The stage manager can take this home with all pertinent information to the production regarding schedules, conflicts, future fitting and meeting requests and todos, and leave the blocking call scripts at the theatre. Gilbert who worked out the staging of a scene on a miniature stage using blocks to represent each of the actors gilberts practice. In rehearsals the stage manager also records all blocking, plus all the light, sound and set change cues, in a master copy of the script called the prompt book. Essentials of stage management by peter maccoy, the stage management handbook by daniel a.
These two positions involve support for both the director and the producers. The app allows users to break down scripts into scenes, create reports, track continuity, and even plan blocking, shots, and storyboards. Stage manager compiles the prompt book records stage business specific actions such as answering the phone or turning on a table lamp blocking where actor enters, crosses, where the come in, etclightingsound and other cuesmakes rehearsal schedulescoordinates rehearsalsruns the show after it opensthe groundplan the ground plandirector and designer work out the play. Stage management is a broad field that is generally defined as the practice of organization and coordination of an event or theatrical production. A copy of the script all blocking written into the script any research materials reactions to each rehearsal, including what the director has. Student directors need to document their process, including showing clearly the reasons for the directorial choices they have made. My personal style has evolved a lot over the past seven years. Set layout to give students to tape in their prompt books.
The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. Rehearsal 2 is a powerful app that enables cast and crew to organize their scripts for auditions and on set. That way they can see how the book is set up, and ask any questions they might have. In 1576, the first playhouse was built in london, shifting theater from a recreational or religious pastime to a professional event. Along with the materials outlined below, it would also include.
In rehearsals the stage manager also records all blocking into a blocking script. Taking notes and updating the prompt book if the stage manager is sick or otherwise unable to attend rehearsal acting as stage manager and taking notes in separate rehearsals for example, the stage manager may stay with the director and take blocking notes while the asm goes with the choreographer to record dance combinations. Will lewis is an australian stage manager who has been touring the world with circus, musicals and theatre. Promptbook definition of promptbook by the free dictionary. A screen capture of the page from stage manager brooke marreros prompt book for still life with iris.
Resources for stage managers set design theatre, stage design, stage. I am currently working on a show where the book was originally done badly by someone else, so a second copy made, but with the cues in only, so no blocking or timings. During rehearsals, the stage manager works with the director to record blocking, light, sound and set change cues in the prompt book, a master copy of the script used to run technical rehearsals and the actual performances. Once a show goes up, i keep my prompt book at the theatre. That way they can see how the book is set up, and ask any questions. Good qualities and responsibilities of a stage manager. The cast shouldnt set foot on the stage unless you would walk on it. Rehearsal 2 has been used by actors on shows such as heroes, lost, csi, and more. Stage management may encompass a variety of activities including the overseeing of the rehearsal process and coordinating communications among various production teams and personnel. Make sure you are working with the same editiontranslation of the script the director and actors will be using. It is a compilation of all blocking, business, light, speech and sound cues, lists of properties, drawings of the set, contact information for the cast and crew, and any other relevant. Stage crew, teaching theatre, little theatre, west side story, fade to black. For a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage management by lawrence stern. But essentially they all have one function in common.
Perfect for directors creating their blocking or stage manager s capturing blocking during rehearsal. For a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage. A stage manager needs to be able to provide the director and the actors with the information they need at a moments notice preparation and organization always will help. One of the stage manager s most important tasks is to create and maintain the prompt book sometimes known as the show bible which is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. The prompt book contains blocking notes, any changes that have. Prompt books come in all shapes and sizes, designed for slightly different purposes or for use by people in different roles within the theatre. Spend some time on this project before rehearsals start.
Create and distribute a rehearsal report to all cast and crew members after every rehearsal. Take all blocking and staging notes for director, include information on set, lighting, sound and prop needs. Prompt book book that is a copy of the script which the stage manager created that has all of the blocking and rehearsal notes, tech cues and other instructions written into it so that the stage manager can call the show. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set. I will try to remember a list of things i like in my prompt book. Check out why its good to keep these for future jobs and why its such an important tool for a. This requires copying and may include reduction or enlargement. Regular dialogue related to expectations and sharing of responsibilities need to be ongoing from day one in order to build a teamwork environment. Rehearsal 2 they change the blocking, so you write the new blocking and indicate that they didnt do the old blocking by adding some marks deb. Stage management software top 10 list controlbooth. Facilitate cueing, blocking and all of your production needs with this.
Blockit is a web app for stage managers to create a digital prompt book. If it will be a regular rehearsal with actors being blocked for position and. I choose to create a page with lines down one half of it and miniature floor plans of the set on the other half. Should you give blocking notes and call out props that the actors.
In my local theatre groups, the directors are trying to use facebook this is 5 years later, of course but theres a couple people that are not on facebook anymore, so getting info manually like this is still tedious. The prompt book contains blocking notes, any changes that have been made, and all technical cues, in a neat and easytoread style. How to make a prompt book stage manager, theatre stage. They are the lines of communication between actors, director, designers, technical staff, and front of house exc. Sm log book a place to write down notes throughout the production process.
The prompt book contains blocking notes, any changes that have been made, and. An annotated script used by a stage manager or theater prompter. It is a compilation of all blocking, business, light, speech and sound cues, lists of properties, drawings of the set. Stage management by briana shipley byu theatre education. It must be prepared in advance of the first rehearsal, so the stage manager is ready to go right away. The prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor. The format of the pages allows for more than triple the amount of space for writing cues, blocking notes and complicated choreographic dance steps.
Blocking is another one of those things that every stage manager does a bit differently. Youre ahead of the game with your use of technology. Paraphrasing of play, design element and rendering, copy of scene not double sided with blocking, and final directing notes also cues may go on this if thats the design element you chose to do. Stage crew, teaching theatre, little theatre, west side story, fade to black, blond. The information in the prompt book also allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to determine precisely how it needs to be timed. The information in the prompt book also allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to determine precisely how it needs to be timed to coordinate with the onstage action. Prepare your prompt book see section iv prompt book.
Be sure to leave room in the margins for blocking notes and cues. Ensures all production related paperwork, running scores and prompt books are clear, complete and archived upon completion of the run. Posts about prompt book written by awesomestagemanager drama theatre, theatre stage. The stage manager may have to make a special copy of a script in order to make a prompt book or one might be ordered for the stage manager. To undertake any other duties and errands running as reasonably required by the stage manager, the production manager and the technical director. Theatretheatre jokestheater quotesdrama theatrerms titanic2 movie. If anything happens to the stage manager sm, the prompt book can. If anything happens to the stage manager sm, the prompt book can be. As the stage and company manager for balletmet, smith is the main liaison between the dancers and the company, as well as the person in charge of knowing and calling each performance at the theater. The stage manager is the primary person responsible for communication among production staff, cast. The new york public library has digitised the cue book for west side story. Whats in a stage managers prompt book aka sms bible. Stage manager compiles the prompt book records stage.
Stage managers responsibilities linkedin slideshare. The prompt book contains blocking notes, any changes that have been made. The stage manager prepares for cue to cue rehearsal in order to facilitate the efficient and smooth running of the rehearsal. Stage manager scripts are authorized, productionfriendly, legal copies of a. Before tech the stage manager will create a calling script or prompt book into which they have transferred major blocking notes, plus all the light, sound and set change cues. Most stage managers use some combination of written out blocking with drawings. He is currently following the yellow brick road with the wizard of oz in australia. Now, this may look a bit intimidating, but i will show you how i write down blocking. The information in the prompt book allows the stage manager to run the.
I built cast98 to automate cast logistics for small theatres, school drama groups, and other performance. Arrive at each rehearsal at least 10 minutes early to set up the rehearsal space. June 27, 2018 july 23, 2018 mem during rehearsals one of main tasks of the stage manager is taking down the blocking for a definition see glossary. Not just to remind you, but in case something happens, someone else will be able to read and understand your blocking notations. Formatted exactly the same as our normal librettovocal books 7. Kinky boots team introduces us to life as a stage manager duration.
His professional productions include amaluna and dralion for cirque du soleil, and major musicals include wicked, cats, dusty, hair, the producers and many more. The key stage management positions are stage manager sm and assistant stage manager asm. See more ideas about teaching theatre, stage and theatre stage. The sm should be one of the most informed and knowledgeable people in the production staff. And make sure you keep a copy of your blocking key in your prompt book. The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and.
So, what does an assistant stage manager do, anyway. Follow these steps and your stage manager will be ready to go in no time. Track movement of actors, set pieces, props, light cues with. The primary prompt book should have any and all information about a production in it incase the director, producer, anyone needs information. The prompt book, also called transcript, the bible or sometimes simply the book, is the copy of a production script that contains the information necessary to create a theatrical production from the ground up. Calling a show requires smith to know every cue throughout a performance, down to each light, curtain and set. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book theatrefolk. Jan 22, 2020 explore bobgandrups board stage manager prompt books. Stage managers and directors can use this printable blocking key to make. You will have to scour the internets for samples and templates and examples until you find or amalgamate a system that works for you. Set design theatre stage design stage management stage crew teaching theatre drama games comedy and tragedy drama class. The prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the. Assistant stage manager job description garsington opera.
The prompt book will definitely contain all the stage directions for the actors and it will also contain the calls for lighting and sound cues. Blocking is a theatre term which refers to the precise movement and positioning of actors on a stage in order to facilitate the performance of a play, ballet, film or opera. Blocking is keeping track of the actors movements across the stage. Generally a lead stage manager will keep the master book, which is then.