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Slide Notes

purpose is for all the acting company to sit down and read the text without being encumbered with moves, props, and scenery

director presents concepts
designers present designs

ideally a horseshoe

timing lacks action but it gives SM a good idea of overall timing before blocking
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Stage Management

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Stage Management

  • The Rehearsal Process begins with the 1st Reading
  • Plan your seating arrangement for 1st rehearsal
  • Invite stakeholders to the 1st rehearsal
  • SM makes the introductions
  • As the cast is reading the SM should notate timing
purpose is for all the acting company to sit down and read the text without being encumbered with moves, props, and scenery

director presents concepts
designers present designs

ideally a horseshoe

timing lacks action but it gives SM a good idea of overall timing before blocking
Photo by bobbyfiend

1st rehearsal

  • After reading, the director & design team will present designs
  • Then the SM will present the Production Calendar
  • After going over the calendar, the procedures of rehearsal are addressed
  • What are some of those kprocedures??
Procedures - Rules for rehearsals, expectations (ground rules),
How will absences be handled?
How will breaks run?
How do we get in touch with the staff?

In small groups, come up with three procedures you think SM need to present to the cast?

Into rehearsal

  • It must be a protected environment
  • Remain attentive to issues - anticipate problems
  • Be open to how the director will want to work
  • Outside forces may leak in
What is a protected environment? Why is that important?


Keep things running efficiently and be sensitive to others issues and feelings


some directors first do trust exercises others jump right into the text / your job is to prepare and be ready


keep rehearsals sacred / plan ahead of time for wardrobe fittings, program proofs, etc.
meet with FOH mgr

Taping out the space

  • To prepare for blocking, the ground plan must be taped out
  • should be easily read, full-size replica of ground plan
  • Leave space DS for director table 
  • Orientate ground plan for minimal distractions
  • allow 2 hours to tape out before rehearsal
Photo by soundman1024

Stage manager's box

  • List 6 items you think are needed for rehearsal?
  • Stage Manager Box contents:
first aid kit
clipboard
hole punch
stapler
spike tape
scissors
stop watch
pencils
erasers
pencil sharpener
snap line
tape measure
ruler
flashlight
highlighter
post-its
extra copies of rehearsal papers

The Prompt Book

  • also known as the production bible
  • prompt script is used to record all moves of the actors
  • Also technical cues and calls
  • All materials relating to the production itself
  • Blocking - start from 1 on every new page
production materials:
contact sheet
props list
lighting cue sheet
sound cue sheet
blocking shorthand sheet
groundplan


each move - the move is marked in the script by using a circled number which corresponds with what is written against that number in the moves column on the far left
-when moves are added add a letter beside the number
Photo by Rae Z

Getting offbook

  • What is the procedure for giving a "line"?
  • Why must you correct an actor's line mistakes?
  • What are line notes?
Photo by theqspeaks