Stage Manager's Duties
For this play, the stage manager has to:
Be prepared:
Always have my script on my and i'm always on book during rehearsals. If an actor isn't there, it's my job to read their lines and make sure that the rehearsal still goes on.
Be Organised:
I need to have an attendance sheet, contact sheet, production calendar, set and props design e.t.c all on my person in case of an emergency.
During rehearsal, i also need to track everything. If the director gives a note to a particular actor about something I'm going to write it down because by the next rehearsal it will most certainly be forgotten.
Form my crew:
My crew will be running the show and I won't be there to babysit them so I need to choose them carefully.
Be the timekeeper:
I'm there to make sure that everything runs soothly souring rehearsals and if that means stopping the director during a scene to tell him that the rehearsal is over, then so be it.
Call actors to the rehearsals and if they are late or absent, its my job to follow up on why.
Be sensible:
If the director decides that he wants something to happen that just won't be possible with the possible facilities or budget, I tell him.
Run shows:
Make sure everything is safe and ready for use.
Manage call times. If there are makeup calls to be setup, I need to do them. I tell the cast 2 hours before the show, 1 hour, and so on and so forth until house opens.
Configure all our walkie-talkies. Before the show I call my crew and we just sit and do some last minute touch ups to our script or equipment.
During the times where the props master hasn't finished making a prop, it's my job to wok with her and find a replacement until the final product is ready
Be a leader:
At some point I will "take over" shows with the assistant director whilst the director sits and critiques the performance so far. This means that i will probably deal with a lot of frustrated actors actresses and crew. During this time, I will need to keep my calm and either criticise or just support a member of the production. I still have to be nice yet I establish my authority during the process
Strike:
At the end of the show, I need to be there to supervise the strike of the show. If so much as a screwdriver is dropped, its my job to know about it
For this play, the stage manager has to:
Be prepared:
Always have my script on my and i'm always on book during rehearsals. If an actor isn't there, it's my job to read their lines and make sure that the rehearsal still goes on.
Be Organised:
I need to have an attendance sheet, contact sheet, production calendar, set and props design e.t.c all on my person in case of an emergency.
During rehearsal, i also need to track everything. If the director gives a note to a particular actor about something I'm going to write it down because by the next rehearsal it will most certainly be forgotten.
Form my crew:
My crew will be running the show and I won't be there to babysit them so I need to choose them carefully.
Be the timekeeper:
I'm there to make sure that everything runs soothly souring rehearsals and if that means stopping the director during a scene to tell him that the rehearsal is over, then so be it.
Call actors to the rehearsals and if they are late or absent, its my job to follow up on why.
Be sensible:
If the director decides that he wants something to happen that just won't be possible with the possible facilities or budget, I tell him.
Run shows:
Make sure everything is safe and ready for use.
Manage call times. If there are makeup calls to be setup, I need to do them. I tell the cast 2 hours before the show, 1 hour, and so on and so forth until house opens.
Configure all our walkie-talkies. Before the show I call my crew and we just sit and do some last minute touch ups to our script or equipment.
During the times where the props master hasn't finished making a prop, it's my job to wok with her and find a replacement until the final product is ready
Be a leader:
At some point I will "take over" shows with the assistant director whilst the director sits and critiques the performance so far. This means that i will probably deal with a lot of frustrated actors actresses and crew. During this time, I will need to keep my calm and either criticise or just support a member of the production. I still have to be nice yet I establish my authority during the process
Strike:
At the end of the show, I need to be there to supervise the strike of the show. If so much as a screwdriver is dropped, its my job to know about it