Job Description: Stage Manager

PRE-PRODUCTION

• Meet with the Director prior to auditions to discuss how auditions will be run.
• If asked, help Operations Manager and Director prepare materials for auditions.

AUDITIONS

• Keep auditions operating in an orderly fashion and assist director with fact sheets and other materials.
• At the director’s request, provide input into the casting of the show.

REHEARSAL PERIOD

• Decide with the director which of you will be responsible for opening and locking up the ACT building for rehearsals. Sign out a key from ACT Operations Manager if necessary.
• Review rehearsal schedule with the director and discuss at which rehearsals you or the assistant stage manager will be needed.
• Check first-aid kits in rehearsal hall to make sure they’re fully supplied. Arrange with Operations Manager to replenish if necessary.
• Have a supply of sharpened pencils available for the first read-through and throughout the rehearsal period.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early to rehearsals and make sure everything is set for the scenes to be rehearsed.
• Maintain a list of the actors needed for each rehearsal and check off their names when they arrive. Call actors if they fail to show.
• Distribute production guidelines and rehearsal calendar to cast members and review.
• Prepare a prompt book, noting all of the stage directions as given by director, and have them available for reference for all cast members.
• Make notations in pencil for ease in making blocking changes.
• Keep a list of notes from the director to other production personnel that arise during rehear-sals and act as liaison to inform them of the note if requested by the director.
• Distribute scripts and vocal books to cast members and inform them if they can be high- lighted or marked. Materials which are rented for the show can be marked only in light pen-cil and must be erased before turning it back in. Rented materials must be returned to the stage manager by the start of strike. Actors will be charged a replacement fee for any materials not returned.
• Remind actors to bring scripts and music books to all rehearsals.
• Advise cast and crew members to not bring valuables to the workshop or theatre.
• Supervise “housekeeping” after each rehear-sal, making sure people clean up after them-selves. Remind actors to return rehearsal or production props to their assigned locations.
• Attend production meetings as requested.
• Provide cast with Publicity/Bio forms and collect them when completed to give to Operations Manager.
• Remind actors and crew members about proper theatre etiquette.
• While you should provide actors with blocking and line corrections, any comments you may have regarding directorial elements like character, motivation, etc., should be discussed solely with the director, allowing the director to forward them to the actors as he or she sees appropriate.

AT THE THEATRE

• Talk to ACT Operations Manager regarding obtaining Mishler Key for rehearsals and performances.
• Contact the theatre technical director and review procedures for opening & locking theatre, raising the fire curtain, location of fire extinguishers, first-aid kit, turning on work lights, house lights, stair lights, wall sconces, ghost lights, orchestra pit lights, backstage lights and stage-edge lights, as well as which switches in breaker box get turned off when theatre is vacated.
• Review with Mishler Tech Director what to do if the theatre’s fire alarm system activates during a rehearsal or performance.
• Be responsible for having Mishler opened for actors and crew members at least one-half hour before their scheduled “call” time and for lockup following rehearsals.
• Post a sign-in sheet for actors. Remind them to arrive at the theatre by the announced time for call and sign the sheet immediately.
• Arrange with technical crews to have stage area clear, cleaned and ready for rehearsal. If necessary, sweep and/or mop the stage.
• Police the house, stage and backstage after rehearsal for trash, lights out and lockup.
• Review with Mishler Tech Director how paging system operates. Make sure Sound, Light Board, Assistant Stage Manager, Pin Rail and any other necessary backstage stations have properly connected headsets.
• Mark all sound, light, effect and running cues in your prompt script. Determine with the other staff members which cues will be called by you during performances.
• Ensure that all safety precautions (running lights, glow tape, etc.) are in place backstage before rehearsals begin. Make sure cast is familiar with the set, entrances and exits before starting to rehearse on it.

PERFORMANCE NIGHTS

• Inform cast and crew not to park in the lots across from the Mishler. The lot behind the ACT building should be used.
• Inform cast and crew to enter theatre through stage doors. Nobody enters through house.
• If not posted already, post a sign on the metal stage door between the house and backstage that only production personnel are permitted backstage before and during a performance and at intermission. Keep the door closed. and policed if necessary. Cast members in partial or full costume or makeup should never be seen out in the house prior to a performance.
• Maintain quiet and order backstage and in the dressing room and greenroom areas.
• Upon arrival at the theatre, check to see that the intercom system is functioning properly.
• Announce to the cast and crew the following times remaining until curtain: one hour, 30 minutes, 15 minutes, 5 minutes and Places.
• Check to make sure all running personnel are prepared for the performance. Ask if those responsible for specific areas have completed “checks” … lighting instruments, props, microphones, etc.
• Coordinate with the House Manager and inform cast & crew when the house is being opened, generally half-hour-to-curtain, espe-cially when the stage and set is visible to the audience if the act curtain is not being used.
• Maintain contact with Box Office to determine if the show will be able to start on time or if the curtain needs to be held because people are waiting at the ticket window.
• If the director will be making a greenroom speech or announcement, gather all personnel at the requested time.
• Clear stage at least 5 minutes before the House is scheduled to open.
• Flash the house lights (or coordinate with Light Board Operator) five (5) minutes before the show is to begin. If necessary, flash again just before curtain to get people settled into their seats.
• Find out from the Sound Operator or House Manager when the audiences is seated and show can begin.
• Call the show according to method agreed upon between you, director, assistant stage manager, lights operator and sound operator. Stage manager should have all cues marked in script, whether or not he or she is actually announcing all cues.
• Police stage area after each performance. Make sure all work and running lights are out. Double check to make sure lighting operator turned off dimmer packs. Place ghost light on stage and turn on.
• Assume responsibility for locking up theatre after the show unless other arrangements have been made with the Mishler tech director.
• Post the starting time for Strike and emphasize to actors the importance of their attendance.