At the University at Buffalo, the students request design/production assignments. Seeing as I have a background in stage management I decided that it would be a great experience to serve as a production stage manager this semester. But then came the thought, what does that actually entail? Our department already has an equity production stage manager hired by the department who mentors the student stage managers.
After speaking with the production stage manager and the student stage managers I began to make a list of questions that the student stage managers had and responsibilities that the production stage manager had. After creating that list I sat down with the production stage manager and made a syllabus. This meeting resulting in the decision that my main job would be to help the student stage managers on track, especially with their paperwork.
After the meeting I sat down and created a “Stage Manager Master Task Sheet.” I then had a meeting with the stage managers individually and gave them a copy of the task list that I created. They went through the task list, asked questions and I reformatted the task list. Listed below is what the final task list became.
I was told by the stage managers that this was a very helpful list and helped keep them stress-free and ahead of the game. I am showing this with you, fellow stage managers that might be reading this, hopefully this list will help you in your productions or you might even add to your own list.
PRE-REHEARSAL
Make copies of the script and distribute
Read the script….again…again…again
Create Prompt Book
Highlighting
Rehearsal script
Tab
Cueing script
Tab
Dividers (label)
Contact Sheets
Schedules
Create Rehearsal and Performance Report Templates
Create Rehearsal and Performance Report E-mail Lists
Have a Meeting with the Director
First Day Business
Rehearsal Edict
Code of Conduct
Late Policy
Breaks
Rehearsal Schedule
Scene Breakdown
First Day Business Packets
Contact Sheets
Cast List
Director’s Note
Scene Breakdown
Production Schedule
Rehearsal Schedule
Data Sheet
Paperwork:
ASM Responsibilities/Checklists
Rehearsal Schedules w/ Director Deadlines (off-book, etc.)
Master Production Calendar (with tech deadlines)
Scene Breakdown
Emergency Contact Info.
Rehearsal Report Template
Performance Report Template
Pre-Cue Sheets (get from Melinda if using post-it method)
Prop Lists/Track Sheets
Costume Plot/Lists
Groundplan
Blocking Key
Cast List
Sign-In Sheet
Meet with ASMs
Scheduling and Responsibilities
Call Board
Scene Breakdown
Cast List
Sign-In Sheet
Production Calendar
Rehearsal Calendar
Tape floor
REHEARSAL
First Day Business
Set up Rehearsal Space
Get Rehearsal Props and Organize Prop Cabinet
Keep Rehearsal Time – Keep on Track
Keep Track of Breaks
Keep Track of Actor Absences/Lates
Keep Notes for Production Meetings/Rehearsal Reports
Send out Rehearsal Reports
Prop Tracking
Time Run
Help Schedule Fittings
Breakdown Rehearsal Space
PRE-TECH
God Mic
Determine Calling Area
Paperwork
Run Sheets
Updated Costume Plot
Preset Checklists
Tech/Performance Sign-In Sheets
ASM Checklists
SM Checklists
Preliminary Cue Sheets
Paper Tech (if need be)
Meet with Crew
Call Times
Dress Code
Late Policy
Responsibilities
TECH WEEK
HM Notes
Late Seating
Total Run Time
Per Act Run Time
Intermission Time
Effects
Haze/Fog
Strobe
Loud Sound Effects
Introduce Crew to Actors
Talk to Actors about Go/Hold
Remain calm and remember to breath!
SHOW RUN
Performance Reports
Sign-In Sheets
Checklists
POST SHOW
Strike List (if needed)
Final Space Walk Through
Archive Prompt Book