Stage Management

1. Performance Planning 11
Stage Management
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Chris Baker

2. What is a Stage Manager?
The center of communication for a production
Responsible
Organized
Calm
1. Able to maintain confidentiality
2. Understand all aspects of production to a degree that
problems can be anticipated

3. Stage Manager Role
• Communicate
• Filter information
• Prioritize, Anticipate & Solve Problems
• Create the best environment
• Act as a sounding board
• Manage the rehearsal and performance space and
personnel
• Maintains the integrity of the show once the Director has
left

4. Relationship to Production Team
• Director
• Choreographer
• Music Director & Conductor
• Designers
• Band
• Technical Director
• Production Manager
• Artistic, Managing, General Directors
• Crew
• Assistant Stage Manager(s)

5. Assistant Stage Managers
• You are only as good as your weakest assistant!
• Run backstage crew during performances
• Establish communication and trust with ASM
• Establish early on what is expected of them, all deadlines,
duties, paperwork, etc.
• NOTE: If anything should happen that results in you not being
present for a rehearsal or performance, your assistant should
be able to coverroblems.

6. Paperwork…
• Paperwork is the primary means of communication of a
production
• All paperwork should be precise, accurate, updated and easy
to read and comprehend
• Make sure all email addresses, contact lists, etc, are accurate
before sending mass emails with paperwork attachments
• After a production closes, the paperwork & artifacts remain –
they are the property of the company

7. Pre-Production
• Establish rehearsal schedules with Music Director, Costume
• Production Meetings
• Create and complete as much paperwork as possible
• Set up the rehearsal space and green room-
• Measure and tape ground/stage plan
• Set up Coffee area
• , Performance Schedule, Public Contact Sheet, Daily Rehearsal Schedule, Notes &
Miscellaneous

8. Rehearsal Process
• First rehearsal
• Introductions
• Music Rehearsals
• Choreography if used
• Dress Fittings if used
• Daily Rehearsal Hotline
• Daily Paperwork: Rehearsal Schedule, Rehearsal Report
• Always follow up with designers/staff if a note is specific
• Provide both hard copies and emailed files when
necessary

9. Technical & Dress Rehearsals
PREP PEFORMANCE SPACE:
• Set dance numbers, glow tape, water stations
• Do a dark walk-thru the space before musicians arrive to address
any safety issues
• Coordinate with Director(s) and Lighting Designer - set lighting cues
• Rehearse scene shifts with crew & performers (larger shows)
• Hair & makeup
• Possible Quick-Change Rehearsal
• Dress Rehearsals
• Be aware of musician union requirements and time restrictions
• Production Meetings

10. Performances
• There should not be any changes to a show once it has
opened, unless there is a major problem
• Coordinate with House Manager
• Coordinate with Crew
• Give notes to musicians/crew as needed
• Send daily performance reports
• of the show and the director’s vision.

11. Interacting with Crew
Crew Positions
Crew Chief
Spot Operators, Light Board Operator,
Mixing Desk Operator
Props Run Crew, Stage Run Crew
Costume/Wardrobe Run Crew
Hair/Makeup/

12. The End