Stage Manager
The Stage Manager (SM) works directly with the Director and is the person the Actors or Tech people contact when there is a problem. The SM must be extremely reliable and have great attention to detail. They are required to be at every rehearsal, if possible, and run the show during the actual performances. Some of the duties and responsibilities of the SM are listed below along with possible times lines involved. Although not exhaustive, and not very comparable to Professional SM's, these will suffice for WRP's needs and if you can accomplish 90% of them, you are worth your weight in gold.
1. Pre-Audition
1.1. Study the Script and get familiar with the play and characters involved.
1.2. Work with the Director to
1.2.1. schedule Auditions.
1.2.2. establish a rehearsal schedule with dates, times and places.
2. During Auditions
2.1. Get names, phone numbers, keep track of who tried out for what.
2.2. Take special note of those who want to do tech.
2.3. If asked by the Director, give feedback on who would be good in what part.
2.4. Prepare the Director/Stage Manager's Notebook
2.4.1. This is a copy of the script that may be cut apart and mounted in a 3-ring binder.
2.4.2. The SM will note (in pencil) all stage blocking and other technical notes given by the Director during rehearsals.
2.4.3. The Director's Notebook is the blueprint of the production and it is the SM's job to take care of it.
3. Post Audition / Pre-rehearsal
3.1. People not cast are encouraged to work tech. People chosen for Tech should be notified and given some idea as to when they will need to start attending rehearsals.
4. During Rehearsal
4.1. Keep the Director's Notebook up-to-date by writing down all blocking and technical notes given by the Director - pencil is heartily recommended.
4.2. Be 'on book' for lines and cues.
4.3. Working with the Director and the Rehearsal Schedule, have a list of each actor and tech person.
4.4. The dates, times and scenes each will be working should be listed. Make sure each person knows when they are needed.
4.5. Maintain a "Sign-in" Sheet
4.5.1. One way this can be done so that attendance (or lack of) can be documented.
4.5.1.1. Make a row/column sheet with names down the left side of the paper and dates across the top. People can initial where their name and date intersect or you can check them off as they appear.
5. Demand the respect that is your due.
6. In the professional Theatre, whenever the stage manager gives an order or general piece of information to the cast and crew, it is customary for each cast/crew member to say "Thank you". For instance, when the SM says, "5 minutes", or "Places for Act 2", they should be thanked. On the surface, this may sound a bit silly, but it does serve a very useful purpose. It tells the SM that you actually heard what was said. This is a practice we should encourage in our Group.
7. If the Director hasn't already done so, break out lists of the following:
7.1. Audio cues
7.2. Light Cues
7.3. Furniture Properties - These are big items: chairs, desks, sofas, lamps, rugs, etc. which will be needed.
7.4. Hand Properties/Personal Props - These are smaller items like telephones, vases with flowers, hanging pictures, curtain or window shades. Personal props are items that the actors may need like pocket watches, pads or pencils, purses, letters in envelops.
7.4.1. If you have a person who has volunteered to do props, you are blessed. Get them working early to assemble rehearsal props (items that can be substituted for the real thing during rehearsals like a wide bench for a sofa or a card table for a dinning room table) and the final props for the last week of rehearsal.
7.4.2. Make sure the actors have a clear understanding as to what their personal props are and that they are to be responsible to see that they are where they are supposed to be.
8. As soon as initial blocking is done, begin working with audio and light techs to begin incorporating effects.
9. Begin working and organizing set construction as soon as possible. The sooner the set is done, the sooner the actors can begin working with it.
10. Work with tech to see that scene changes are done smoothly and that all set pieces and props are where they are supposed to be.
11. If you have someone to do Costumes, you are again blessed. Work with the Director to see that all costumes are available from either the actor's wardrobe or rented and fitted.
12. Make sure that lights and audio people have their cues and are set up properly.
13. Make sure all set pieces and props are in place and the set is painted/decorated for dress rehearsal at the latest.
14. If the show is traveling
14.1. The SM has the added duty to ensure that the set is disassembled, transported, reassembled, redecorated and ready to go. Additionally, all props and set pieces must move with the set.
14.2. Adequate power for lights and sound must be checked out.
14.3. Adequate facilities for the cast and crew must be available.
15. Performance
15.1. By the time dress rehearsal rolls around, the SM is running the show. Their job is to ensure that everyone else is doing their jobs.
15.2. The SM gives the cues for curtain and is the final authority when there are problems or decisions to be made.
15.3. The SM must ensure that the actors are ready and in place for their entrances and cues; all props and technical is in place and ready.
15.4. At the end of the performance, the SM ensures that all props, costumes, etc. are set for the next performance.
16. Post-Production - the SM sees to it that...
16.1. The set is struck and stored.
16.2. Borrowed set pieces and props returned in good condition.
16.3. Rented costumes returned.
17. The key is DELEGATION. As SM you need to see that the above IS done...not necessarily do it yourself. Get others to help!