This Web site was designed using Web standards.
Learn more about the benefits of standardized design.

Quick Links

E-mail Article Print Article

Fine Arts: Drama


Story image 1_0

STAGE MANAGER: PRODUCTION TEAM JOB DESCRIPTION

The Stage Manager Runs the Show

by Tom McLaughlin

September 16, 2005

The Stage Manager's main goal, along with directing, is to supervise the entire production, on and off stage(back stage).  The stage manager has the most important job in the production.  The stage manager is responsible for calling all cues for the show during performances.  The following is a list of specific items that need to be done, and a time-frame in which your task is accomplished.

BEFORE REHEARSALS BEGIN

    Begun  Done

�      ____  ____ Read the play.
�      ____  ____Obtain a ground plan of your theatre's stage.  If measurements are not indicated, measure all areas of the stage and wings which will be used for the production.
�      ____  ____Indicate on the stage ground plan the location of fire extinguishers, fuse boxes, phones.
�      ____  ____Make a production book (prompt book) in a thick 3-ring notebook with dividers.  Consult with the director to determine the format and topics for the divided sections.
�      ____  ____Meet with the director, technical director, set designer, master carpenter, and scenic artist to determine the physical needs of the set.
�      ____  ____Accept applications for the job of assistant stage manager (ASM) or meet with the director and appoint a capable person to train as stage manager for future shows.  Work with the ASM in all tasks listed below.
�      ____  ____Obtain from the set designer the ground plan of the set.   Be certain you have all the correct measurements of the set.
�      ____  ____Meet with director to determine the location of daily rehearsals.  Decide on the best way to mark the rehearsal space with the set conflict.
�      ____  ____Reserve the rehearsal space for school or community administrators.
�      ____  ____Meet with the production team (crew head).  Obtain from each their production time lines of deadline dates.
�      ____  ____Together with the director and technical director, make a master calendar for the production team, cast, and crews.  Post it in a central location for all to check daily.
�      ____  ____Meet with the director to plan procedures for auditions.
�      ____  ____Post audition notices.  Post necessary information.

DURING AUDITIONS

�      ____  ____Prepare the audition space.  Set out any necessary forms.
�      ____  ____Post notes about readings, callbacks, etc.
�      ____  ____Greet auditioners.  Explain procedures.  Accept resumes.
�      ____  ____Assist the director during auditions.

DURING THE FIRST WEEKS OF THE REHEARSAL PERIOD

�      ____  ____Mark or tape the set configuration to the rehearsal floor.
�      ____  ____Spike all set furniture within the confines of the rehearsal set configuration.
�      ____  ____Review all rehearsal rules with the cast.
�      ____  ____Type and photocopy a complete list of everyone connected with the production.  Phone numbers for each is a must!!  Include phone numbers for a nearby doctor, hospital, police, fire station, hot lines and poison control.
�      ____  ____Prepare the space for the day's rehearsal.
�      ____  ____Post daily rehearsal schedule.
�      ____  ____Take all blocking notations, cue for lights, sound, and special effects.
�      ____  ____Call all rehearsal cues.
�      ____  ____Supply actor lines when the actor calls "line".
�      ____  ____Strike the rehearsal set.
�      ____  ____Keep a rehearsal log.
�      ____  ____Meet with the production team (crew heads) on a regular basis.  Have each report on the progress of their crew.  Check on items completed on their time lines.

DURING THE MID-REHEARSAL PERIOD

�      ____  ____Prepare the space for that day's rehearsal.
�      ____  ____Notify the props master, which props need to be set for each day's rehearsal.
�      ____  ____ Post sign-in sheets on boars.
�      ____  ____Call all rehearsal cues.  Continue to record all cues or cue changes in you prompt book.
�      ____  ____Strike the rehearsal set.
�      ____  ____Meet with the lighting designer and the sound designer.  Obtain from them their sound cues sheet.  Review the material with them.
�      ____  ____Meet with all members of the production team to coordinate final activities for tech week with them.
�      ____  ____Meet with master carpenter to determine the running crew for the show.  Assign responsibilities.
�      ____  ____Choreograph all scene changes.
�      ____  ____Provide the production team and cast with a schedule of activities for tech week.
�      ____  ____Using a stopwatch, time the actual production on a complete run day.  Report that time to the director.
�      ____  ____Take notes from the director to give to the cast.
�      ____  ____Finalize you prompt book.
�      ____  ____Thank and compliment cast, crews, and director.

DURING TECHNICAL WEEK

�      ____  ____Organize and "emergency kit". It can be a large fishing tackle box.  Store in it a first-aid kit, scissors, masking tape, gloves, police and fire phone numbers.
�      ____  ____Post sign-in sheets on board.
�      ____  ____Allow time for costumes and make-up. Announce the beginning of tech rehearsal or dress rehearsal.
�      ____  ____Have assistant stage manager make note of all problems.
�      ____  ____Listen to all problems with courtesy and patience.  Try to find creative solutions.
�      ____  ____Together with the Assistant Stage Manager, give notes to cast and crew after rehearsal.  Divide notes into full cast notes--individual cast notes--crew notes.
�      ____  ____Thank and compliment the cast, crews, and director.
�      ____  ____With production team, supervise striking or securing valuable parts of the set, costumes, and other items.
�      ____  ____Lock all doors and turn off the lights.

DURING THE RUN OF THE SHOW

�      ____  ____Arrive 1/2 hour before the first cast/crew call.  Turn on lights and unlock doors. 
�      ____  ____With the production team, re-set the stage and prepare for the production.
�      ____  ____Post sign-in sheets or take attendance (or delegate to assistant stage manager) of cast, production team and required crew members necessary for the show.
�      ____  ____Keep a lookout for alcohol, pot, and unacceptable behavior.
�      ____  ____Run the cue check with light and sound crews.
�      ____  ____Consult with the house manager before you give warnings or call curtain.
�      ____  ____Call warning times for curtain: 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, places, curtain.
�      ____  ____Call all cues for the show.  Confine all head-set conversation to cues, and emergency questions and answers for the production.
�      ____  ____Notify the house manger for appropriate time for the house manager to blink the lights or ring a bell for the end of intermission.
�      ____  ____Near the end of the run of the show, meet with the master carpenter to make a strike list.  Type, photocopy, and post copies and give copies to all who need to attend strike.
|�      ____  ____Before closing night write a letter to the person who will have your position for the next show.  Give the person advice based on your experience.  File the letter in your 3-ring binder behind your job description.
�      ____  ____With the production team, supervise striking or securing valuable parts of the set, costumes, etc.
�      ____  ____Lock all doors and turn off the lights.

DURING STRIKE

�      ____  ____Supervise strike.
�      ____  ____At a closing meeting after strike, thank the production team, cast, crew members, technical director and director.
�      ____  ____Announce the location of the cast party.
�      ____  ____Using a check list, dismiss the production team individually. 
�      ____  ____Turn out the lights and lock the door.

screen resolution stats

Sign up for the News Update.


  • privacy policy
  • more info

Back To Top