Tech Prep
These are two events that stage management would coordinate with and for the crew before tech.
Crew view, crew training
These are four types of tech.
Dry tech, cue-to-cue, tech rehearsal (wet tech), quick change rehearsal, sitzprobe (wandleprobe), dress rehearsal, invited dress rehearsal, previews
This is what the SM would look for when maintaining a show.
Changes in blocking, pacing/timing, ad libbing, creation/addition of staging or lines to get audience reaction, fading color/burn outs, worn out set pieces and costumes, damaged props, consumables
This is why SMs learn multiple tracks.
The PSM can move to another production, the PSM can observe the show and take notes, the stage managers can have a break, to keep the job fresh
This is how the SM team and crew communicate during tech.
Headset/ Clear Com
This is the reason for having prop tables.
All props are accounted for, quick and easy access, organization, consistency, tracking
A shift plot.
The guide to everything that happens backstage during a performance - actors entrances and exits, prop handoffs and catches, scene shifts, quick changes, fly, automation, etc.
This might shift a cue placement during a performance.
Laughter, applause, interaction
This is what should be included in a rehearsal report.
Show name, rehearsal number, date, location,, rehearsal breakdown, accident/injury, late/absent, next day's schedule, notes section
This is headset etiquette.
Turing mic on/off, no chatter, no eating/drinking while mic is on, saying names, only SM says GO, acknowledging standbys
These are three signs you might need to post backstage.
Quiet Please/Quiet Zone, Find an Alternate Route, Directional Signs (Bathroom, Dressing Rooms, Green Room, Backstage Areas), Production Personnel Only
This is what the ASM does during tech.
Preshow/post show duties, manages backstage (crew, actors), creates and maintains the run sheet, shift plot, costume plot, show order/running order
A performance report and it includes.
The report shared with the production team following each performance. It includes show information, the performance breakdown, FOH notes, attendance notes, and department notes.
Safety taping
Tape (white, glow) that is placed in hard to see areas or hazardous areas to help protect actors from injuring themselves. Examples: Stairs, odd-sized steps, railings, things that block or interfere with crossovers, dark areas, etc.
This is what the stage manager does during tech.
Runs the rehearsal/room, supporting production team, learning and calling cues, keeping track of time/breaks, taking notes, keeping the momentum moving forward, etc.
This is what the SM does to prepare for tech.
Tech schedule, calling script, tech equipment request, front of house paperwork/coordination
List all duties that need to occur following the show, delegate tasks to each crew member (one person check and one double check - ASM does final check)
What a stage manager might call a cue from.
Dialogue, blocking/movement, music, breath/feeling
This is what stage management should do before letting the actors on stage.
Test all moving pieces, test all flying rigs, safety tape in show conditions, safety walk, if it's the first time on stage then they should do a walkthrough/tour
This is an understudy and how the SM interacts with them.
Member of the cast who learns the role of another actor and is prepared to step in should the primary actors be unavailable due to illness, injury, or absence. Can be their sole position or they might be ensemble members. SMs put them into the show in understudy rehearsals and put-in rehearsals.
These are five things stage management teams do when setting up for tech/loading in.
Backstage signage, crew paperwork, running lights, crew station, prop tables, dressing rooms, quick change booths, spiking the set, safety taping/risk assessment
This is what the SM would request through a tech request.
Headsets, cue lights, tech tables, table lights, production equipment (door stops, run lights, extension cords, power strips, rigging gloves, flashlights)
The four parts of a call and the timing of each.
Warning - 2 minutes Standby - 10-30 seconds Wind up - 1-5 seconds Go! - 1 Beat
This is how a stage manager is a leader.
TBD
These are strategies stage managers might use when communicating.
TBD