PRE-PRODUCTION
This piece of pre-prop paperwork typically contains the names, positions, phone numbers and email addresses of the entire company.
What is the contact sheet?
This typically happens with the full production team prior to the first read-thru at the first rehearsal.
What are designer presentations?
In an AEA setting, after the show closes, who's property is the Prompt Book?
Who is the hiring theatre company?
This piece of paperwork produced by the ASMs is the backstage roadmap for the entire show.
What is the run sheet?
This type of communication from an SM usually comes in the form of rehearsal reports, email communications, taped out sets, body language, etc.
What is non-verbal communication?
There are often two different versions of this document. This one just contains the dates/calls for all rehearsal personnel (director, stage manager, actors).
What is the rehearsal calendar?
This type of rehearsal traditionally follows the first read-thru. It is a chance for the director and actors to sit down and talk thru each scene.
What is tablework?
The book calls this item "the Rosetta stone of your prompt book". It contains a list of all abbreviations used in the SMs rehearsal script.
What is the blocking key?
This type of tech prioritizes focusing on individual moments while "jumping" large sections of text with no cues.
What is cue-to-cue?
This component of emotional intelligence (EQ) is described as: One's ability to recognize the emotions of others and take them into account when making decisions.
What is empathy?
It is always important to meet with this person prior to the first rehearsal to discuss items such as: their artistic approach to the show, rehearsal hours, break preferences, etc.
Who is the director?
The Daily Call contains each days specific rehearsal schedule, actor first calls, and this additional scheduling item that is typically listed at the bottom of the call.
What are costume fittings?
Some SMs will combine both of these scripts into one. But when separated, these are the two most common types of script an SM will have in their prompt book.
What are a blocking script and a calling script?
This four-letter word will be said by the calling SM dozens, if not hundreds of times during the tech process.
What is HOLD?
This specific shape will be your best friend when taping out a set.
What is a 3-4-5 triangle?
While tedious, a stage manager should complete one of these prior to starting production meetings/rehearsals. It will ensure that they have a grasp on all given circumstances of the show directly from the source material.
What is a script analysis?
After all AEA members have filled out their first day ballot, there is an election for this position.
What is the Equity deputy?
SMs often have to scan their script and format it this way for their own books.
SMs often have to scan their script and format it this way for their own books.
When an understudy is activated, there is a domino effect that occurs, making this piece of paperwork essential.
What is an "If/Then" sheet?
Exclusive to musicals and operas, this is the first chance for the performers to sing-thru the show with the orchestra. Loosely translates to “sit and sing”.
What is sitzprobe?
This is one of the most detailed documents that a stage manager produces. It is used to assist creation of daily schedules, knowing which actors are in which scenes, help identify where quick-changes might be needed, etc. This specific version divides the script page by page.
What is the French-Scene Breakdown?
A strong rehearsal report note starts with this, followed by a description of the issue/question, etc.
What is an action word?
When working on a musical, you often have two script choices. One is very similar to a traditional play script, but this one will be used to call from when a musical is sung all the way thru.
What is the score?
What is the stage manager's primary goal once a show is in performance? Lucy has said it no less than 17,000 times...
What is "maintain the artistic integrity of the show"?
In order to maximize digital real estate on any piece of paperwork, one should use these.
What are narrow margins?