🎭Stage Management Unit 7 – Effective Communication Strategies

What's This All About?

• Effective communication is the foundation of successful stage management involves clearly conveying information, ideas, and instructions to all members of the production team
• Stage managers serve as the central hub of communication throughout the production process, from pre-production to rehearsals and performances
• Developing strong communication skills enables stage managers to coordinate and collaborate with directors, designers, actors, and crew members
• Clear and concise communication helps prevent misunderstandings, delays, and conflicts that can hinder the production's progress
• Adapting communication styles to different individuals and situations is crucial for stage managers to maintain a positive and productive work environment
  • This includes understanding the preferences and needs of each team member
  • Tailoring the mode of communication (verbal, written, or visual) to the recipient and context
• Active listening is an essential aspect of effective communication for stage managers involves paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues, asking questions, and providing feedback
• Building trust and rapport with the production team through open, honest, and respectful communication fosters a collaborative and supportive atmosphere

Key Communication Concepts

• Verbal communication refers to the use of spoken language to convey information, ideas, and instructions
  • This includes face-to-face conversations, phone calls, and video conferences
• Non-verbal communication encompasses body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice that can reinforce, complement, or contradict verbal messages
• Written communication involves the use of text-based mediums such as emails, memos, schedules, and reports to document and share information
• Active listening is the practice of fully concentrating on, comprehending, and responding to the speaker's message
  • This includes maintaining eye contact, nodding, and asking clarifying questions
• Feedback is the process of providing constructive comments, suggestions, or praise to help individuals improve their performance and grow professionally
• Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which is crucial for building strong relationships and resolving conflicts
• Assertiveness is the skill of expressing one's thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and confidently while respecting the rights and opinions of others
• Conflict resolution involves identifying, addressing, and resolving disagreements or disputes in a fair, respectful, and mutually beneficial manner

Tools of the Trade

• Prompt books are essential tools for stage managers to record blocking, cues, and other important notes during rehearsals and performances
• Headsets enable stage managers to communicate with crew members located in different areas of the theatre (backstage, booth, or front of house) during rehearsals and performances
• Call sheets are daily schedules that outline the day's activities, including rehearsal times, locations, and personnel required
• Contact sheets contain the names, roles, and contact information of all production team members, allowing for quick and easy communication
• Production calendars provide an overview of the entire production timeline, including key dates such as rehearsals, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances
• Meeting agendas help stage managers structure and facilitate productive meetings by outlining topics to be discussed, decisions to be made, and action items to be assigned
• Email is a widely used tool for sending updates, distributing documents, and communicating with team members outside of rehearsals
• Messaging apps (Slack or WhatsApp) can be used for quick, informal communication and collaboration among production team members

Talking the Talk: Theatre Lingo

• "Blocking" refers to the precise movement and positioning of actors on stage, which is typically recorded by the stage manager in the prompt book
• "Cues" are signals given by the stage manager to initiate specific actions (lighting changes, sound effects, or actor entrances) during a performance
• "Calls" are announcements made by the stage manager to inform actors and crew members of important times (half-hour call, 15-minute call, or places call)
• "Standby" is a warning given by the stage manager to prepare actors or crew members for an upcoming cue or action
• "Go" is the command given by the stage manager to execute a cue or action
• "Hold" is an instruction given by the stage manager to pause or stop an action or rehearsal, often to address a problem or give further direction
• "Strike" refers to the process of removing sets, props, and equipment from the stage after the final performance
• "10 out of 12" is a rehearsal day consisting of 10 working hours within a 12-hour span, typically used during technical rehearsals

Who's Who: Communication Channels

• Stage managers communicate with the director to discuss artistic vision, rehearsal schedules, and any changes or concerns that arise during the production process
• Communication with the production manager involves coordinating budgets, resources, and logistics to ensure the smooth running of the production
• Stage managers work closely with designers (set, lighting, sound, and costume) to understand their requirements and integrate their designs into the overall production
• Interacting with the technical director and crew members is essential for planning and executing technical elements (set changes, lighting and sound cues, and special effects) during rehearsals and performances
  • This includes attending technical rehearsals and production meetings to discuss and refine technical aspects
• Stage managers communicate with actors to convey rehearsal schedules, blocking notes, and performance feedback, as well as to address any concerns or questions they may have
• Liaising with front-of-house staff (box office, ushers, and concessions) ensures a seamless experience for the audience and helps resolve any issues that may arise during performances
• Communicating with the marketing and publicity team is necessary to coordinate promotional events, interviews, and photo calls that may involve the cast and creative team

Keeping Everyone in the Loop

• Regular production meetings bring together key members of the creative and technical teams to discuss progress, challenges, and upcoming tasks
  • Stage managers prepare agendas, facilitate discussions, and distribute meeting notes to ensure everyone is informed and aligned
• Sending daily rehearsal reports to the production team keeps everyone updated on the day's accomplishments, issues encountered, and upcoming priorities
• Distributing updated scripts, schedules, and contact lists ensures that all team members have access to the most current information
• Posting important notices and schedules in designated areas (callboards or online platforms) makes information easily accessible to cast and crew members
• Conducting regular check-ins with individual team members helps identify and address any concerns, questions, or ideas they may have
• Encouraging open communication and feedback creates a collaborative environment where team members feel valued and heard
• Being available and approachable as a stage manager promotes a culture of trust and transparency, making it easier for team members to share information and seek guidance
• Maintaining confidentiality when necessary is crucial for protecting sensitive information and maintaining trust within the production team

When Things Go Wrong: Crisis Communication

• Remain calm and composed when faced with a crisis, as the stage manager's demeanor can influence the entire team's response
• Assess the situation quickly and gather all relevant information to make informed decisions and communicate effectively with the appropriate parties
• Prioritize the safety and well-being of cast, crew, and audience members above all else
• Communicate clearly and concisely when conveying information about the crisis to the production team, venue staff, and emergency services (if required)
• Establish a clear chain of command and designate specific roles and responsibilities to team members to ensure a coordinated and efficient response
• Document the incident thoroughly, including a timeline of events, actions taken, and any relevant communication, to facilitate post-crisis analysis and reporting
• Maintain open lines of communication with the production team, venue staff, and any external parties involved in the crisis to ensure everyone is informed and updated
• Conduct a post-crisis debrief with the production team to discuss lessons learned, identify areas for improvement, and provide support for those affected by the incident

Putting It All Together: Real-World Scenarios

• During a technical rehearsal, a set piece malfunctions, causing a delay:
  • The stage manager quickly assesses the situation, communicates with the technical director and crew to diagnose the problem, and keeps the director and actors informed of the progress
  • Alternative rehearsal plans are made to maximize the use of time while the issue is being resolved
• An actor falls ill before a performance:
  • The stage manager contacts the understudy, ensuring they are prepared to step in
  • The director, cast, and crew are informed of the change, and any necessary adjustments to blocking or cues are made
  • The front-of-house staff is notified to update the program inserts and make an announcement to the audience
• A last-minute script change is requested by the playwright:
  • The stage manager discusses the feasibility and impact of the change with the director and production team
  • If approved, the stage manager communicates the change to the cast and crew, updating prompt books, cue sheets, and other relevant documents
  • Additional rehearsal time is scheduled to incorporate the change and ensure a smooth performance
• A fire alarm goes off during a performance:
  • The stage manager immediately initiates the venue's emergency evacuation procedure, communicating with front-of-house staff and the technical crew to ensure the safety of the audience and cast
  • Once the all-clear is given, the stage manager assesses the situation and determines whether the performance can resume or needs to be cancelled
  • The stage manager communicates the decision to the cast, crew, and audience, and coordinates any necessary next steps (resuming the performance, issuing refunds, or rescheduling)