Revered as the authoritative resource for stage management, this text offers students a practical manual on how to stage manage in all theater environments.
Rich with practical resources ― checklists, diagrams, examples, forms and step-by-step directions ― Stage Management eschews excessive discussion of philosophy and gets right to the essential materials and processes of putting on a production. In addition to sharing his own expertise, Stern has gathered practical advice from working stage managers of Broadway, off-Broadway, touring companies, regional, community, and 99-seat Equity waiver theaters.
hapter 1 Making Things Run Smoothly
Chapter 2 Characteristics of a Good Stage Manager
Attributes of Good Stage Managers
Communication/Management Skills
Chapter 3 Getting the Play and Understanding It
The Promptbook
Understanding the Script
Plots
Area Lighting Diagrams
Entrances and Exits
Pronunciation Questions
Special Effects
Chapter 4 Scheduling and Company Rules
The Master Calendar
Staff Meetings
Rehearsal Schedules
Company Rules
The Callboard
Chapter 5 Getting Acquainted with Your Theater
Who Does What?
Personal Equipment for Stage Managers
Begin Box
Stage Diagrams
Circuit Breakers
Diagram of Lighting Instruments
Information Packets
Chapter 6 Expediting Auditions and Readings
Working with Actors
Accepting Resumes
Controlling Scripts
Obtaining Information
Controlling Forms
Preparing a Cast List
Conducting the Deputy Election
First Cast Meeting or Read-Through
Chapter 7 Budgeting
Chapter 8 Rehearsal Procedures
Working with the Director During Rehearsal
Preset Diagrams
Rehearsals Away from Your Stage
Your Rehearsal Call
Rehearsal Duties
Keeping Track of Rehearsals
Accident Prevention and Reports
Keeping a Do-List
Avoiding Rehearsal Problems
Chapter 9 Keeping the Cast on Time
Sign-In Sheets
The Calls
Chapter 10 Department Management and Property Management
The Stage Manager as Coordinator of Departments
Property Forms
Chapter 11 Supervision of Shifts
Shift Plot Charts
Take-In
Crew Briefing
Scene Dock
Shift Inspection
Scene Shift Diagrams
Audience Caution
Distribution of Scene Diagrams
Upkeep of Sets
Chapter 12 Running the Technical Rehearsal
Chapter 13 Running the Show
Checklists
Giving Cues
Cueing Equipment
Timing Curtain Calls
Walking the Curtain
Access to the Control Booth
Chapter 14 Working with the House Manager
Duties of the House Manager
Blood-Borne Pathogens
Rotating Duty Rosters
VIP Lists
Chapter 15 Keeping the Show in Hand
Long-Run “Improvements”
Cast Morale
Blocking Replacements and Rehearsing Understudies
Upkeep of Sets and Costumes
Chapter 16 Closing and Moving/Touring
Strike Plan
Changeover Schedule
Moving the Show
Chapter 17 Fire/Evacuation
Limitations
Stage Manager’s Fire/Evacuation Checklist
Evacuation
Resources
Chapter 18 Working with Unions
Chapter 19 Organizing Information
Local Theater
Newspapers, Magazines, and Internet Info
Guides to Goods and Services
Contact File
Books
Keeping Current with the Technology of Theater
Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)
Police, Fire, and Municipal Regulations
Organizations
Chapter 20 Correspondence
A Letter to the Next Stage Manager
Critiques
Letters of Recommendation
Thank-You Notes
Chapter 21 Getting a Job
Your First Job as Stage Manager
Resumes
Personal Mailing List
Long-Range Goals
Appendix A
Production Checklist from a Stage Manger’s Point of View
Appendix B
Forms
Appendix C
A Few Theater Stories
Appendix D
Website of Interest to Stage Managers
Appendix E
What Would You Do?
Glossary.
Reader’s Comments Form.
Index.
