PRODUCTION MANUAL

STAGE MANAGER

The Stage Manager's job is not glamorous, it can be difficult but is of vital importance. The job is part technical wizard, whip-cracker, caretaker, Directorial right arm, time keeper, peace keeper, nursemaid, - you name it - and at some time during any given production the SM has probably done it. Before you start, make sure you are properly equipped. The essentials are:

□ LOTS of pencils, preferably with erasers (actors can make them disappear with frightening regularity!)

□ pencil sharpener & spare erasers

□ note paper

□ tape - masking, scotch, gaffer, glow, & electrician's

□ paper clips

□ stapler

□ scissors

□ glue stick

□ knife

□ tape measure

□ watch Also of usefulness:

□ highlighters of various colours

□ ruler

□ liquid paper

□ safety pins

□ string

□ push pins

□ elastic bands

□ small sewing kit

□ screwdriver with changeable heads

□ kleenex

□ A fully equipped first aid kit should also be nearby. Oh, and we forgot to mention you will also need the patience of Job, the wisdom of King Solomon, and a sense of humour that would put any comedian to shame.

There are 4 basic stages of any production in which you have major responsibilities:

□ pre-production & rehearsal period

□ technical and dress rehearsals

□ production run

□ post-production run Pre-production & rehearsal period

□ become thoroughly acquainted with the script

□ make up your prompt book

□ attend all auditions, casting, and production meetings (take lots of notes)

□ work out rehearsal, building, painting, and lighting schedules, props, costuming, and other deadlines with the Producer, Director, and all pertinent production staff

□ make sure all concerned receive copies of the schedule(s) and deadlines

□ work with the Producer to obtain your technical staff (i.e. ASM’s, lighting and sound operators)

□ if you are lucky enough to have an assistant, this is the time to divide the workload as far as rehearsal attendance is concerned (don't divide it up too much-you've got to know what's going on when you run and call the show)

□ make sure everyone has a copy of the production staff and cast contact list (this should be supplied by the Producer)

□ advise the cast of how to contact you if they are ill and cannot attend a rehearsal, or if they are going to be late for their call

□ familiarize yourself with the set and arrange with the set designer to have the rehearsal area floor taped, indicating walls, doors, windows, fireplace, etc.

□ arrange with props and furniture people for rehearsal furniture and props. Once assembled it is your responsibility to set it up for all rehearsals

□ encourage props and furniture teams to acquire unusual things ASAP so that the cast (and crew - mainly you!) can be thoroughly comfortable with its operation long before opening night

□ make sure you are the first to arrive at each rehearsal - turn on the lights, set up rehearsal space, furniture, and props

□ be sure that rehearsals start on time and that breaks don't run over time (some good- natured reprimanding usually solves the problem of tardiness, but don' t be afraid to crack the whip if a problem persists)

□ make sure the actors are not called unless needed

□ make sure the rehearsal space/theatre is secure during rehearsals

□ keep detailed, accurate and updated staging (blocking and choreography) notes and record any line changes (you will need to prompt the cast when they are "off book" and invariably someone won't have written down all of their blocking changes. Also should there be any recasting, you'll be the one to assist the newcomer in catching up)

□ supply all pertinent departments with a cue sheet

□ you are the liaison between the Director and production staff with regard to changes in schedules, needs of set, props, costumes, furniture, etc. - keep everyone up to date with deletions, additions, and revisions

□ keep the rehearsal space/theatre clean and tidy, put the garbage out and let the Executive Director know when supplies need to be replenished

□ clear the stage of rehearsal props and return the rehearsal space to the condition you found it in

□ if the set is under construction, clear the rehearsal area of working furniture and props so the building crews can work effectively

□ you are the last to leave the studio - make sure lights are out & everything locked up Technical & Dress rehearsals

□ arrange a costume parade with the Director, Producer, and Costume Designer

□ attend the costume parade and learn the wardrobe changes. If quick changes are needed, decide with wardrobe dept. the where and how of how they will be done

□ before tech rehearsals begin, get to know the equipment where you are calling the show (usually either backstage or in the booth) and arrange with the Theatre Technician to make sure it is all in working order

□ work out with the Director, Theatre Technician, and Producer when and how the tech rehearsals are to be run - usually the final tech is run the weekend prior to opening night:

- lights hung and focused, sound and light levels set (Saturday) - cue-to-cue without cast Sunday morning, followed by complete tech run with cast - remember, the tech rehearsals are for you and your crew so feel free to go over rough spots as many times as necessary

□ plan the set changes with the Director and if possible, rehearse them with the cast/crew to determine their feasibility and to work out the mechanics before you actually get into the tech rehearsal

□ mark and number all lighting (LX) and sound (SFX) cues in your prompt book and make sure the crew has the same numbers. Also mark your script with the actor and crew warnings and stand-bys, dresser and props warnings/notes, etc.

□ decide how you will call your cues and use the same terminology at all times. At minimum, each cue must have a “STANDBY” and “GO”. Make sure your lighting and sound crews learn the habit of responding

□ make a list of ALL your pre-show activities in the prompt book. Prepare the book as if someone else had to run the show - you never know - stranger things have happened.

□ make sure your props list is 100% complete (it should also include specific placement notes) and see the prop shelf is organized and set in the same way every time. This way nothing can go missing without you noticing and the cast will always be able to find their props

□ insist that each cast member do his/her own costume and personal prop check prior to the audience being admitted

□ know how all departments function - someone may not show up one night REMEMBER TO DELEGATE JOBS AS NECESSARY AND WHERE POSSIBLE

□ make sure everyone knows what their job is during a performance. Use this time to become familiar with every aspect of the show in production. EVERYTHING must be tested and made safe

□ arrange with the Producer for a thorough clean up and set up of the backstage, dressing rooms, and green room

□ advise cast and crew of backstage etiquette, i.e. no smoking, no loud voices, no food or drink, no visitors, washroom location, etc.

□ check that everyone has dressing room space and that costumes are organized with the Costume Co-ordinator

□ make sure the cast and crew know what time they are expected to arrive at the theatre during the run. Make sure the cast knows how to get into the theatre as well.

□ post a sign-in board in the backstage area for cast and crew and instruct people when you want them to start using it

□ apply glow tape to the set, furniture, and backstage area as necessary

□ ask the crew to wear full black unless they are wearing costumes

□ run dress rehearsals exactly as you would a performance CALM, PATIENCE! Production run As of opening night, the show is YOURS.

□ arrive early and open the theatre

□ make sure the backstage area is clean and clear of unnecessary obstacles

□ make sure everything is in working order and set up for the performance

□ ensure that your technical crew checks all equipment each night prior to the run

□ if there are repairs necessary during the run, arrange with the proper staff to ensure that they get done

□ arrange with wardrobe for laundry services for the costumes (only do it yourself as a last resort!). This is usually done at the end of each week of the run

□ confirm with front of house staff how and when the house doors open and close, the time and length of intermission(s), and the seating policy for latecomers

□ make sure actors and crew arrive as expected

□ remind the cast to check their costumes and props

□ give the cast a half-hour, 15 minute, 10 minute, 5 minute, 2 minute, and places calls

□ run the show on time and keep intermission to the allotted time. You and the house

manager are responsible for this

□ keep in contact with the house manager or front of house staff and confirm if there will be a hold. The house manager is responsible to turn the house over to you when the audience is seated before curtain and after any intermission. You should also advise the house manager 5 minutes prior to any intermission

□ give all cues clearly and on time. A sloppy technical performance is almost always your fault

□ make sure actors are standing by, in the proper costume, in advance of their entrances. Use your ASM’s for this

□ it is your responsibility to keep the show looking and sounding the way the Director intended. Should the performances become sloppy (i.e. dropped lines, missed or slow cues, poor pacing, etc.) it is up to you to call an "Italian" line run or a full rehearsal to sharpen things up. Also give notes when necessary

□ you are the last to leave the theatre after a performance. Building security is your responsibility

□ remember, you are totally IN CHARGE. Run the backstage firmly and efficiently. Keep your sense of humour and remain calm - nothing makes a cast more nervous than a jittery SM

NOTE: In your absence the assistant Stage Manager (ASM) should take on as many of your responsibilities as possible, or if you have no ASM, make sure you have made arrangements with the Producer to cover in your absence. Post-production

□ ensure the backstage, dressing rooms, and green room are cleaned after the closing performance - this is usually done before the party by cast and crew

□ Assign duties to all cast members for strike in consultation with the Production Team. Everyone can participate regardless of abilities or strength. Everyone MUST help and no one may leave before checking in with you

□ ensure that all costumes are neatly hung for wardrobe, and props are neatly on the prop shelf for props staff to return, launder, etc.

□ make sure the cast and crew take home everything that belongs to them GO HOME & HAVE THAT NERVOUS BREAKDOWN YOU SO GREATLY DESERVE!! In Summary These are the basic responsibilities of the Stage Manager. Backstage is your territory and you must make sure the show is technically sound and running smoothly. Organization is crucial in this department and it is up to you to ensure the efficient technical operation of the production and to maintain the integrity of the concept that the Director has worked so hard to create.