Pre-rehearsal Process

One of the very first things you will need to do is read the play. Read it all the way through, then read it again, and make notes of every detail that the production team will need to be aware of. This includes sounds, lights, props, costume pieces, and setting details that are in the stage directions, described in the script, or even referenced by a character speaking. Every new location should be included on this list, as well as times of day, particularly for outdoor locations. All of this information will affect the decisions that the designers make. Err on the side of including too much information. Better to end up dismissing something irrelevant than miss something important.

Places you might get this information:

• Stage Directions: Lights dim; Nighttime; Character enters carrying a tray; Her high heels click on the floor

• Character Descriptions: Character always wears gloves; In the first act she wears a pantsuit; He wears a beanie.

• In the Script: "Oh, I just love your jacket! It's such a lovely red"; "It's getting late, we should probably go inside"

• Before setting up your paperwork you should have created a Google Drive folder for your show.

• Look in the Paperwork Folder and copy and paste all of the documents you will need into your show folder.

• Rename them accordingly with the name of your show

• Each show is unique and special in its own way and one template won’t fit all productions. Each document should be adapted to fit the needs of your show.

• We suggest that you pick a fun, pastel, show specific color to use on all of your paperwork, this helps make your documents more exciting and can bring a smile to the face of the most serious designers. Check with the Production Manager to see what colors other shows are using so yours can be truly unique!

In the rehearsal space you want to set up tables for yourself, the director, and anyone else on the production team who will be regularly attending rehearsals. If possible, you should include chairs for everyone in the cast. However, with a large show this might not be possible.

In the Welch, you should set up the tables for the SM team and the Director downstage of the taped-out ground plan. Chairs for actors should go around the side. Try to leave access for the actors to get to the cubbies, if possible, as this will make it easier for them to keep their belongings in cubbies and off the rehearsal space.

Everybody has a different system for setting up their book or books, and that's okay! If you're feeling lost, though, here is some guidance.

No matter what, your books should include your contact sheet, the rehearsal calendar, and outdated information from your call board.

As a matter of personal preference, some stage managers like to have everything printed out. Others choose to keep most of their paperwork online. This is up to you, just make sure that you are able to turn in all of your materials according to Dan or Eric's preferences if you are submitting your books for a grade.

You should have two scripts, one for blocking and rehearsal notes, and one for cues and calling the show. Whether you keep these in two binders or one is up to you.

Cass and Alex's Pro Tip: One suggestion for blocking, if you don't have a system already, is to hole punch on the right side of the page and print the floor plan on the back. When you set up your book like this, it puts the script pages on the left and the floor plans on the right. If you're right-handed, this makes it easier to draw and write on the blocking pages.

Email Joe or Anton and ask for access to the printer. They will send you instructions for how to hook your computer up to the printer. If you have a PC, the steps are a little more complicated. If you are having trouble, you can ask Anton for help.

It is very important that you get access to the printer!