its. Once the director has issued his or her final notes to the cast, this person usually assumes command of the physical stage area, dressing rooms and backstage greenroom. The success of the production depends on the leadership provided by this teamwork. The reason why they are included in this labor union of actors is because they are the advocate for them and for the entire production.

The person who pays everyone is the general manager the producer the company. Lawrence shares how spamalot kept reworking a musical number before jettisoning it to create a cleaner, betterpaced production. The role of the stage manager is critical, straddling the line between the creative side of theater and the production side of theater. Stage manager duties are important in keeping a show on its feet and were here to tell you why and how. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book theatrefolk. Below are some paperwork templates that i have created, all are designed to be customizable.

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. Mar 08, 2020 a stage manager is essentially the head traffic controller of a live theater or television production. The stage manager is one of the most important jobs at events and festivals. Stage managers also use this master script to prompt actors if they forget lines during. The book started as a project of the stage management course taught by. Jul 30, 2018 barbizons little flipbook is the lighting technicians bible. Whats in a stage managers prompt book aka sms bible. The key stage management positions are stage manager sm and assistant stage manager asm. If you have been asked to join this website by your organization, enter the sign up code below. In this episode, we explore one of the many ways to build a stage management book. Its sometimes known as the book, prompt copy or prompt script.

The role of the stage manager in any theatrical production is like the keystone of an arch. This one is a bit of an odd inclusion, but stage managers often feel like they are managing chaos. 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. Because entire production teams look to the stage manager for support and guidance in stressful times, this is an important lesson for young stage managers to learn. Eligiblealbeit inexperiencedstage managers are encouraged to participate.