Stage management

Part of the stage manager's panel at Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts

Stage management is a sub-discipline of stagecraft.

Although a somewhat fluid line of work, in essence the stage management team (which can consist of a production stage manager, several assistant stage managers, and any number of production assistants) is responsible for organizing the production, communicating across different disciplines (e.g., between the director and the backstage crew, or the actors and production management), and keeping everything running smoothly. This refers not only to seamless management of the technical aspects of a production, but of the human aspects as well.

The history of stage management

There is a profound lack of information regarding the history and evolution of stage management. Most stage management books are reference or how-to manuals describing the process of stage management , with little or no reference to the history of the field. The modern stage manager descends from the actor-manager of the Renaissance and into the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries; these actors took upon themselves the handling of finances and general directorial duties. In the introduction of his book, professional stage manager Larry Fazio says, "In the final stages of putting this book together, I realized that I wanted to include a section on the history of SMing. In my research, I found only one SMing book that briefly described the evolution of the SM, which started in the 17th century during Shakespeare’s and Moliere’s time...by [this] time, the actor and/or playwright was well established as the director of the show and putting together a production had become more civilized and organized. More props were used and special costumes were needed to portray the characters. It wasn’t until the eighteenth century in England that the term stage manager was used instead of director. This was the first time a person, separate from the actors and playwright, was hired to direct or manage the stage. With the advent of elaborate sets, multiple costume changes, mechanical scenery and devices, gas lighting, and the lime-light spotlight, the SM’s job was split into the two positions as we know them today—the director and the SM." There is little more information than this to be had anywhere; passing references in theatre history texts, and the oral history from early twentieth century stage managers themselves. The written history of stage management seems to go no further.

The responsibilities of stage management

The responsibilities and duties of stage management vary depending on the setting of a production, i.e., rehearsals or performance, and the type of production being presented (theatre, dance, music). Most broadly, it is the stage manager's responsibility to ensure that the director's artistic choices are realized in actual performance. Typically in theatre, the stage manager acts as an adjunct to the director in rehearsal, recording the blocking and seeing that cast members stay on script, have necessary props, and follow the blocking. As the lighting, sound, and set change cues are developed, the stage manager meticulously records the timing of each as it relates to the script and other aspects of the performance. The stage manager also ascertains that the lighting and sound cues are taken at the right time. As an example, a typical lighting cue might be called as "LQ 38, stand by" (or "Stand by LQ 38"), with the light board operator replying, "standing" (in the UK, "standing by"), and in turn the stage manager's "LQ 38, go" ("LQ 38, go") setting everything in motion at the appropriate time. The stage manager also maintains a prompt book, sometimes called "the bible," which contains all cues, technical notes, blocking and other information pertinent to the show.

During rehearsals, stage managers are responsible for helping establish the show's rehearsal schedule and then ensuring that rehearsals run on time. Once the house opens, the stage manager essentially takes control, calling the cues for all transitions (this is known as "calling the show"), as well as acting as communications hub for the cast and crew. After a show opens, the stage manager is also responsible for calling brush-up, put in and understudy rehearsals to make sure that the show's quality is maintained. The stage manager is also responsible for seeing that the director's vision is carried out when he or she is no longer attending the shows and giving notes. In a large production, a team of stage managers will work each performance; one will be responsible for calling the show, and others will be backstage ensuring that actors and crew are ready to perform their duties.

In the United States

Professional stage managers in the United States are represented by the Actors' Equity Association and/or the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and have several prescribed responsibilities. In addition to maintaining the prompt book and calling the performances, Equity stage managers must also uphold the union's rules and rights for the Equity artists. Equity has strict rules for how long rehearsals can last, when breaks must be taken, and how many hours per week each artist may work. Under AEA rules, Stage Managers are not allowed to handle the cast or crew's paychecks, contracts, or closing notices, nor are they allowed to order food for the company..

Notable American Stage Managers include; Biff Henderson, Bob Bennett, Cameron Jackson, Jack Feivou, Rick Cunningham, Brian Newman, Ronald Lee Newman, Beverley Randolph, Kim Vernace, Meredith Greenburg, Tina Shackleford, David Grindle, Gregory Victor, Travis DeCastro, Marian Wallace, Thom Widmann, Juanita Munford, Deb Acquavella, Lori Doyle, and Sam Ellis.

In Britain

In Britain, professional stage managers are represented by the British union Equity, which also represents performers. The division of a British stage management team varies according to the type of production, but can consist of stage manager (overseeing the smooth running of the show, scene changes and so on), deputy stage manager (commonly called DSM, doing the job of an American stage manager, as above) and assistant stage manager (commonly called ASM, generally working in the props and scene change area of the show, sometimes operating sound (recorded or live) or lighting as well). A fringe theatre show may employ one stage manager to carry out the tasks of an entire team. A West End theatre show in London might employ multiple stage managers, DSMs and ASMs. The Royal National Theatre in London divides the work of a stage management team in a slightly different way to regional theatres.

Show Control based venues

Many live shows around the world are produced with the forehand knowledge that they will have a very long run, often measured in years. These are usually known quantities that are very expensive productions and have a guaranteed audience because of their location. Typically, they are on cruise ships, in theme parks, Las Vegas or destination resorts such as Branson, Missouri. These shows warrant very long range development and planning and use stage managers to run almost all technical elements in the show, without benefit of many of the other traditional crew members, such as sound, lighting and rigging operators. In these cases, show control systems are installed and connected to all other technical systems in the theatre, which are specifically designed to be controlled by show control and to operate safely with minimal supervision. Stage managers working these shows usually have the additional responsibility for programming the show control system, and often the other control systems as well.

See also

• Prompt corner
• Stagecraft
• Theatre
• Theatre technique
• Show control

Notes

this sucks ass

External links

• Stage-Crew.net - All things technical including Stage Management
• Stage Managers' Association: Professional Organization Created by and for Stage Managers. Site includes Stage Manager Directory and Job Search Listing for those wishing to hire a Stage Manager.
• SM Network: Great Community Site for Stage Managers
• Stage Jobs Pro: CVs & availability of 600+ Stage Managers
• Site Dedicated To Technicians and Stage Managers
• Stage Managers Do Make Coffee: a great, comprehensive stage manager's handbook