How to make a prompt book stage manager, theatre stage. A list of basic stage management 101 ideas and best practices. Once a show goes up, i keep my prompt book at the theatre. Newly retired stage manager dency nelson saw everything that happened on and offstage during his 25 years at the oscars, and talks with. With the stage management staff, theres often a production stage manager, an assistant stage manager, and production assistants. The aea is the labor union that represents actors and stage managers in america by advancing the careers of its members through negotiating wages, working conditions, and providing a wide range of benefits, from health to pension plans. Stage managers work primarily on theatrical productions, musical concerts, and. Some oscar guests picked up the paper on their way to the show, says the wrap. My first show as a stage manager was x description of first show. No projects will be accepted after the last day of class. Traditional and new methods for running a show from first rehearsal to last performance. Exchange ideas, employment opportunities, stage management forms and news.
The sm should be one of the most informed and knowledgeable people in the production staff. Traditional and new methods for running a show from first rehearsal to last performance kindle edition by thomas a. On a side note i recently put together a new prompt script for a show that started rehearsals this week and it was fun to have this post on my mind as i was putting things together. I usually take the first two letters or consonants and circle them. For example, an asm can be on book during rehearsals as they say it, while the actors are off book and while the stage manager is doing something else. Stage manager on broadway, the second in command after the production stage manager. Oscar hammerstein biography life, family, childhood. The asm often helps with complex set changes, quick changes offstage, or preparing the stage for performance. Prompt book basics prompt books come in all shapes and sizes, designed for slightly different purposes or for use by people in different roles within the theatre. In modern theatrical productions, the prompt book is generally maintained and kept by the stage manager, with differences in the specific construction and organization to suit the style of the stage manager keeping the book, and the type of production legitimate theatre.
The oskar coaching framework is one of the most popular solutionsfocused coaching models used by organizations. In this episode, we explore one of the many ways to build a stage management book. Tell me in what capacity your education has prepared you for a career as a stage manager. Its a coaching framework you can use within your team or organization, to. Generally a lead stage manager will keep the master book, which is then copied by assistants on a. The book started as a project of the stage management course taught by associate professor robert wolin. Harris upcoming book places, please, cameos from a stage. Jun 24, 2011 to go along with the thread about what someone should have in their prompt book for a recreation for an interview, what should be made in the first place for your prompt book. Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance. Accept responsibility keep their cool keep their eyes and ears open and know when to share their opinions. The stage manager s toolkit by laurie kincman one of the most important roles in any theatrical production is that of the stage manager. Its an amazing tool that keeps everything right where its need to be and built specifically for stage managers. The official production book prepare the production book so that it is an accurate record of the production. Making rounds with oscar the hospice kitty as seen through the eyes of dr.
Its sometimes known as the book, prompt copy or prompt script. Essentials of stage management by peter maccoy, the stage management handbook by daniel a. The stage manager begins and concludes the play, and coordinates it throughout all three acts. Download our preshow, run of show, postshow, expendables, and hospitality checklists for stage managers. For example, ch is a circle is charles, vn in a circle is vinnie, and so on. All of the cast members conflicts scene breakdown production calendar the production calendar includes not just the audition and performance dates, but when people are building the sets, when publicity photos will be taken, and any dark days the theatre has. Sep 17, 2018 want to learn more about stage management. Scripts designers may pick up their copy of the script from the stage manager after auditions. Notes made by the owner of the prompt book who could be a stage manager, an actor or any other theatrical professional to give further guidance about how a scene should be performed, how actors should deliver lines, where they should be positioned etc. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book theatrefolk. This is a great structure to work with when youre training your student stage managers and this is what i. An open forum for stage managers to discuss their craft. Stage management handbook v4 west virginia university. Stage managers can be paid hourly, by contract, or through a collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the union, iatse.
Humans possess individual eternal souls that may live on after physical death, but their interactions with one another while still on earth may exceed even. And no, no, there has never been a tony award category for best stage manager, its just that peters work has been so important that the tony awards committee gave him an excellence in theatre tony in 20. Sample stage management paperwork this is page was created as reference material for the usitt 2011 charlotte conference session sm paper trail rides again. Stage managers are out of control, unkind or disrespectful in any way, screaming at cast and crew out of anger, disorganized and making excuses, others will follow their example. Stage manager scripts are authorized, productionfriendly, legal copies of a shows.
Eldred theatre, case western reserve university, fourth edition compiled by matthew eckstein for more information, please see the following books. You can become a stage manager through onthejob training by starting as an intern and working your way up on theatrical productions but increasingly, stage managers have a bachelors or masters degree in theater arts, often with a specialization in stage management. Feb 25, 2012 when creating a rehearsal schedule, you will need. Jun 26, 2012 a stage managers relationship with an actor is completely different from their relationship with the director and likewise the technical director, etc. Oscar stage manager reveals backstage secrets from 25 years in. Paperwork examples in regards to paperwork, most stage managers borrow other peoples templates to start, and then customize as preferences develop. Outline the change you purpose and the reason for this proposal. How to make a prompt book, paperwork, prompt book, prompt script, rehearsal reports, show bible, stage managing. Also, we identify tips and tricks to perfecting your stagemanagement skills. It was developed by coaches mark mckergow and paul z.
The back stage guide to stage management, 3rd edition. They also make sfx which is a live sound playback software and a few other sound and lighting programs. Stage managers also use this master script it contains to prompt actors if they forget lines during rehearsal. The stage manager and the technical director, designer, and properties master work out a smooth and. The story and emotional content of a musical humor, pathos, love, anger are communicated through words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an integrated whole. An asm gives the necessary assistance to a stage manager because they cant possibly do it all. Peter lawrence is credited as stage manager, director, producer and production staff. Aug 17, 2015 student stage managers are team players. The ptg stage manager s handbook adapted from the stage manager s handbook. Please report any errors andor omissions to the stage management forum for inclusion in subsequent revisions.
Stage management by lawrence stern goodreads share book. Stage managers sm make notes of all changes in the prompt book script, so check your list with theirs. You may find manuals or articles about the art of stage managing, but there are. Assistant stage manager department of theatre and dance.
Below are some paperwork templates that i have created, all are designed to be customizable. If you would like to propose a revision to this handbook, please email the production manager. Personal props are items actors carry inside their costumes or wear, like pocket watches, keychains, pens, glasses, etc. Stage manager is meant to help stage usage managing between cues artists in venues consisting of multiple events rehearsal, performance etc. Kurt fromans latest project required him to prepare oscar winner jennifer. Assistant stage manager members of the stage management team who may have specific responsibilities for some aspect of production, such as crew, or serve as overall assistants, doing what the stage manager assigns. Assistant stage manager the assistant stage manager asm reports to the stage manager. Jackson and published in their 2002 book, the solutions focus.
Assistant stage manager asm usually shortened to asm, the assistant stage manager is the most junior member of the stage management team, and is often in charge of sourcing and running properties during the run of a show. One of the stage manager s most important tasks is to create and maintain the prompt book sometimes known as the show bible which is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. The show disintegrates into chaos and misery when it should be a joyful albeit intense creative experience. The duties performed then are similar to some of the duties listed on your job posting x duties on job posting similar to what you performed. It builds upon the original, and still popular grow model of coaching which arose during the 1990s. It essentially provides a virtual running cue sheet with an info view for artists currently on stage. Be sure your name is on the inside cover of the three ring binder. Stage manager resume, drama, production, example, sample. Dosa takes the reader along on his journey of discovery. It distinguishes them from the other letter symbols.
But the relationship has to be clear both ways, otherwise frustration and miscommunication is inevitable. I particularly love the subtitle, the extraordinary gift of an ordinary cat. These agreements expire every 35 years and then a new one has to be negotiated. They can be necessary for a lighting change or effect, a sound effect, or some sort of stage or set movementchange. Stage manager scripts are authorized, productionfriendly, legal copies of a. Stage manager january 2010 present employers name coventry responsible for managing a multifaceted stage team, and for ensuring the success of a show by looking after all the technical aspects related to its production. Mods, if you think these two threads should be combined, please do. In regards to paperwork, most stage managers borrow other peoples templates to start, and then customize as preferences develop. For example, during rehearsals for director daniel sullivans the little foxes.
Stage management, by lawrence stern the stage management handbook, by daniel ionazi. Be prepared to point out specific differences of each document in your production book to the class. If the show has a lot of backstage activity with complicated scene changes or special effects, a second asm may be needed. Feb 29, 2012 not just to remind you, but in case something happens, someone else will be able to read and understand your blocking notations.
Actors also do more than cross from one side of the stage to the other. It is generally associated with theatre and the film industry. The assistant stage manager assists the stage manager in completing a wide number and variety of responsibilities, which can be broken down into three primary categories. They are the lines of communication between actors, director, designers, technical staff, and front of house exc. Theatreuni stage management handbook there are many different types of information that you should never give out as a stage manager. Never give out contact information or medical information of cast, crew, or production team without. Keep their eyes and ears open and know when to share their. Sep 22, 2010 this post continues where the sm prompt book. Most productions at langham court will require only one asm. Often needed in larger productions, when the stage manager is out in the house, the asm is often stationed just offstage to facilitate communication between the stage manager, crew and actors, as well as ensuring safety. Stage management software top 10 list controlbooth. The stage manager is the renaissance man of the theater. The stage manager is the audiences guide and the conductor of most read more pro members only join the stageagent community to read our character analysis for stage manager and unlock other amazing theatre resources.
How to prepare a stage manager s prompt book kayla e decoration how to prepare a stage manager s prompt book one of the stage manager s most important tasks is to create and maintain the prompt book sometimes known as the show bible which is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. Morgan and the minister at emily and georges wedding, but he is also conscious of our town as a play. Episode 78 tony awardwinning stage manager, peter lawrence. The format of the pages allows for more than triple the amount of space for. Stage management is a broad field that is generally defined as the practice of organization and coordination of an event or theatrical production. He or she must have a working knowledge of how the various technical aspects of the theater work scenery, props, costumes, lights and sound, be part director, part playwright, part designer and part producer, and be prepared to act as confidant, counselor and confessor to everyone else in the company. For tech theater classes, it helps if people are more familiar with how to become a good stage manager. A theatrical cue is the trigger for an action to be carried out at a specific time. This is a great structure to work with when youre training your student stage managers and this is what i try to do in my program. The bible in the field of stage management, stage management is a practical manual on how to stage manage in all theater environments. The prompt book contains blocking notes, any changes that have been made. The prompt book, also called transcript, the bible or sometimes simply the book, is the copy of. The stage manager s words thus highlight wilders interest in finding the eternal among the details of daily life. Queen elinor seated on a stool, on the kings r right.
Acknowledgements the kent state university school of theatre and dance stage management handbook had many contributors. The stage manager is the chief liaison between the artists, production vendors, the venue, and or the festival promoter. The prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues, and is used by the deputy stage manager to run rehearsals and later, control the performance. How to make a prompt book resources for stage managers. Put on a stage crew intercom headset and listen to stage manager, mark stevens, calling some of the lighting, follow spot and set cues for the san diego reps musical production of hairspray.
A clearinghouse for information, the stage manager is responsible for organizing rehearsals and running performances. The oscar model is a useful coaching and mentoring tool designed by karen whittleworth and andrew gilbert to provide a flexible developmental framework for individuals in managerial positions to develop the skills and knowledge of their team. Harris upcoming book places, please, cameos from a stage managers life with theater folk will be published by broadway cares this winter, and glorsky. Peter lawrence won a tony award for his contributions to our industry as a stage manager. When tech week hits, it is usually the asms job to produce any backstage. Oscars stage manager reveals why it took so long to fix the best. A clearinghouse for information, the stage manager is responsible for. In a new interview with the wrap, oscars stage manager gary natoli reveals a whole bunch of details on what exactly happened and why the. Stage management may encompass a variety of activities including the overseeing of the rehearsal process and coordinating communications among various production teams and personnel.
Traditional and new methods for running a show from first rehearsal to last performance kelly, thomas a. His uncles one condition was that oscar not write one line during this theater apprenticeship. Stage management handbook 6 remember that each director is unique in the details of their process but each will expect the stage manager to manage rehearsals, know the show in detail and offer support in the process. Stage manager to librettist after his first year of law school, the young hammerstein convinced his uncle, arthur, to hire him as an assistant stage manager on one of his upcoming shows. But essentially they all have one function in common. For example, if you must put request the producerproduction manager to change the. Stage props list, example of props list free download. The character of stage manager in our town from litcharts. He is both part of the world of grovers corners and outside of it. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book kayla e decoration how to prepare a stage managers prompt book one of the stage managers most important tasks is to create and maintain the prompt book sometimes known as the show bible which is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. For a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage management by lawrence stern. Stage manager dency nelson, 61, works behind the scenes at the oscars, plus at times the grammys, screen actors guild awards, teen.
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