It may be an obvious thing, but the Stage Manager must know the play – inside out and sideways. Read the script, time and time again. Attend as many rehearsals as you can – watch the actors, learn from them how they interpret their character. Watch how they make their entrances and exits: remember where they come on and go off, so that you can make sure any props are ready for them.
Your crew should also be encouraged to attend as many rehearsals as they can, because they need to be comfortable with their tasks. In a small society, this is not usually a problem, everyone wants to get involved. Meet with your crew, regularly. Even if it is only a ten minute catch-up, it will help to create a cohesive unit, with everyone knowing what is expected of them – and what everyone else in the crew is doing. Communicate and confirm everything. The more they know, the easier your job will be.
The technical rehearsal is your chance to see that all your planning is paying off. Make sure that the Producer / Director and the cast are aware that it might not be possible to run the play straight through, because you need to fine-tune a critical set change or re-time a costume change. Use a stop-watch to get the feel for the timings.
Showtime
During the performances, the Stage Manager is in control. The Director has done their job – now it’s all up to you. The play’s success is in your hands. Get to the theatre early – very early. Have a list of everyone involved, on-stage, back-stage and front of house. Get everyone to sign a Fire List when they arrive, and keep that list in plain view on your table.
Have some bottles of water and plastic tumblers on your table, as well. Perhaps, also, have a box of tissues and some small mints. Anything you can do, in fact, to make the actors feel more comfortable.
Check the crew. Are they all in place and comfortable with their tasks?
Check the cast. Have they got everything they need? Are all the personal props on the table by the correct entrance and are they clearly marked. I have used masking tape to mark a grid on the props tables, with the props for each character being assigned an area. It helps keep things in place for entrances and exits. Don’t let an actor leave the back-stage area with a prop. When not on stage, the props must live on your props tables. That way you don’t loose track of them.
Give the cast plenty of time calls – but don’t make a big thing about it. Fifteen minutes, ten and five are enough.
Concentrate – right through the performance. OK, so you have been through the show 173 times, in rehearsal. So what? You mustn’t wander off once the performance starts, thinking it will all take care of itself. Perhaps it will – perhaps it won’t. Be there, whatever happens.
Finally, enjoy a job well done. When the cast have taken their curtain calls – you did give them enough time for their curtain calls, didn’t you? – take the time to thank and congratulate your crew. They worked just as hard as the folks on stage.
Working in black might not be as glamorous as acting – but it can be just as rewarding.
Don't forget to turn of the lights when you leave the theatre!
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