First time stage managing

Lydia, this is a little out of date, but this is the *official* (FWIW) FCT Stage Manager's Job description:

The stage manager keeps records, supervises cast and crew, and assists the director in a variety of ways from pre-auditions through strike. The Stage Manager actually runs the final dress rehearsals and performances from backstage. He or she should be organized, dependable, manage people well and perform calmly under pressure.
   1.   Work with director to prepare cast and crew list and rehearsal
      schedule. Distribute to cast and crews and file copies with
      MACA office.
   2.   Distribute and keep track of scripts.
   3.   Make sure performers are where they need to be.
   4.   Enforce “house rules” and maintain order.
   5.   Keep cast informed of necessary information and schedules.
   6.   Mark outline of set on rehearsal stage.
   7.   Arrange for rehearsal props and furniture with props master.
   8.   Prepare the set for rehearsal each night.
   9.   Prepare the prompt book and record blocking.
   10.   Attend production meetings and make notes for director.
   11.   Coordinate information from director and production staff.
   12.   Coordinate backstage crews.
   13.   Supervise all aspects of actual performances. Call cues
      during performances.
   14.   Ask front of house when they are ready to begin perfor-
      mances.
   15.   Make notes of problems to be corrected.
   16.   Be organized.
   17.   Remain calm.
   18.   Be first to arrive and last to leave rehearsals.
   19.   Make sure rehearsal hall is secure and lights and heat are out.
   20.   Take roll at rehearsal. If someone who is called is not there,
      call their home and find out why.
   21.   If there is a change in rehearsal time or place, call ALL cast
      members involved.
   22.   See that performers are not disturbed or distracted when
      rehearsing. i.e., if Joe Blow is on stage rehearsing, five people
      talking in the corner is distracting.
   23.   Field questions for the director where possible. Director
      should not have to waste time answering five questions before
      rehearsal can begin. Train performers to ask stage manager,
      who can then decide if the director should be consulted.
   24.   Take over any mundane responsibilities from director you can,
      such as emptying trash or reminding cast to pick up coffee
      cups, cigarette butts, etc
   25.   Keep pencils and paper around for notes.
   26.   In larger shows, prepare FLOW CHART(S) for backstage
      which reflect the order of scenes. Make them very large since
      they must be seen in semi-darkness.
   27.   Manage the flow of entrances during performances. During
      final rehearsals, performers learn how far ahead they need to
      be in place for entrances. Make sure they are there when
      they need to be.
   28.   Keep director on schedule in rehearsals. Rehearsal schedule
      is prepared for a reason--stick to it. Reschedule rehearsals
      that are missed.
   29.   Determine, along with director, cast and crew if there is to be a
      cast party. Stage Manager plans or delegates responsibility to
      someone else. Planning should begin about 2 weeks before
      opening night. Effort should be made to keep party affordable
      and invite everyone involved with the production.
   30.   Collect money for gifts for director, TD, musical director.
   31.   Enter participants names in FCT cards at MACA after the play
      closes.
   32.   Paste pictures, poster, table tent, newspaper articles (collected
      at MACA) into FCT scrapbook.

House rules for Rehearsal and Performance Spaces
   1.   We must remember that we are borrowing space, that classes
      at MTCC are in session. No loud talking or singing outside the
      auditorium.
   2.   We had to pay for new rugs one time at MTCC because of
      spilled paint. Therefore, use extreme caution in tech work.
   3.   MTCC, East Jr. High, & McDowell High forbid drinks, food, and
      smoking in auditorium. Concession room is upstairs and
      available before 9 pm at MTCC. OK to drink or eat on stage
      proper, but smoking outside only. MACA also has a no smok-
      ing policy. Be in charge of seeing that cigarette butts, drink
      cans, and other trash are not left around the grounds.
   4.   At MTCC don’t ask to borrow phone. There is a pay phone
      upstairs by the library.
   5.   No dogs or pets, and no children that are not part of the cast
      or crew.

	Author	Topic: First time stage managing (Read 647 times)
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