FACTSHEET PRODUCED BY CREATIVE AND CULTURAL SKILLS AND EQUITY
Stage Management - Theatre
Stage Management teams are responsible for every aspect of stage productions, including ensuring that everything, including props, scenery, and furniture; and everyone, including Actors and technical staff, is in the right place, at the right time. Subsidised Repertory Companies and In House Producing Theatres usually employ a core resource team comprising of Stage Manager (SM), Deputy Stage Manager (DSM), and Assistant Stage Manager (ASM), and hire in additional team members as required. Touring companies and larger theatres usually use freelance Stage Management. Receiving theatres normally have a resident Technical Stage Manager. Stage Management personnel may also be involved in school or college productions, or in trade and conference work.
The work
From an initial reading of the script, and after discussions with the Set Designer, the Stage Management team draws up the initial Props list, and Set Requirements list. They must balance the practical requirements of the Director and Actors with the aesthetic look of the set, and ensure that they work within the available budget. The Stage Management team are responsible for all rehearsal arrangements, including working from the Designer's ground plan to mark out the rehearsal area; providing rehearsal furniture and props; drawing up call sheets, which provide Actors and technical staff with all relevant rehearsal information; and co-ordinating times for costume and wig fittings, and media interviews for marketing, with the Director's rehearsal requirements. They may also organise rehearsal spaces.
DSMs prepare the prompt copy of the script during rehearsals, sometimes assisted by an ASM, especially on larger productions. The team begins the process of gathering props and furniture. They may need to research appropriate props, sometimes using the internet to source them. They may have local sources, or they may have their own props store for stock items, or props may need to be especially made to meet specific requirements. They also arrange for collection and delivery of props and furniture. This process continues during rehearsals.
Once sets are in place, the Stage Management team dress them with the required props and furniture. In smaller touring companies, they may also be responsible for erecting and dismantling the set. They prepare Setting Lists and Scene Change Lists, so that everyone is aware of who does what, and when, during performances. DSMs are usually responsible for the Book - the Prompt Copy of the Script which also includes all other necessary details. During rehearsals they record blocking details, rehearsal notes for all technical and creative teams, sound cues for Sound Operators; and prepare quick change plots for Dressers, flying plots for fly men/women, and all other relevant details. They may also prompt Actors' lines during rehearsals. If an orchestra is involved, Stage Management may help the Sound department to lay out the pit, stands, etc., and to organise Band calls; on smaller productions they may facilitate the needs of the Musical Director, by sourcing instruments, etc. During the Technical week, DSMs record all relevant details in the Book, including cues for lighting, scene changes, prop movements, etc., and calls for Actors, Dressers and Stage crew. SMs and ASMs set up on stage, ensuring that quick change areas are available and adequate for production needs.
During performances, the DSM and technical operators use Cans, headphones and microphones which allow them to communicate with one another; they cue everyone via the Cans and/or cue lights. The Stage Management team ensure that everything and everyone are where they should be, and that the show runs smoothly. They must deal with any problems quickly, efficiently and smoothly, so that the audience are unaware of any alterations. After performances, the Stage Management team clear up, and shut down on stage; on touring productions, they pack up all props and furniture and load the vehicles. They may also supervise dismantling and packing the set onto the trucks. DSMs write show reports for distribution to the Director and Company Management staff. At the end of the run, the Stage Management team return everything to hirers or suppliers, in good order. Where they are employed, Company Stage Managers are responsible for Actors' accommodation, travel tickets, recording hours worked, overtime payments, etc., and need in depth knowledge of the relevant agreements.
Typical career routes
Stage Management team members may start their careers as casual stage crew members, dressers, follow spot operators, or Acting ASMs, who also play small roles in the show or understudy, and can progress to ASM, DSM and ultimately SM. However, DSMs often choose to stay in this specialist role, and some ASMs prefer to stay as ASMs. Stage Management personnel may also move into Film or Television production, Event Management, or Theatre Administration.
Essential knowledge and skills
Stage Management team members need excellent telephone and communication skills to source props, furniture, etc., to develop and maintain contacts, and to work effectively with Actors, Designers, technicians and the public. They should have a thorough knowledge of period tastes and furniture. They need IT skills to prepare call sheets, rehearsal notes, props lists, etc. They must be able to work to deadlines, and under pressure, and be calm in crises. They must be flexible, and prepared to work long and antisocial hours. The ability to drive is an advantage, as is the ability to read a musical score.
Key Skills include:
- Communication and people skills
- Understanding of theatre
- Administrative, organisational, budgetary and financial management skills
- Creative making skills
- IT skills
- Problem solving skills and ingenuity
- Flexibility, and the ability to assess and respond to differing requirements
- Stamina and fortitude
- Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures, and how to prepare Risk Assessments
Training and qualifications
Degree courses in Stage Management and Technical Theatre are available at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Rose Bruford College, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Welsh College of Music and Drama, etc visit the National Council of Drama Training site for information www.ncdt.co.uk.
Where to go for more information
CC Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the Creative and Cultural Industries. For information about training and professional qualifications, visit the website www.ccskills.org.uk T. 020 7089 5866
Equity is the trade union representing creative team members and performers across the whole spectrum of arts and entertainment, and offers representation, specialist knowledge and advice for its members and student members on work in Theatre and other Live Performance. They publish an online directory of their stage management members. T: 020 7379 6000. www.equity.org.uk
Stage Management Association is an association solely for stage management. They publish a monthly news magazine for members, circulate a list of members available for work to potential employers, and offer training courses in fields such as Score Reading and Aspects of Company Management. www.stagemanagementassociation.co.uk. Tel. 020 7242 9250
The Stage newspaper is the entertainment trade weekly. Recruitment advertisements, useful links, and 'how to guides', such as finding an agent or drama school, are on its website www.thestage.co.uk
Contacts is published annually by The Spotlight, and provides details of all aspects of the entertainment industry. www.spotlight.com