Stage Managers are like a walking office. They need to have at their disposal those materials that you would find in any office that allow them to upgrade, replace, repair, print, reprint, mark, write on, staple, shred, etc any item surrounding the production. This would include laptops, printers, staplers, pencils, pens, markers, tape, push pins, paper clips, hole punch, extra erasers, hole re-inforcers, paper, triangles, rulers, tape measures, scale rulers, etc. etc. etc. Most stage managers find a large fishing tackle box is a good repository for such items. In addition, I like to have a small tool kit that includes screwdrivers, ratchet sets, screw guns, hammers, etc.

In today’s litigious society you have to be careful with the first aid supplies. Gone are the days when we could liberally hand out Aspirin and Advil but we should have a healthy supply of band aids, topical ointment, braces, wraps, eye wash, tweezers, contact solution, and (fellows have the women help you here) emergency feminine accoutrement.Over the years most stage managers build a quite a collection. It is a good idea to restock prior to rehearsals and prior to tech. Make it a monthly check list on long running shows.

Hot and cold packs can be bought by the case and are a good idea when you are working with dance productions. Dancing is often dangerous work. The more partnering involved the more dangerous it can be. Shop around. They can be expensive if you buy them over the counter at drug stores. Find a supplier who sells them by the case. Some universities have medical suppliers. Be sure to check with your purchasing department. Odds are they can get it cheaper for you by buying in bulk. If you are in a seasonal situation try buying for some cases for the entire season and then amortizing the cost over the various productions. That way no one show has to carry the burden of the expense.

Stage Managers Supply List

Office

· Laptop

· Printer

. If you have one a second monitor

· All appropriate cables

· Extension cord

· Several power strips

· Paper (by the case. Stage managing is still a paper heavy business)

· Pencils (#2 Ticonderga is my preferred)

· Pencil Sharpener

· Sharpies (many colors)

· Dry erase markers

· Dry eraser

· Erasers (electric if you can afford it)

· D-ring notebooks (several)

· Tabbed dividers for the notebooks

· Hole reinforcers

· Staplers (several)

· Paper clips

· Envelopes (several different sizes)

· Phone

· Push pins

· Straight Edge (rulers) Several. At least a 2' and a 3'. It is doubtful you will need a 4' but I have one just in case.

· Triangles (2-3)

· Scale Rules (Architects)

· Tape – Masking and Scotch

· Tape – For floor marking. There are several kinds of tape so make sure the tape you are using won't mar the floor nor leave an undo amount of residue on the floor. Both are damaging in the long run and you want to insure you're taking care of the floor for the next stage manager. The major types are going to be plastic and cloth. Both come in multiple colors and both have their advantages. Plastic tape has a lower sticky quality and leaves less residue than cloth tape. It also comes up easier which can mean higher maintenance in keeping the tape on the floor. Cloth tape sticks better and on highly polished floors adheres very well. On painted floors the strength of the glue can actually pull up painted an on untreated floors can even pull up portions of the wood creating splinters. Make sure you know what floor you putting the tape on so you can determine which tape is best for you.

· Head Set (most schools provide headsets but a lot of stage managers purchase their own ultra light headsets. Much easier on your ears and hair)

· Adjustable dimmable lamp (most of the time the electricians will provide you with adequate lighting at the tech table and the calling desk. However, I have been in some situations where it seemed to be a problem. I have always asked for it with the tech table set up and when they have not been able to provide it I have provided my own.)

Medical - an important disclaimer. Stage managers used to keep aspirin, tylenol, various cuts and abrassion ointments, etc. ANYTHING INGESTED should not be handed out. People may give you their back up medicines to keep but in today's litigious society it is best not to give anything to anyone that they ingest as the risk of allergies and reactions is just too great. If there is a question at all then 911 is probably the better solution.

· Bandaids (all sizes)

· Stomach settler

· Eye wash

· Topical ointment

· Oral Gel (for tooth aches)

· Ace Bandages

· Ankle and Leg braces

· Feminine Products

· At your discretion you may hold various headache medicines for specific members of the cast)

· Hot and Cold packs

· Bandages (sterile)

· Tweezers

Tools - another disclaimer: If you work at a school or theatre that has production shops intact then your need for these may diminish.

· Hammer

· Screwdrivers

· Power Drill

· Drill bits

· Matte Knife

· Screws (drywall usually works)

· Crescent wrench

· Wire cutter

· Adjustable wrench

· Several sized dog and pony clips

· Clip lights (two or three)

Software - in today's computer world most of you will have Office or something similar. Almost everything is interchangeable these days.

• Word Processing
• Spread Sheet/Data Base
• Calendar Program
• Simple Photo Shop Editor
• Vectorworks or Google Sketchup