Who's Who
Responsible for communicating with all the various backstage teams, from the lighting and sound experts to the dressers. Like a conductor, they conduct the tempo and the tone of rehearsals throughout the entire process.
Stage Manager
Objects on the stage, such as furniture, that aren’t part of the scenery. Can also be objects that the actors physically handle such as swords, books and cups.
Props
Typically a time where the stage management team works together to get everything aligned and ready to go once they start the rehearsal process.
Prep-Week
This role is the glue that keeps the show together. They are the metaphorical conductor of the orchestra, and the main facilitator of conversation throughout the entire production process.
Stage Manager
Formed in 1913 as a labor union to protect actors from “The Syndicate” and other powerful producers. Today, this union also includes stage management.
AEA
These creative minds are tasked to create the world of the play by way of costumes, sound, scenic, and lighting, to name a few.
Designers
Stage movements and positions that the director works out with the actors in rehearsal for dramatic effect—and so they don’t bump into each other. The SM team records this for all performers.
Blocking
Generated to clock potential hazards or other production needs. For example, if a banana is in the show, this would appear on what piece of paperwork to discuss with the prop master if it needs to be edible or not.
Script Analysis
This is the unique way in which each stage manager approaches their role and responsibilities; it informs each and every decision made.
Style
This is the process in which working people, through their unions, negotiate contracts with their employers to determine their terms of employment, including pay, benefits, hours, leave, job health and safety policies, ways to balance work and family, and more.
Collective Bargaining
This person is in charge of making sure the production stays on schedule and under budget.
Production Manager
The areas of stage right and left, hidden from the audience, where actors can enter or exit; complete quick changes; receive or discard props; or speak lines meant to be heard as if from another room.
Wings
The relationship dynamic between the SM and this person is integral to the success of the production. When you meet with this person, you will usually discuss the rehearsal schedule, the rehearsal room needs, the vision for the show, and how breaks should work.
Director
Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity ; Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset ; and Emotional Intelligence are all examples of what?
Soft skills
List 2 benefits and 1 drawback of joining the union.
Minimum Salaries (Negotiated Rates, Overtime Pay, Extra Pay for Additional Duties, Free Housing or Per Diem on Tour) ; Work Rules (Length of Day, Breaks, Days Off, Safe and Sanitary Conditions) ; Health Insurance, Dispute resolution, Just Cause, Bonding, and workers comp. A drawback: Having to work a certain amount of time to get healthcare, can only do equity work.
Interprets the play and works with the design team to create the world on stage. This person is also responsible for the staging of the show.
Director
An action done by the stage manager. The stage manager follows the script, which contains cues for lights, sound, projection, automation, rails, etc. The stage manager signals the appropriate operator either verbally or by cue light when the cue is to be taken.
Calling (the show)
This paperwork lists the following:
Name / Pronouns / Phone # / Email Address / Role or Position
Contact Sheet
Much like Ogres, Stage Managers have layers. Described in your Anatomy of a Stage Manager reading, this is the way in which SM's work and do things on the job. This outermost layer includes paperwork, being organized, disciplined, and focused.
Practical Applications
What are the two major contracts utilized by equity? Name both of these contracts and where you can typically find each of these contracts in use.
LORT (Regional) and Production (Broadway)
Typically cast as a form of understudy, this person(s) role involves learning the roles of everyone on stage so they can go on to perform in the case of an actor's absence.
Swing
A meeting with an actor and the costume designer or costume shop staff member to try-on and alter costume pieces prior to technical rehearsals. These are requested by the costume designer and are scheduled by the stage manager.
Fittings
The SM team enters the rehearsal space and is equipped with tape measures, scale rules, tape, a ground plan, and a spike plot. What task are they entering the space to complete?
Taping the Floor
According to the "Wisdom of Teams" from our lecture about teams by Katzenbach & Smith, name 1 of the "6 components of a highly effective team."
A Small Number of People (2 - 25) ; Complimentary Skills ; Committed to a Common Purpose ; Clear Performance Goals and Milestones ; Committed to a Common Approach ; Mutual Accountability
Name Two major responsibilities of an AEA member.
Be on time for all calls, Notify the SM if unable to reach the theater on time, You are responsible for your entrance cues (even though places will be called for each act), Observe all management rules not in conflict with AEA rules, Cooperate with the Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Managers, Dance Captain and Fight Captain, Take care of, and make no unauthorized changes in, your costumes, props or makeup, Maintain your performance as directed, Appear at curtain calls in complete costume and makeup, Go to your Deputy in cases of disagreement. If a disagreement cannot be resolved by the authorities backstage, refer it to the appropriate Equity Business Representative, The Stage Manager is obligated to report violations to Equity