1.1 Role and Responsibilities of a Stage Manager

Stage managers are the backbone of theatrical productions, juggling numerous responsibilities from pre-production to post-show. They oversee scheduling, communication, and documentation while acting as a liaison between departments, ensuring everyone works towards a common goal.

A stage manager's role is crucial in maintaining artistic integrity. They communicate the director's vision, monitor performances for consistency, and address issues promptly. Their meticulous record-keeping and adaptability help preserve the production's essence throughout its run and for future revivals.

The Stage Manager's Role and Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities of stage managers

Top images from around the web for Primary responsibilities of stage managers

• 

  The Control Process | Principles of Management View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Free Roles & Responsibilities Matrix PowerPoint Template - Free PowerPoint Templates ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Managers | Introduction to Business View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Control Process | Principles of Management View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Free Roles & Responsibilities Matrix PowerPoint Template - Free PowerPoint Templates ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Primary responsibilities of stage managers

• 

  The Control Process | Principles of Management View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Free Roles & Responsibilities Matrix PowerPoint Template - Free PowerPoint Templates ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Managers | Introduction to Business View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Control Process | Principles of Management View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Free Roles & Responsibilities Matrix PowerPoint Template - Free PowerPoint Templates ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Pre-production
  • Attends design and production meetings to stay informed about the creative vision and technical requirements
  • Creates and distributes contact sheets and production calendars to ensure all team members have access to essential information
  • Assists with auditions and callbacks by managing logistics and communication
  • Participates in the casting process to provide input and ensure the best fit for each role
  • Creates rehearsal schedules and distributes scripts to keep the production on track
• Rehearsals
  • Manages rehearsal space and maintains a safe working environment to ensure productivity and well-being of the team
  • Records blocking, technical cues, and script changes in the prompt book for reference and consistency
  • Coordinates with designers and technical staff to integrate their work into the production seamlessly
  • Provides rehearsal reports and distributes necessary information to keep all team members informed and on the same page
  • Runs technical rehearsals and coordinates with all departments to ensure a smooth transition into performances
• Performance
  • Oversees the running of the show and calls cues to ensure a seamless and consistent audience experience
  • Coordinates with front of house staff and manages the backstage area to maintain a professional and organized environment
  • Maintains the artistic integrity of the production by monitoring performances and addressing any issues
  • Resolves any issues that arise during performances quickly and effectively to minimize disruptions
  • Compiles performance reports and distributes to relevant personnel for record-keeping and analysis
• Post-production
  • Oversees strike and ensures all materials are returned or stored properly for future use or reference
  • Participates in post-mortem discussions and evaluations to identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes
  • Archives production documents and materials for future reference and to inform future productions

Stage manager as interdepartmental liaison

• Facilitates communication between
  • Director and designers to ensure the creative vision is realized through technical elements (set, costumes, lighting)
  • Director and actors to convey notes, adjustments, and feedback effectively
  • Designers and technical staff to coordinate the implementation of design elements (sound, props)
  • Production staff and theatre management to address logistical and administrative concerns
• Ensures all departments are working towards a common goal by aligning efforts and facilitating collaboration
• Resolves conflicts and addresses concerns from various team members to maintain a positive and productive work environment
• Keeps all parties informed of changes, updates, and important information to avoid confusion and missteps
• Acts as a central point of contact for all production-related matters, streamlining communication and decision-making

Key oversight areas for stage managers

• Scheduling
  • Creates and maintains production calendar to provide a comprehensive overview of key dates and deadlines
  • Schedules rehearsals and meetings to ensure optimal use of time and resources
  • Coordinates schedules of all involved parties (actors, designers, technicians) to avoid conflicts and maximize efficiency
  • Adjusts schedules as needed to accommodate changes or conflicts, maintaining flexibility and adaptability
• Communication
  • Facilitates effective communication among all team members to foster collaboration and unity
  • Distributes information, updates, and changes to relevant parties through various channels (email, phone, in-person)
  • Conducts regular production meetings to share progress, address concerns, and plan ahead
  • Ensures clear and concise communication to avoid misunderstandings and maintain transparency
• Documentation
  • Maintains prompt book with all necessary information (blocking, cues, script changes) for reference and consistency
  • Records blocking, technical cues, and script changes accurately and efficiently
  • Creates and distributes daily rehearsal and performance reports to keep stakeholders informed and document progress
  • Archives production documents for future reference and analysis, preserving institutional knowledge

Maintaining artistic integrity in productions

• Ensures the director's vision is maintained throughout the production process by communicating effectively and monitoring progress
• Communicates the director's notes and feedback to actors and designers clearly and diplomatically
• Monitors performances to ensure consistency and adherence to the established vision, identifying and addressing any deviations
• Addresses any deviations or issues that may compromise the artistic integrity promptly and professionally
• Collaborates with the director to make any necessary adjustments during the run of the show, adapting to evolving circumstances
• Maintains a detailed record of the production (blocking, cues, design elements) to ensure future reproductions can maintain the original artistic vision