ABSTRACT

In every theatrical production, a single indispensable person is responsible for ensuring that scenery, lighting, actors, directors, sound artists are in sync. Stage Manager: the Professional Experience takes the reader through all aspects of the craft of stage management, from prompt books and laptops to relationships and people management. It offers an extensive discussion of what makes a good stage manager, and takes the reader through each phase of a production from getting hired, to auditions and rehearsals, to the run and closing of the show.





Using interviews with other professional stage managers, the author provides a practical, experience-based guide for students and aspiring professionals alike. The stage manager's role in each phase of the production is covered in detail. Working relationships, organizational tools, plans, charts, lists and forms, running auditions, cueing, touring, and the stages of rehearsal are just some of the many topics covered. An overview of the stage manager's working week provides a clear view of the many details involved in the smooth running of a production. A comprehensive working vocabulary offers an excellent reference for anyone working or hoping to work in this field.

chapter 1|7 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|8 pages

The Anatomy of a Good Stage Manager

chapter 3|9 pages

The Stage Manager's Chain of Command List

chapter 5|9 pages

Tools, Supplies, and Equipment

chapter 6|31 pages

Hard Copy: Charts, Plots, Plans, and Lists

chapter 7|29 pages

Profiles and Working Relationships

chapter 8|16 pages

Running Auditions

chapter 9|13 pages

The SM's Production Week

chapter 10|12 pages

Rehearsals

chapter 11|22 pages

The Rehearsal Script

chapter 12|9 pages

The Last Week of Rehearsals

chapter 13|26 pages

The Cueing Script

chapter 14|23 pages

Technical Rehearsals

chapter 15|9 pages

Opening Performance

chapter 16|18 pages

Run of the Show

chapter 17|19 pages

The Touring Show

chapter 18|6 pages

Closing the Show

chapter 19|16 pages

In the Line of Fire