As A Past Assistant Stage Manager And Now Full-on Stage Manager For My High School Theatre Company, Here's
As a past Assistant Stage Manager and now full-on Stage Manager for my high school theatre company, here's some things to know: (some of them aren't really ASM but these will be important once you're a full-on SM!)
The actors may think they are better than you. Do with that what you will.
As early as you can, type up (or find an already-typed document) of the script, so you can add all the cues and notes straight on and not have to messily scribble cues on a piece of paper. I colour-code mine, but you can do whatever you want.
Remember, communication is key! Make sure to stay in touch with other departments.
Once you have your typed document (or 'masterscript' as I call it) share it with EVERYONE. The director, the actors, all the other Stage Crew people, and ESPECIALLY your other SM(s).
Stay in contact with your director, and if they have plans for the actors, make sure to let them know as soon as possible.
You will need to come up with a lot of plans on the fly, so know as much as you can! You don't want to be in the dark about anything.
Prepare to wear a lot of hats and do a lot of jobs. As my theatre department has 24 members (cast+crew) I have to do multiple jobs, such as: Scriptwriter, Head of Set, Head of Props, Head (and only member :/ ) of Costumes, and of course, Stage Manager. On top of all that, I am also the only run crew so yay!
Although, if your theatre department is big enough, you will also be responsible for delegating responsibility. Before every rehearsal, go through a shape of the day with your director, and make sure everyone knows what they're doing and when.
Also, drink a lot of water and make sure to keep your voice healthy! The cast for my show is very rowdy, and I've strained my voice on multiple occasions trying to yell over them to get them to quiet down :,)
Anyways, have fun! The only way you can truly make a show good is if you are passionate about it! Being a Stage Manager, and all the responsibilities that come from it are usually overlooked, but at the end, you're helping run an incredible show! Good luck!
Hi! more of a question i have about theatre stuff!!
I just got picked to be the assistant stage manager for my schools show (the addams family) !! im a sophomore in high school and this will be my 2nd year doing theatre at my school; and i hope to apply/get stage manager next year !!
any advice? thank youu !!
Hi!! That's so exciting! (In fair warning, I've not personally worked in stage management, I've only done a course on it, so I've outsourced a lot of this from @manicpixiemonster)
"Enjoy paperwork."
More seriously, the SM team is the centerpoint of information in a production so Be Organized. (Personally I'm a color-coder, but the Best method is whatever one works best for you.) People will be coming to you for questions so be prepared (even if it's about the thing that you really did send three emails and four text messages about already)
This doesn't mean that you have to know everything automatically. If there's something you're wondering about, ask. Especially since you're still in school and (I am assuming here) fairly new to this, take it as a learning opportunity and get involved and ask questions rather than trying to blend into the background.
Be focused because you're a model of behavior for the cast and crew. You want to be approachable but also an authority figure in the room. (This can be tricky, especially in HS since theater tends to be a very social experience)
Confidence is key! And remember you've got a whole team (and production) working with you to make this show successful.
stay hydrated :) also if you've got one, wear a watch.
More Posts from Thenetherlord and Others
reblog this and put in the tags at least two (2) songs you are listening to on repeat right now
ATTENTION
If you see this you are OBLIGATED to reblog w/ the song currently stuck in your head :)
*by live theatre i mean plays, musicals, operas, ballets, concert versions of musicals, staged readings, & things of that nature.
if you want, list the names of the shows you've seen in the tags!
My Annoying, Homophobic & Misogynistic Classmate (i hope this doesn't become a series)
So, there's this guy in my science class who sits next to me. My science teacher changes our spots every month so I'm gonna be stuck with this guy for the rest of the month.
But, how is he annoying, homophobic & misogynistic, you ask? Well, today in class we were learning about the pros & cons of asexual and sexual reproduction, when someone in my class asked about surrogates.
My science teacher explained very well, talking about in vitro fertilization, and explaining how else it worked, how the egg is fertilized in a lab and whatever. Then, the Annoying Classmate asks why people actually use surrogation. My science teacher then explains that the most common reason is if the mother isn't able to carry the child, or give birth, or is sterile. And would you guess what the Annoying Classmate said to me?
He said, word for word: "If I was a girl and that happened to me I would just give up."
Like, okay??? Did I ask you?? Did you have to tell me???
Also, during the lesson, he turned around to some guy behind him, stuck out his hand, and said:
"Give me a handshake if you're homophobic."
I wasn't able to see what happened, because I was trying to take notes, but then after a few seconds, Annoying Classmate says:
"Glad we have something in common."
I can't believe I have to sit next to him for the entire month.
Hope this doesn't become a series, but I'll update you if he does anything else annoying or controversial, if ya'll wish.
wow i can't believe i only started obsessing about Joe x Nicky from TOG like 3-4 days ago. feels like longer honestly.
I don't see one for Canada so I'm putting one down;
1-833-456-4566
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Grief Support: 1-650-321-5272
Runaway: 1-800-843-5200, 1-800-843-5678, 1-800-621-4000
Exhale: After Abortion Hotline/Pro-Voice: 1-866-4394253
Child Abuse: 1-800-422-4453
UK Helplines:
Samaritans (for any problem): 08457909090 e-mail jo@samaritans.org
Childline (for anyone under 18 with any problem): 08001111
Mind infoline (mental health information): 0300 123 3393 e-mail: info@mind.org.uk
Mind legal advice (for people who need mental-health related legal advice): 0300 466 6463 legal@mind.org.uk
b-eat eating disorder support: 0845 634 14 14 (only open Mon-Fri 10.30am-8.30pm and Saturday 1pm-4.30pm) e-mail: help@b-eat.co.uk
b-eat youthline (for under 25’s with eating disorders): 08456347650 (open Mon-Fri 4.30pm - 8.30pm, Saturday 1pm-4.30pm)
Cruse Bereavement Care: 08444779400 e-mail: helpline@cruse.org.uk
Frank (information and advice on drugs): 0800776600
Drinkline: 0800 9178282
Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 802 9999 1(open 2 - 2.30pm 7 - 9.30pm) e-mail info@rapecrisis.org.uk
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Kids Help Phone (Canada): 1-800-668-6868
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(Source)
MEANWHILE, IN THE CRAB BREAKROOM...
Smorp: Ibble, what’s wrong?
Ibble: *sigh* I’m just so TIRED! But it’s OKAY!!!! I’ll get a few minutes of sleep tonight and get BACK TO WORK HARDER THAN EVER!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!
Plee: I’m tired too. I know Grampa Thisp is proud of me for helping put together all these merch drops that Roberd is planning, but it really takes it out of a crab! The new schedule seems kinda unrealistic…
Smorp: It’ll be okay, guys. I’m sure Brick will be back soon and things will go back to normal.
Crink: Boy, I sure hope so. But I'm not so sure.
Production Update:
Just as i thought i was done painting something, another wild set piece appears! it's Tech Week next week, I don't have time to paint! I need to do all the set transitions by myself!
(But hey at least i got a black shirt and some wonderful black cargo pants and i'll update you all about what i can carry on my belt that's needed for the show)
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This Tumblr account is for random reblogs, theatre stuff, and my All For The Game hyperfixation. (and other silly queer things) Enjoy!
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