Stage Manager Career Guide and Counseling

Question: What things should a stage manager have prepared before and for an audition? I am going to stage manage our high school's One Act Play, and while I have stage managed before I want to do a much better job this time. I have been doing some reading, and am curious of what is expected/desired from a good stage manager from the director? the actors? the production team?

Answer: In the company I work at, we organize all the actor resumes and coordinate with any community actors or non-company actors we're auditioning, work with the director to prepare an audition order for the auditions (ie who reads with whom if you're reading scenes or who reads in what order if you're doing monologues-- or both if you're doing a combination of the two.) I also xerox all the audition sides, post signs for actors with the audition order, etc, xerox information sheets for the actors to fill out, and make up a general info sheet with all of the rehearsal, production, and callback information to hand out to the auditioners. Then in auditions, you are going back and forth to pull auditioners from your holding area, handling paperwork so that your director always knows exactly who is auditioning in front of them at any given moment, and just generally making sure that actors move in and out smoothly and have everything that they need. After auditions, you compile the audition sheets, handle any callback arrangements, and make sure that the director is aware of any conflicts or special circumstances before casting decisions are made. Of course, in a highschool you aren't going to be able to do all this (and heaven help you if you have open auditions) but that should give you a general idea of how things are run.

Question: What are the duties of a stage manager for a one day dance performance? I'm hosting a show with 11 acts. Tech is all day and show is the evening. Need a list of duties to keep things rolling and to make it easy for my stage manager.

Answer: Here's a list of things the Stage Manager needs to know to make your show the best it can be: 1. The show's run order. MUST HAVE. :) Also, the location and length of an intermission- if one is taken. 2. All the music piece names and corresponding track numbers on your CD or minidisk player. If the dance pieces have a title or nickname within the dance company that does not include the name of the music piece, the Stage Manager will need to know those as well. Please, if you have not done so already, copy all the music pieces IN SHOW ORDER to ONE CD or minidisk (then make two back up copies and give one to the Stage Manager. Keep the other one.) 3. The number of dancers in each piece and their approximate ages (ie. Piece one has four teenage dancers and piece two has 40 four year olds.) This will help the Stage Manager not panic every time a new piece is scheduled to start. The color and type of costume is also nice to have so the Stage Manager can determine at a glance if everyone is there or not. 4. The starting pose and ending pose of each piece (or a heads up that the stage is bare- dancers are either entering or exiting to music.) This will help the Stage Manager cue the sound and lights correctly. 5. The upfade and blackout timings of the lights. Do the lights fade in slowly in time to the music or jump to full immediately? Do they blackout at the end or fade down slowly? Also, which happens first: sound or lights (if they happen independently)? Are there light changes during any pieces? Do any of your pieces have more than one track of music? The Stage Manager will need to call those cues. 6. Do you use "shinbusters" for side light? (Usually these are theater lights affixed to the stage floor or to a heavy weight.) If so, do the colored gels need to change for each piece? The Stage Manager will need to call any gel changes. (If the theater uses "light ladders"- the same question applies.) 7. How do you expect to bow? Is there a curtain call after every piece, or is there a company bow at the end of the show? Will there be flowers presented to the choreographers/owner of the company? If so, who is presenting them? Will there be a microphone used for top of show or end of show announcements? Who will be speaking? The Stage Manager will need to cue the flower-presenter and hand off the mic, if applicable. 8. Do you fly (move up and down) or travel (move horizontally across the stage) a main curtain? Doe this happen at the beginning and the end of the show only, or between each piece? Are there any backdrops or other set pieces flown during the show? The Stage Manager will need to call these fly cues. 9. Are there any props? Who uses them and for which pieces? Are there any costume pieces removed during any of the numbers (hats, gloves, jackets etc)? Who is responsible for picking these items up at the end of the piece? The Stage Manager will need to have crew standing by to remove any items left onstage between pieces. 10. Are there children performing in your show? Where have their parents/guardians been instructed to drop them off/pick them up? Will the backstage be overrun with parents after the show/during intermission? What is your policy on performers watching pieces they do not dance in from the audience? Do you have any company "rules" the Stage Manager should know about? (ie. Dancers cannot chew gum onstage.) If the Stage Manager knows these 10 items, he or she should be able to keep things running pretty smoothly. Hope this helps.

Question: What are some ways to be able to become a stage manager for a musician? What would I need to go through to get a job working with musicians instead of behind the scence of a drama play... how would I apply to being a stage manager assistent for a musician. Also what all classes do I need to take to be able to do this?

Answer: You should take a university/college course in stage management and/or production management. It is also a good idea to undertake classes in audio production, where you learn about mixing desks, amplifiers, etc. Most stage managers start by being roadies: find a band to become a roadie with, or join a large company that hires crew and roadies on a regular basis. It would take a long time to work your way from general roadie to stage manager, and you will definitely need some experience before doing it professionally.

Question: Where can I get a summer job as stage manager? I'm from St. Louis and I want a summer job as a stage manager or any other job in theater besides acting. Does anyone know where I can find one? Please and thank you!

Answer: There are a few websites that post jobs every day for theatre folk. Playbill.com has job postings for all areas of theatre and is a great source of info as well. There's also backstagejobs.com. Hundreds of theaters around the country have summer programs that bring in actors and techies from all over. They are called summer stock theaters. Williamstown is a very well known example. Google search Summer Stock Theatre and check it out. There are plenty of summer opportunities!

Question: How can i be a good stage manager? Well my drama teacher told me that next yr (I'll be in11th grade) I will be the stage manager. Currently we have 2 senior ones and I've asked them, but bcuz its only high school they say to do whatevr, and to just help with light and sound when im not sure what to do.... but i want to be really good at it b'cuz i really dont know much about the lightboard nor sound system so i want what i do do to be done really well...even if just for high school or not. well i know what a stage manager is...and i had hoped to get the position since i started high school, but what i need to know is how be good leader without being hated nor a pushover

Answer: First off - Helenp has no sweet clue. A stage manager is the reason a show happens, and it is her ignorance that will make her hated by Stage Management and trust me, we can make your life as a performer EXTREMELY difficult. Trust me, I have been on both ends and it takes far more talent to stage manage than to act. I may get a thumbs down for that, but sorry guys, its true. We have to know your jobs better than you do in order to do our job. As a Stage Manager, your key goal is time management. In high school, people will not understand what a stage manager actually does, but in professional theatre everyone is aware that it is the Stage Manager who is the boss. They decide when a show goes up, how it happens, etc once the director has left after opening night. So, as far as advice for a high school show, my best suggestion would be keep your prompt script updated at all times (marking all the blocking, sound and light cues, props, costumes, etc). Your main role is the organizer behind the scenes. Try to familiarize yourself with the lighting and sound (and find out if you will have operators or if you will be expected to operate the board yourself). Your main duty will be to write in all the cues in your script, and call the show (if they let you, high schools differ because again, there is a serious lack of education about what a stage manager does). I would focus on the following: 1 - Maintaining your script 2 - Writing in cues 3 - Providing running sheets for your ASM (basically of list of what they have to do during the show backstage from prop hand offs to costume changes). 4 - Keep everyone on time. Remind your director nicely how much time he/she has left for rehearsal and when it is noted that he/she would like to move on, write down what they want to cover (i.e blocking act 1, run through of scene 5, etc) 5 - Stay on top of the schedule. Be open to changes and problem solve as you go. Because it is high school, my guess is that people won't really know what you do, so roll with it. Give them their call times nicely, without being pushy. Stage Managers do a lot of smiling and nodding. I've had actors explode on me (based on their insecurity and nothing to do with what was happening) - and I have just said nothing and held my ground. You have a backbone, just don't get bossy. As long as you are in charge, and know you are in charge, that is all that matters. You'll be fine. Good luck!

Question: Anyone in UK know of any theatre in UK interested in an immediate start for a really good stage manager? Anyone in UK know of any theatre in UK interested in an immediate start for a really good stage manager? I have worked on the London Fringe circuitt for the last 17 years and have a great deal to offer. I am available now and my CV is on Stagejobpro. Look for John Katon

Answer: Well... how don't you send your CV to each one of the theatre via email but not as bulk, obviously. Look online directories for their URL and check out the managers name and email your not much... not too little (max 2 pages) CV with a covering letter. Best wishes

Question: What are all of the jobs a Stage Manager does? I need to know what a stage manager does at a high school level?

Answer: It varies from high school to high school. In the professional world, the stage manager sits next to the director in rehearsal, taking down blocking notes (where the actors stand and move to) and noting down anything which the wardrobe, prop, set and technical departments need to know (eg, if an actor pulls a wallet out of an inside jacket pocket, wardrobe need to know the costume needs a pocket, and the props department need to know the actor needs a wallet). Once the actors are "off the book" (not using a script any more) the stage manager prompts the actors when they forget their lines in rehearsal. Depending on the company, the stage manager may also be responsible for setting up props in rehearsals. In production week, the stage manager goes to the plotting session and writes down where all the lighting, sound and set change cues happen, putting them into the prompt script, co-ordinates the technical rehearsal (when the cast and crew are on the set for the first time, working everything out) and once the show is up and running, the SM calls the show, telling the operators when the cues happen. They co-ordinate set changes, not usually actually pushing sets themselves, but making sure that there are enough people to do the change, and everyone knows what they're doing for each change, and when the changes happen. They may have other responsibilities depending on the company - setting props is the most common one. What a high school SM does is likely to be part of what a professional SM does, but there are no hard and fast rules.

Question: How would I find out if a stage manager has worked at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts? So I need to know if any Stage Managers who are having steady work or possibly on broadway have Stage Managed at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Any suggestions?

Answer: I suspect that if you write to DCPA's HR Department, they might be able to give you some names. hrdirector@dcpa.org I would also look at a few of the shows that have moved from DCPA to National Tour, or a few National Tours that have traveled through DCPA and see who was the Stage Manager on the tour. There is no good resource to search with a cross-reference feature to link Broadway, Stage Managers and DCPA. The only other person I would suggest is writing Randy Weeks at DCPA as the person that know the good PSM vs. the bad PSM.

Question: What opportunities exist for a stagehand and a stage manager/event manager? I'm a stagehand/electrician with experience programming moving lights (Grand MA console) and my wife is an Event/Stage Manager. How difficult would it be to find work for both of us in Las Vegas? And what kind of pay scale/ cost of living should we expect?

Answer: There are opportunities in the casino area, but you will need to have a physical address for them to even consider you. There are a lot of venues popping up all over town. Here's an example: MC², a national organization specializing in the design, production and management of exhibits, marketing events and tradeshows is seeking "The Very Best" candidates for the position of Show Services Floor Manager for our Las Vegas office. Duties and Responsibilities: Manage day to day show floor activities, direct, manage and interface with Labor Coordinator, show floor supervisors and assistants. Responsible for the service, production, quality, efficiency, finances, paperwork, communication, safety, and accountability of all personnel Responsible for the planning, recruiting, training and development of all labor and personnel with an emphasis on service, consistency, and professionalism in accordance with established policies and union contracts. Will plan, coordinate, and oversee all tradeshow activities in his/her region, including assigning labor, meeting clients, purchasing, payroll, accounting, communication (both pre and post shows Requirements: Minimum of 5 years experience in the trade show industry Proficiency in Word, Excel and Outlook Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Ability to work effectively as a member of a team, interfacing at all levels within the organization as well as client organizations Ability to prioritize and manage multiple task/projects Ability to meet critical timelines and deadlines set forth by clients Ability to manage others, including the ability to train, delegate, and oversee/manage MC² is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V. Contact Information Company: MC2 Contact: Marielena McDonald Email: mmcdonald@mc-2.com Fax: 845-578-6525 Let me know if you need any relocation help.

Question: What does a stage Manager do? I need to know what jobs a stage manager does at a high school level I need to know if i'm suppose to help direct people around with sets and help out with costumes and weather or not I have to help with sound and lighting. What do I have to help out with? Will I need to interact with the actors and actresses?

Answer: They do a bunch of the backstage work, and the other workers back stage have to listen to them, pretty much no matter what they say.

Question: i was stage manager for a show; can i put that on my resume? i am auditioning for a show tonight, and i am putting together my resume for past theatre experience. though stage manager isnt an acting role, should i still put that on my resume?? the play is Wizard of Oz and im auditioning for Dorthy.

Answer: Depends on what kind of theatre you're auditioning at :) If it's a community theatre, a lot of times they like to see that you've spent some time in a theatre and would know what you're doing. If it's a professional theatre, I would say either only include an acting resume specifically OR have an acting resume with "other experience" at the bottom and any other works you've done under that. Keep it near the bottom and if it's large at all, possibly make it a smaller size font as well :) good luck auditioning!

Question: First time stage manager looking for tips on small studio production of "The Curious Savage"? I've been an ASM for productions of "Les Miserables" and "Once upon a Mattress" and I've been handed the responsibility for a pretty low key production of "The Curious Savage". Any words of advice from experienced people about this show specifically or just stage management in general? I appreciate any help I can get!

Answer: If you have already had an ASM position, then you already have some of the skills in place. I don't know 'The Curious Savage', but treat it the same way you would any production. Listen, write important things down, pass on information to relevant departments, try and anticipate what is needed. If you know a particular scene or act is rehearsing the next day, or in the afternoon, try and have everything ready before the director and company arrive. As soon as a prop is asked for, do your best to supply it - even if it is just a piece of paper to represent a letter. It is difficult, but try to remain discretely in the background quietly getting on with your job whilst at the same time being in just the right place at the right time when needed. If an actor treats you as a lesser being (it happens - they don't always realise just how useful we stage management can be!), be gracious and professional. Don't be known for having an attitude - let others have that reputation! Enjoy what you are doing and have fun.

Question: How do I become a stage manager in life? I'm a freshman and i love stage managing how do I get into it?

Answer: Do you have a theatre that works with young adults in your area? I live in DC and there are many around. I first stage-managed at this sort of company when I was 14. I first started working backstage, started out as just a random stage-hand, and worked my way up. If you don't have a company like this, you can still get involved in technical theatre in other ways. Your school probably has tech theatre courses. Obviously, you can pursue stage-managing in school productions. Check the paper and see what you have around your area...

Question: being a stage manager, would having a mac be better or can a pc work just find? im in college studying and wanting to become a professional stage manager

Answer: It depends on the software you use and what you want to accomplish with it. Try talking to your professors, this is a matter of personal choice--just like for musicians, most prefer mac because there is better software out there for mac's.

Question: What is the average salary of a professional stage manager? Can you suggest any good colleges with stage managmant programs? I am up for all the education I can get! I live in the southeast

Answer: I'm not really sure about the salary range (though I think I remember one of my professors mentioning that production stage managers on the major Broadway musicals can make $2000/week or more- don't quote me on that, though). For the education side, I recomend the Design/Technology conservatory program at SUNY Purchase (see the link below). It's a fantastic program, and it's right outside New York City. (And if you decide to apply for that and don't get in, the Drama Studies program at the same school is also very good. There's a lot of opportunity there for practical experience stage managing and doing tech/back-stage work on student productions along with a decent liberal arts background.)

Question: what do i do if my stage manager is mad at me? ok my stage manager is mad at me but i want to fix things but he won't let me. p.s. i like him too!

Answer: Try to do better next time. Write down all the things he complains about, then go over it before the next rehearsal. Practice everything he wants you to do; I guarantee you'll be fine.