I dont think i know what im getting into with Stage managing!?!?

Question

I am going to be a stage manager in about 11 days and i'm scared silly. I'm 16 years old and i am really nervous, because i dont feel like i know what i'm doing. i think i know what i'm getting into, because i want to do this for college, but can someone just point me in a good direction? i just need a little more explination on what i will be doing. thanks.

Answer 1

During rehearsals, Stage Managers are basically like the Director's secretary.  You write down the blocking for the script, any cues that will be needed, any props, any notes the director may tell you to, put up call sheets....It's a job that requires a lot of responsibility. You'll definitely have to be organized.  

During the actual performance, you'll probably be calling cues.  It'll be your job to tell the techies when to hit the lights, the sound cue, ect.  Or make sure that an actor is waiting in the wings before he/she goes on.

Don't worry, your teacher/director will help you out.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me anytime.  :)

Answer 2

As a stage manager you're responsible for running rehearsals - timekeeping and rehearsal discipline (less so in high school, but it's still part of your job), writing down blocking (who moves where and when), keeping track of props - which side of the stage they come on from, where they end up, where they have to be set if they start on stage and taking any notes regarding lighting, sound and costume so they get to the right departments - you might need a particular lighting effect, a specific sound cue or someone's costume might need a pocket big enough to hold a notebook; it's the SM's job to make sure those notes get to the people who are doing the lights, sound and costume.

Once the show is up and running, the SM is in charge.  This sometimes differs in high school, where the director will attend every performance, but the SM is responsible for the running of the show.  The cast should get time calls from the SM - the half-hour call (35 minutes before curtain up), the 15 (20 minutes before curtain up), the 5 (10 minutes before curtain up) and beginners (5 minutes before curtain up)  Sometimes school shows are called (the SM tells the lighting and sound operators when cues happen), sometimes they're not, in which case the SM runs the backstage area - co-ordinates scene changes, makes sure things are where they should be and so on.  If the SM is calling the show you need assistant stage managers to run backstage.  Sometimes the SM is responsible for setting props pre-show, although in a high school situation often there is a props manager to take responsibility for that.  

There are some really good books on stage management - Thomas Kelly's "Backstage Guide to Stage Management" is fantastic (there's a lot of info in there that you won't need, but it's worth a read anyway), Lawrence Stern's book "Stage Management" is also good.

Above all, though, ask your director what they need you to do.  Every director is different, and asking is the best way to get the right information.  Treat your cast with respect, and insist that they treat you with respect - never yell at your cast because it achieves nothing!  Have fun, and break a leg.

Answer 3

you will just make sure that props are in the right place. that the actors are on the correct side of the stage where they enter. you have to make sure they stay quiet during performances and practices (especially when the director is speaking)

you might also help with curtain cues.

don't worry though your director should tell you what your responsibilities are once you get there. and once you get used to the play then you'll find that it isn't too bad.

Answer 4

I think u will be getting information from ur director regarding your work. After all you have to take care with another staff. U have to maintain good relation to prove ur ability.

Regards,

Answer 5

you have no idea what you're getting into BUT it's going to be great! this is a great skill to develop regardless if you're going into theatre or not. the key is ORGANIZATION!!! the rest you just pick up. if wouldn't hurt to do some homework. pick up a book that can give you some guidelines on your complete responsibilites...you probably won't be expected to cover everything that a professional SM does. you're one of the true work horses in theatre. you're kinda a director's/actors/technician's babysitter...you're the hub that connects everyone and keeps them going in the same direction. you take notes for the director, handle all blocking notations, act as liason between actors and director, ect...there's quite a bit. but DO NOT let it overwhelm you. i'm sure whomever hired you is aware of your inexperience. remind the director of this as well and just keep reminding them that if they need something to simply ask you. otherwise stay organzied and pro active about getting things done. and have fun.....