🎭Theater Production Unit 10 – Stage Management & Production Organization

What's This Unit About?

• Focuses on the essential roles and responsibilities of stage management in theater production
• Covers the entire production process from pre-production planning to post-production wrap-up
• Emphasizes effective communication, organization, and problem-solving skills crucial for stage managers
• Explores the collaborative nature of theater production and the stage manager's role in coordinating various departments
• Highlights the importance of maintaining a safe and efficient working environment for cast and crew

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Stage Manager: the individual responsible for overseeing all aspects of a theater production from rehearsals to performances
• Production Manager: oversees the budgeting, scheduling, and logistics of a theater production
• Prompt Book: a comprehensive record of the production, including blocking, cues, and script changes
• Cue-to-Cue: a rehearsal focused on transitioning from one technical cue to another (lighting, sound, set changes)
• Blocking: the precise movement and positioning of actors on stage
  • Notated in the prompt book using shorthand or symbols
  • Ensures consistency in performances and helps coordinate technical elements
• Strike: the process of dismantling the set and storing props and costumes after the final performance
• Call Time: the designated time when cast and crew members must arrive at the theater for rehearsals or performances

The Stage Manager's Role

• Serves as the primary communication link between the director, designers, and production team
• Creates and maintains the production schedule, including rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances
• Manages the rehearsal process, ensuring actors and crew members are informed of schedule changes and other important information
• Coordinates with various departments (lighting, sound, costumes, props) to ensure seamless integration of all production elements
• Calls cues during performances, ensuring precise timing of lighting, sound, and set changes
• Maintains a safe and professional working environment, addressing any issues or concerns that arise during the production process

Pre-Production Planning

• Collaborates with the director and production team to establish a clear vision for the production
• Participates in production meetings to discuss design concepts, technical requirements, and budgetary constraints
• Creates a detailed production calendar, outlining key dates for rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances
• Distributes scripts, schedules, and other relevant materials to cast and crew members
• Assists in the audition process, managing paperwork and communicating with potential cast members
• Conducts a script analysis to identify technical requirements, prop needs, and potential challenges

Rehearsal Process

• Attends all rehearsals, documenting blocking, script changes, and other important notes in the prompt book
• Communicates rehearsal schedules and any changes to the cast and crew
• Manages rehearsal space, ensuring it is clean, safe, and properly equipped
• Coordinates with the props master to ensure all necessary props are available for rehearsals
• Facilitates communication between the director and actors, relaying notes and feedback
• Tracks the progress of each scene and acts as a timekeeper during rehearsals

Tech Week and Dress Rehearsals

• Coordinates the integration of technical elements (lighting, sound, set changes) into the production
• Runs cue-to-cue rehearsals, focusing on the precise timing and execution of technical cues
• Collaborates with the costume designer to organize dress rehearsals and ensure all costumes are properly fitted and maintained
• Conducts safety checks and emergency procedure reviews with the cast and crew
• Finalizes the prompt book, ensuring all cues, blocking, and script changes are accurately recorded

Performance Management

• Arrives at the theater well before call time to prepare for the performance
• Conducts pre-show checks, ensuring all technical elements are functioning properly and the stage is set
• Calls cues during the performance, maintaining constant communication with the lighting, sound, and stage crew
• Manages any unexpected issues that may arise during the performance (missed cues, technical malfunctions, actor injuries)
• Provides performance notes to the cast and crew, addressing any areas that need improvement
• Ensures post-show tasks are completed, such as resetting the stage and securing props and costumes

Post-Production Wrap-Up

• Oversees the strike process, ensuring all set pieces, props, and costumes are properly dismantled and stored
• Conducts a post-production evaluation with the director and production team to discuss successes, challenges, and areas for improvement
• Distributes final paperwork, including performance reports and time sheets, to the appropriate parties
• Organizes and archives the prompt book and other production materials for future reference
• Participates in post-production meetings to debrief and celebrate the success of the production