Industry Developments (.1)
Industry Developments (.1)
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Stage Management
Stage Management
History
History
The first traces of a demand for a stage management role can be seen with the Ancient Greeks, with playwrights filling the positions to a degree; Sophocles, a famous Greek playwright, is thought to be the first Stage Technician.
During the Renaissance Era through to the 17th Century, Stage Management roles were handled by actors and playwrights; actors would handle the wings and props and playwrights would handle the books. This formatting of stage management roles seems to be the method that paved the way for the systems used in modern day Stage Management.
Throughout the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods two roles covered SM:
Stage Keeper' s (Responsible for Maintenance of the Theatre/Venue, Taking Props off and on-stage, and security).
Bookkeeper's (Responsible for Stage Scripts, Obtaining Licenses, Copying/Providing lines to performers, marking entrances and exits, Prop Management, and noting and calling cues).
Stage Management first became a distinctive role during the 17th Century, and during Shakespearean period the roles were passed to apprentices.
South Korea
South Korea
On the contrary, countries that don't have a major focus on theatre and have a larger music industry (in this case South Korea) have a role called Stage Planners instead of Stage Management as they are in higher demand.
Overall
Overall
Despite the role going through the same history, each country has adapted the role to suit their best interests and the demands of the Industry. Personally, I still don't understand why the UK and US don't follow the same system as a lot of Stage Managers and Technicians will tend to work in both countries depending on the opportunities they face in their career and the different systems may be confusing for many - this goes for other countries as well.
The fact that countries such as South Korea have molded the role to fit with the demand is in some ways inspiring as it allows people to explore the role in a different side of the industry. Likewise, it's also a reminder that the world is forever changing and these roles and jobs will change alongside that.
Resources:
Resources:
The majority of the research is using sources found on the Stage Management Wikipedia.
US
US
In the United States, Stage Management is used as a generic role. Smaller shows just have one Stage Manager, whereas, shows that require more than one SM are likely to have a PSM (Production Stage Manager/Head SM) and other SM's are labelled with ASM (Assistant Stage Manager).
To my knowledge the PSM would have a similar role to the SM/DSM in the UK structure. The role of ASM's is also similar to the current UK structure.
For Example: if a show has three SM's then they would have one PSM and 2 ASM's.
UK
UK
The United Kingdom also bases its structure on the size of productions however the most common Management titles are: Stage Manager (SM), Deputy Stage Manager (DSM), and Assistant Stage Manager (ASM).
Stage Managers (SM) are typically responsible for being in rehearsals and present for the entirety of the rehearsal period; organizing meetings/rehearsals, and being there for the director for whatever they may need. They also tend to take a step back during the production period, letting the rest of the crew take control of the show.
Deputy Stage Managers (DSM) are in charge of cues and blocking notes and are arguably the most important person during the production period as the show cannot start until the DSM says so. DSM's also play a crucial part during the rehearsal process as they are the main person to go to for blocking notes and usually relay these notes to the director during rehearsals. On show nights DSM's are in control of everything in that venue and on stage and are responsible for calling the show.
Assistant Stage Managers (ASM) are the backstage hands and often work closely with the props, costume, and scenic departments as well as the cast themselves. During Get-Ins/Get-Outs some ASM's assist other departments (if they are in need of help) before double checking any set or props for damage or potential hazards, or to see if anything is missing. ASM's are also responsible for taking moving sets and certain props during scene changes.
For Example: Fringe Theatre may just include an SM, however the West End may employ an SM, DSM, and numerous ASM's in order for the production to run smoothly.
Possible Future Developments
Possible Future Developments
Due to recent advances in technology it is starting to look like in the near future roles such as DSM and SM will be able to be done mostly if not completely digitally; this is more likely for DSMs. A possible impact of this would mean that the industry would be more likely to move online, with people watching theatre and other live productions through some sort of stream.
In order for a DSM to be able to cue a show without being there in person, general equipment like mics and cameras would have to be set up so that the DSM can see and hear cues remotely. The main downside of this currently is stream delay. Although, another downside would be that this could inflate the cost of a production.
ASMs would still need to be there in person however their roles may also be made easier with the advancement of drones, AI, and robotics - this has already began due to the introduction of motorized staging which can assist in the movements of set pieces and props.
A similar outcome can also be seen for SMs as their roles can also be transferred to digital and remote depending on the scale and progress of a production. This would mean that shows are possibly more likely to be produced and organized completely online with minimal in-person interaction needed; in some cases this would mean shows can be produced in less time.
Scenic
Scenic
History
History
Scenic Design: Despite originating in Greece, Set Design didn't have any 'major' developments until 17th Century Italy, where paintings and backdrops became a key part of theatre and live arts. During the 18th Century, light and shadow started being considered more commonly for set designs to help enhance performances and highlight depth. The 19th century led to the use of 3D backdrops instead of 2D backdrops.
Scenic Construction: Construction became a key sector of Set Design somewhere between the 18th and 20th Century, through the use of automated parts, for example: elevators. Due to the conversion from 2D to 3D backdrops there would've been a heightened demand in scenic construction jobs/roles during the 19th Century.
For Example: The Greeks originally introduced a skene - a structure found at the back of a stage which usually had 3 doors - which would be decorated to support the setting. This structure played a large role in the development of what we now call flats - flat pieces of scenery usually painted/decorated and positioned on stage to appear as building or other backgrounds.
Overall
Overall
In my opinion, the methods and techniques in order to both create and design scenic works are going to adapt to the ongoing advancements being made in digital technologies such as AI and CGI, as well as robotics and coding. I feel as though the further technology continues to develop the less creative decisions and human involvement will be needed. Although, the increased technology will and has already made set building a safer, faster, and less tedious process.
Scenic Design
Scenic Design
Once again, as digital technologies advance many creative decisions and tasks have became simpler to make and create. An increase in the use of AI and coding engines, in order to generate CGI, can be used to swiftly make any ideas for a set into a visual image.
Currently, there is a rise in AI that can generate literature, images, and videos. Some of these sites/applications include: Dalle 3 (which is owned by the same company as ChatGPT) , MidJourney, Stable Diffusion.
Scenic Construction
Scenic Construction
With the introduction of new, more modern materials (such as plastics and alloy metals) as well as the development of techniques that can be used, there is now a lot more opportunities and methods in order to create desired sets. This means that set designers have less limits when designing sets since bigger and more intricate sets can now be created in less time and less materials.
For example: Plastic vacuum forming (introduced during the 1930s) has became one of the most relevant modern technologies due to the low cost, and diversity of products that can be made. The method means heating a sheet of plastic, placing it over a mold and then using a vacuum to remove the air. This method has been commonly used when making set pieces such as columns and brickwork. Another example of a modern technique is 3D printing which can also be used to cheaply create intricate details out of materials such as silicone, nylon, resin, and filament.
However, this also creates an issue regarding audience expectations of the set as this can set a cycle of always wanting to see something bigger and more intricate - which can possibly leave a lot of audience members unsatisfied.
Audience Expectations Developments
Audience Expectations Developments
Romeo & Juliet - William Shakespeare
Romeo & Juliet - William Shakespeare
In Theatres:
In Theatres:
Romeo and Juliet's first performance was in 1597, a time where misogyny was still very prominent in society especially in theatres. This meant that, any female roles were played by young male actors and this was the expected norm by audience members. Despite Stage Management not being a finalized theatre role at the time, someone will have had a similar role and been present for the casting of the show abiding by this social construct.
In terms of set - due to a lack of recourses, methods, and technology - the show was designed and expected to have a simple set which consisted of Juliet's balcony and a trapdoor in the stage to act as her Tomb. The play was also designed for a thrust stage and was required to take place during daylight hours. An audience of the time wouldn't be concerned as to the age gap between the main protagonists nor the mistreatment of Juliet and other women throughout the play as this was seen as acceptable.
To a contemporary audience, the original ideals portrayed within the play are often flagged due to the illegality of some of the plot points and different moral compass. Additionally, modern audiences now expect mixed castings thanks to basic changes in society over the centuries.
For example: in a recent version of Shakespeare's tragedy shown at the Royal Exchange Theatre, the director changed the ages of Romeo and Juliet in order to make their relationship legal; as well as editing some of the characters traits in order to dull down the level of misogyny within the piece.
The differ in technology means that in most recent versions of the piece there is higher standards expected for set, stagecraft, and props. Some versions have now been adapted for different stage types such as in the round which led to a cylindrical shaped set piece to act as the balcony and make it accessible from all angles of the theatre - the set was attached to a motorized pulley system and would be suspended in the air during specific scenes.
In Film:
In Film:
There are a couple movies inspired by Romeo and Juliet, all being made at different times with edited plots and subplots to specify a specific theme. Naturally, films tend to be held to higher expectations as they are usually more detailed than theatre sets as there is a higher budget, more time, and usually less pressure. This also means that audience members are able to pay more attention and are likely to be more critical as they are able to see the same piece over and over again. Furthermore, film sets tend to be on a larger scale then most theatre plays and therefore add more pressure onto designers and constructors to reach these high standards in the time scale they're given.
Resources:
Resources:
Health And Safety
Health And Safety
Stage Management:
Stage Management:
Manage possible Health and Safety breaches during installations, get-ins/outs, and construction.
Complete risk assessments on possible hazards.
Ensure everyone is aware of show-stop and fire evacuation protocols.
Scenic Design:
Scenic Design:
Basic Risks regarding knives, hot glue, and other materials/tools that can be used to make a model box.
Scenic Construction:
Scenic Construction:
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Registrations (LOLER):
These regulations are to ensure people who use Lifting Equipment are held accountable for ensuring they are used safely, managing the risks to avoid injury and damage.
When using lifting equipment you must: plan accordingly, use people who are competent, supervise the operation, and ensure they are carried out in a safe manner.
Link to HSE Regulations - LOLER
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER):
It is required that equipment provided is: suitable and safe for its intended use, maintained and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed, used by trained and briefed employees, must be used in accordance with specific requirements.
Must be in accompanied with suitable health and safety measures such as emergency stop devices, and warning devices.
Link to HSE Regulations - PUWER
Audience:
Audience:
Crowd Management:
Set clear roles and responsibilities.
Make sure there are liaison arrangements in place.
Check for and Safety Advisory Groups (SAG) in the area.
Risk assess possible hazards and put viable measures in place.
Link to HSE Regulations - CROWD MANAGEMENT
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