Tech Prep
You might have your crew do these two things before tech begins.
Crew view and crew training
This is what the SM looks 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 stage managers 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 one would say good luck in opera.
Toi, Toi, Toi
This is the purpose of prop tables.
All props are accounted for, quick and easy access, organization, consistency, tracking
This is the definition of 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.
The stage manager may have to adapt cue placement because of this.
Laughter, applause, interaction
Name 3 things that should be included in a performance report.
Show name, performance number, date, location, house count, performance breakdown, accident/injury, late/absent, next day's schedule, notes section
This is what PSM stands for.
Production Stage Manager
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 the job of the ASM during tech.
Preshow/post show duties, manages backstage (crew, actors), creates and maintains the run sheet, shift plot, costume plot, show order/running order
The types of rehearsals a stage manager will hold and run after the show opens.
Put-ins and brush-ups
This is the definition of 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 the definition of an archival book.
A cleaned up version of the SMs book that includes all production information and paperwork (even the ASMs paperwork)
This is what the SM does to prepare for tech.
Tech schedule, calling script, tech equipment request, front of house paperwork/coordination
This is what's included on a post show checklist.
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)
The stage manager might call a cue from 1 of these 4 things.
Dialogue, blocking/movement, music, breath/feeling
Stage management should do this before allowing the actors onstage.
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
The stage management team should complete this before beginning the safety taping process.
Risk assessment
Name 5 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
Name 5 things an SM may 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)
List the 4 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 one would say good luck in dance.
This is what the SM should "be" in tech.
Prepared, calm, good mediator, timely, upbeat, good communicator, good person