ABSTRACT
A production schedule is normally prepared by the production manager in conjunction with all heads of departments including the director, designers and stage manager. The schedule is an attempt to estimate the time required for each element of the production to be prepared on the stage. The length of time allowed for each activity will vary. On a very complex production using automated scenery, the plotting and rehearsing of scene changes may take several days without the cast being present. It is not uncommon nowadays for the initial programming to take place well in advance of the fit-up. The move from the rehearsal room to the stage needs to be well managed. Stage management must check that all members of the company know the time of their first call at the theatre and, if they have been rehearsing elsewhere, how to get there.
