Stage Managing

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A stage manager's position is that of an organizer . An efficient stage manager(SM) is prepared for everything and anything. If your in a large theatre company there might be an assistant stage manager to help ensure the production runs smoothly. Usually though, you are one SM. The SM is responsible for the smooth running of the rehearsals . This job can be stressful given that you are working with many people and many different personalities.

Organization is Key

You can never have enough lists. Keeping a record of things will keep you ready for unexpected crisis that come up. So it's a great idea to keep everything handy, neat and available for verifying production and technical information. It does no good to have the necessary information if you can't get your fingers on it when it's needed right away. I suggest buying a clip board and a binder that you can put dividers in.

With your information divided into sections you will cut out unnecessary stress when you have to look up important information. This will save you valuable time and energy. Since one of your most important roles will be to record and document everything during the rehearsal process , I can't stress this point enough. Here are a few examples of lists that you will need to consider in order to be on top of the show.

Lists, Lists, and more Lists.

- Props
- Costumes
- Rehearsal schedules
- Lighting cues
- Sound cues
- Blocking
- Set changes or moves

The Stage Manager is always the first one to arrive and the last one to leave rehearsal. There is always something to do and to think about for the next day's work. The SM is responsible for contacting the actors regarding the call times for rehearsals. Also it is tradition that the SM supply and make the coffee during rehearsals. This also saves valuable time in the long run.