Your job is to insure that the play runs like it is supposed to.
During the actual performances, the Stage manager becomes the Director. It is up to the stage manager to be sure everything is in place before the show and rehearsals. Make lists of everything that should be ready for each performance. This includes but is not limited to costumes, props, makeup, etc, It also includes being sure that nothing is on the stage, backstage or in the pit that does not belong. During the shows, the stage manager tells the lighting director when to start the show. During the play and rehearsals make sure that the actors are quiet back stage and that they are in position for their entrances for each scene, Before the show, the stage manager "manages" the rehearsals. This means keeping track of where the cast members are, Making sure that cast members know when they are to show up, and keeping people that are not rehearsing quiet or out of the auditorium. Follow the upcoming rehearsals. Do not assume that actors have read the schedule. It is up to you to make sure they are present. Let me know in advance if someone will not be there. Please e-mail me and talk to me frequently to keep me informed.
If for any reason, an actor is not available for rehearsal, let me know in advance. I do not want to come into school and find everyone is giving blood or on some school field trip. It wastes a lot of my time if I come into school and can not rehearse because someone is not there.
Placing large sheets of paper backstage with the acts and scenes listed in large writing with the actors in those scenes will help keep the show running smoothly.
During the show, check, double check, and triple check all cast, crew, and material to make sure that nothing can go wrong.
Another task of the stage manager is to attempt to deal with problems between team members. The stage manager is a diplomat that tries to prevent personal problem form affecting the show. Be sure that people are thanked for helping out. Do not hesitate to send a thank you note or buy a present. People like to be acknowledged.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask me far in advance. Do not wait for the last minute to solve a problem.
You are in charge of the stage crew. Be sure that they are mentioned in the program. Get their names early and give the names to me so that I can enter them in the program.
Your busiest time is usually during the intermission and before the play. During these times, you should be checking your lists to be sure all people, props, and tech jobs are ready to perform.
If during a rehearsal or production, if you are sitting down, you may be missing something.
This job has an awesome responsibility. I know you can do it!
To get a passing grade, you have to manage the play. To get at least a B, you have to become a leader. This means motivating people, and doing it with compassion, not force or intimidation.
