Embedded Files
Overview
Overview
Tech Week is one of the most stressful times for a stage manager. It's important to stay organized, stay confident, and keep everything running on time. If you focus on keeping all the details running smoothly, everything will work out. And don't be afraid to be loud!
Stop and Gos
Stop and Gos
Once you start running full shows, you may not know what needs to happen. These may be informal runs, with or without scripts in hand, with or without props, costumes, makeup, etc. These are the basics you need to make sure someone is doing for stop and gos/ stumble thrus:
Run rehearsal (time checks, break, etc)
Play tracks
On book/ line notes/ new blocking
Take notes for RR
Make sure rehearsal props and set pieces are ready and have ASMs moving them for transitions
Load In
Load In
Load in may be a full company event or may consist of a few people from each area. Either way, you will be there with your whole team. Load in is when the set gets put up onstage! This may take one day, a week, or longer depending on the set and the personnel available and will probably be worked on in class as well. Be prepared to do whatever is needed and jump in anywhere. The technical director will be running this.
Dress Parade
Dress Parade
Costumes crew will be running dress parade. You should have people available to make sure the cast is following costumes' instructions and changing into the proper outfits, and someone should be with the director at all times taking notes. These notes will later be distributed to costumes crew and/or actors. Other than that, just communicate with the costumes head about what they need from you.
Sitzprobe
Sitzprobe
Sitzprobe is the first time the cast will hear the orchestra play. It is a sing thru of the entire show with the orchestra. You should have handheld mics ready and set up for all leads. Everyone will be sitting in chairs r in the house and standing while they sing. Cast and crew should help the orchestra get set up. Be ready with timestamps or anything else requested by the music director. This will vary from show to show.
Tracks will need to be edited by the music director to allow time for any dialogue that takes place during songs. This is so show-specific that you will need to play it by ear, but here is an example of timestamps presented to the music director for editing.
Cue to Cue
Cue to Cue
Cue to cue is a technical rehearsal. Although actors will likely be there, it is not about them. This is when you go through the entire show, stopping and starting at each light cue, sound cue, and deck cue, skipping over the long parts with no cues.
What to have prepared:
All of your cues should be written in your script (IN PENCIL!)
Your ASM team should be fully debriefed on what needs to happen backstage
Set up and check clear comms (you will use to communicate with deck managers)
Remember, cue to cue is for you and the designer. If you need to stop the run, say "HOLD!" and go back. You are in charge of running this rehearsal to prepare you for calling the show. Calling a show is hard––get all of those issues fixed now so that the show will run smoothly.
Dress Rehearsals & Performances
Dress Rehearsals & Performances
Before tech week, you should have the following paperwork ready:
Preset List
Run Sheet
SM Checklist & Performance Schedule
Cue Sheet
Fight Call List
Spikes in the wings - for all set pieces that rest in each wing
Show Flow in the wings - a poster that lists all songs and/or scenes in order for cast reference
Before the Show
Before the Show
SM Tasks
SM Tasks
Sweep and mop the stage
Make sure all dressing rooms are set up
Make sure backstage is set up properly
Everything is on its spikes
Rolling doors are closed
Any doors and windows on set are closed
Work lights are off (this should happen closer to places)
Check spikes & check that curtains are positioned properly
Check all presets according to preset list (ASMs on each side should do this)
Comm check
Let actors in and communicate with them
Run fight call
And most importantly: Get everyone where they are supposed to be on time!
Actor Tasks
Actor Tasks
Get in costumes
Get into mics
Warmups
Fight Call
Circle Time (full company for performances)
Run Crew Tasks
Run Crew Tasks
Sound Check
Checking Presets
During the Show
During the Show
Stage Manager: Calls cues from the booth
Deck Manager: Signals standby/go for deck cues in the wing, based on the SM's cues over comm
ASM: Maintains order in the wings and makes sure everything goes properly; fixes issues
Run Crew: Depending on position, helps with deck, costume, and mic changes
Board Op: Should be at the light board ready to press "Go"
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse