Every job has its tools and one of the biggest money suckers for a stage manager is their. But essentially they all have one function in common. The idea of busproofing a prompt book follows the idea that if the stage manager were to get hit by a bus, akin to 6 regina george in the movie mean girls, any other individual should be able to pick up the prompt book and interpret it well enough to run the show in their absence. Roles and responsibilities in theatre, sample of essays. 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. The prompt book the prompt book is a working document that organizes lists, schedules, notes, reports, script, etc. Each stage manager s method of blocking notation will be different. Nov 02, 2009 first, every stage manager must have a physical prompt book.
If anything happens to the stage manager sm, the prompt book can be used by another stage manager, or assistant stage manager asm, to run the show. Stage management guide chipstead players theatre group. Be prepared to fulfill the duties of the stage manager when necessary. Bachelors in fine art stage management new department of. Version 2015, 0108 1 table of contents congratulations. You may be able to move from a smaller company to a larger company. If for any reason you find yourself unable to call a show, the assistant stage manager or any other qualified person should be able to pick up your prompt book and call the show in your absence. Asms will need to coordinate the recording progress of this document with the sm. Convey the directors wishes to designers and stage crew.
How to stock a stage management kit on a budget brokegirlrich. Examples of stage manager in a sentence, how to use it. Introduction to stage management reno little theater. How to become a good stage manager with pictures wikihow. Under no circumstances shall anyone other than the stage manager or assistant stage manager be on book calling the cues of a production. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book theatrefolk. You should be familiar with the standard stage map and terms for parts of the stage and blocking. My familys weirder than your family, opera australia. Sep 18, 2017 for a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage management by lawrence stern. Unfortunatly, there is no accepted format for the distribution of scripts electronically, which basically means that there is no dedicated stage management tool. The bachelor of fine arts in stage management degree offers the training to become a wellrounded stage manager in both performance and business theatre through an offering of theatrical experiences of a professional caliber. Currently working for the walt disney company as assistant stage manager, ive got a strong experience in stage productions and events.
See more ideas about stage manager, teaching theatre, stage. The stage manager maintains a prompt book, sometimes called the book or the bible, which contains all cues, technical notes, blocking and other information pertinent to the show. The role of the stage manager is especially important to the director in rehearsals. Assisting the stage manager with administrative tasks for example, the stage manager may delegate calling latecomers to the asm so the stage manager can stay in rehearsal and take notes taking notes and updating the prompt book if the stage manager is sick or otherwise unable to attend rehearsal. Months before rehearsals begin, youll need to start scheduling and coordinating. The prompt book button allows you to follow the music and animates to show you specific cues as they occur including lighting lx, smoke, trap door, flys, artist and flame cues.
A good stage manager can take in all of the scheduling needs from the director, music director, vocal director, choreographer, fight choreographer, dialect coach, movement coach, production manager, costume designer, etc. Oct 26, 2018 during the production, the prompt book is in a threering binder. The stage manager also maintains a prompt book, sometimes called the bible. Assistant stage manager tech theater responsibilities. Assists with the safe return of props and furniture. I was one of two assistant stage managers for this run of the producers presented by. Develop leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
As deputy stage manager, you will work on one of our projects and alongside the creative and pastoral teams, you will run the rehearsal room creating various records for the show including the prompt copy and calling the public performances. Nov 21, 2008 the stage manager also works with the technical designer in creating sets that match the directors needs and then finding the most efficient way for crew to change the sets quickly during the performance. I have also always taken for granted the fact that actors are ignorant of this basic fact of sm life. I am an aspiring stage manager currently studying at rose bruford college of speech and drama. Based on the 6 hour limit of outside rehearsal or activities for our show per week, you will be assigned to attend specific rehearsals on a weekly bases. The information in the prompt book also allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to determine precisely how it needs to be timed to coordinate with the onstage action. Check out why its good to keep these for future jobs and why its suc. One of the most important reasons for the prompt script. The stage keeper was responsible for the maintenance of the theater, taking props on and off stage, and security of performance space.
High quality stage manager inspired leggings by independent artists and designers from around the world. Stage manager description the stage manager has a wide number and variety of responsibilities, which can be broken down into three primary categories. Assistant stage managers will assist the stage manager and aid in the rehearsal and run of the production. The prompt book contains blocking notes, any changes that have been made, and all technical cues, in a neat and easytoread style. The primary purpose of a prompt book is to function as a solid and complete record of the production. Stage managers checklist panttaja university of idaho. Chapters are laid out to reflect the order in which stage managers experience and perform their work. The information in the prompt book also allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to determine precisely how it needs to be timed to.
Was stage manager for two productions and assistant stage manager for two production that were on a repertory schedule for the summer. Personal duties included calling all rehearsals, paperwork and prompt book. Once you have moved the show into the theater, it is important to keep your book. Shall assemble and maintain the prompt book which is defined as the accurate playing text and stage business, together with such cue sheets, plots, daily records, etc. For my few years 10 working as a sm, i have always taken for granted the fact that the theatre kept the stage manager s prompt book at the end of a run.
One of the stage managers 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. The asm assists in finding and maintaining props during. This book is considered the property of the theatre company. How stage managers shepherd tech rehearsals dramatics. As you hike, you check in with run crew, assistant stage managers, designers, production staff, and the director. The role of the stage manager in any theatrical production is like the keystone of an arch. Sometimes called the bible, stage managers use the prompt book as a map. Hired and provided proper training to assistant stage managers and front of house managers. Not being seen is an unspoken tenant of the stage manager s handbook.
Generally a lead stage manager will keep the master book, which is then copied by assistants on a nightly basis to account for any new information inserted during. 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 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. However, 100 years ago a stage manager advocated for the rights of stage managers, allowing us to be seen and recognized appropriately. Prompt books come in all shapes and sizes, designed for slightly different purposes or for use by people in different roles within the theatre. Once a show has opened, the stage manager is in charge of overseeing the integrity of the performance. Its been requested, so i go through what i have in one of my prompt books for a show. The purpose of this handbook is to explain the policies and procedures used by stage managers at the university of idaho to conduct theatrical productions. See more ideas about teaching theatre, stage manager, theatre education. Each page of the prompt book should be a page of the script blown up on an 8.
There is a lot to be said for the old way of making a prompt book. Kennedy center for the performing arts, directed by phylicia rashad. While you may argue the merit of such a need and highlight all the ways we could get around a physical one that requires paper, i just dont believe it. With further experience and skills, you could follow a promotion route from assistant stage manager to deputy stage manager, then stage manager to company or production manager. Claire landuyt assistant stage manager city theatre.
The stage manager for each scene is in charge of the prompt book. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. During performances, the stage manager runs the book, which means he uses the prompt book to cue lights, sound and set changes. Assistant stage manager asm assists with auditions and preparation of rehearsal room. Explain audition procedures to actors and help to distribute audition information and help with the sign in process. Oct 27, 2018 one of the stage managers 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. May 14, 2019 stage manager duties are important in keeping a show on its feet and were here to tell you why and how.
Running the show sue magnuson, chanhassen dinner theatre. Perform the jobs assigned to them by the stage manager from the list of stage manager s duties. The stage manager and the technical director also work out a smooth and. For a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage management by lawrence stern. Jan 27, 2020 prompt book project each student will put together a prompt book using the play the effects of gamma rays on maninthemoon marigolds. The prompt book should contain most importantly a prompt script with cues and blocking, as well as all contact information, completed forms and reports, calendars. I keep up to date the prompt book and all documents that guarantee the smooth running of the show. Stage manager job description prerequisite classroom study. Stage managers are responsible for facilitating the technical details of a theatrical production, assisting the director during rehearsals, overseeing scheduling, keeping the prompt book, managing cast relations and distributing information. Turn your prompt book in to laurie by the end of the day following your strike guidelines for prompt books below is a general list of the many things that can and possibly should end up in your completed prompt book at the end of a show. The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains. Asm document that covers all the props, people and whatever moves on and off stage.
I have come from a performers background and moved into backstage. The prompt book should be neat, organized, and kept up to date. A copy of the script with available space for notes and other resources provided by director. The stage manager for each show is in charge of the prompt book. Based on the 6 hour limit of outside rehearsal or activities for our show per week, you will be assigned to attend specific rehearsals on a. The stage manager s 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. This handbook is to be used in tandem with the departmental production policy manual for production procedures.
Usually shortened to asm, the assistant stage manager is the most junior. The dsm is often also in rehearsal working with the director to prepare the prompt book. Nov 21, 2008 while the wardrobe staff revived her, an assistant stage manager ran from backstage to take her chair and headset and continued giving cues from the prompt book. In the uk, the dsm is often on the book that is, they are in charge of. Stage managerassistant stage manager the stage manager sm and assistant stage manager asm take on challenging and rewarding roles that are crucial to every production. Oct 20, 2018 assisting the stage manager with administrative tasks for example, the stage manager may delegate calling latecomers to the asm so the stage manager can stay in rehearsal and take notes taking notes and updating the prompt book if the stage manager is sick or otherwise unable to attend rehearsal. Shall assemble and maintain the prompt book which is defined as the. Worked with assistant stage manager on providing accurate feedback for all performers and coordinator. The history of stage management reno little theater.
Bethany alexander, deputy stage manager, assistant stage. The deputy stage manager dsm uses this book throughout the performance. This feature is available after single camera or our camera cut has been selected. I do not claim to be an expert in stage management. A stage managers job is to make sure her or his production is able to perform in. However the system should be consistent throughout the prompt book.
Members of the artistic staff host a book club with selections to complement and add perspective to each play. Here are the seven main duties of a stage manager everyone involved in a production should know. Follow these steps and your stage manager will be ready to go in no time. Sammee jackman freelance stage manager freelance, self. Ensures all running plots are appended to the prompt copy at the end of the run. Usually shortened to asm, the assistant stage manager is the most junior member of the stage management team, often in charge of sourcing and running properties during the run of a show. The stage manager should begin creating a prompt book by purchasing a three ring. Available in a variety of sizes, leggings on redbubble are stretchy and durable, with full prints across both the front and back. I had a related question to the prompt book question in this thread. Participates in the procurement of props, furniture and set dressing. Aboriginal boy, looked as hard as nails and their fertility in the use of.
Copy administrative forms, as needed, and include in promptbook. The information in the prompt book also allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to determine precisely how it needs to be timed. Under the supervision of the stage manager, i coordinate the work of technical, production. If anything happens to the stage manager sm, the prompt book can be used by another stage manager, or assistant stage manager asm. The prompt book contains the script from which the sm calls the show, labeled with light and sound cues. During rehearsals, stage managers are responsible for helping establish the shows rehearsal schedule. The prompt book has to be updated by the stage manager at every rehearsal which allows them to run technical rehearsals as the cues determine precisely how the technical appliances need to be in.
The stage manager sm is an invaluable part of the production team. The professional experiencerefreshed takes the reader on a journey through all aspects of the craft of stage management in theatre, including the technological advancements that have come to theatre and the stage mangers job. Coordinated the work of the board operators, dressers, and assistant stage manager. Sm log book a place to write down notes throughout the production process. Emily stands, xdsr emily stands up and crosses downstage right. Set up the prompt book see glossary for definitions in binder or bound copy with text on the left and blank pages to the right. These positions require efficiency, organization, calm, tact, and a willingness to be the person everyone comes to for answers about the production. A stage manager encompasses a whole show from the production meetings to the rehearsal period, opening night and beyond. At the end of that time, one of them will be assigned the sm position, and each of the others will be assigned the job of assistant stage manager or asm. His eight points explain perfectly what makes a good stage manager the best. Accept responsibility keep their cool keep their eyes and ears open and know when to share their opinions. The assistant stage manager asm has varied responsibilities, which are assigned by the stage manager. Whats in a stage managers prompt book aka sms bible. At meetings, record concerns or needs and communicate these to the stage manager.
It is agreed that it is the duty of the stage manager to assemble and maintain the prompt script for the actual technical and artistic operation of the production. The stage manager must mark as herhis cue a unique movement by a dancer or a music change. The stage manager prepares for cue to cue rehearsal in order to facilitate the efficient and smooth running of the rehearsal. You could possibly go on to become a theatrical director or producer. The boy who was born with a moustache, melbourne city ballet, gravity dolls, josh earl. And if the task is not executed with certain major ingredients, the keystone will be weak and the arch will fall anyway. Work with the stage manager to create and maintain the prompt book in a threeringed binder. Stage managerassistant stage manager barnard college. A stage manager under actors equity contract is, or shall be obligated to perform at. In rehearsals the stage manager also records all blocking, plus all the light, sound and set change cues, in a master copy of the script called the prompt book.
Many playwrights, directors, and actors have previously worked as an assistant stage manager. For the student shows that follow, everyone will rotate positions, so that each student gets a chance to sm eventually. You want the text as big as you can get it, leaving a 1. Oct 01, 2020 stage managed and assistant stage managed fourteen productions. The stage manager and assistant stage managers are prohibited from the making of payrolls or any distribution of salaries. Lizzie bond, assistant stage manager, deputy stage manager. So, what does an assistant stage manager do, anyway. I read where a stage manager became incapacitated during a showwe all know the show must go onand it did. The information in the prompt book also allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each techni.
I have seen too many challenges during a show that shows a necessity for having this physical book. Take pride in the few times you get called up in the light for a job well done. The stage manager is the primary person responsible for communication among production staff, cast and crew. The assistant stage manager can ease a lot of the stress that comes from. The assistant stage manager was required to have a full, uptodate, hardcopy prompt book in case of any emergencies or system crashes. The sm works side by side with many of the individuals involved with putting on the show, from recording the directors decisions about blocking, notes for the actors, keeping track of logistical and scheduling details, and communicating what goes on in rehearsals and shows. So youll look awesome whether youre coming or going. The stage manager and the technical director also work out a smooth and efficient plan.
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