Stage management
Production process
-pre-production: casting, tickets on sale, planning, budgeting, model boxes
-rehearsal and build: table read, production meetings, everything is made, costume fittings, marketing to sell tickets
-production week: fit up onstage, rig lights, rig sound checks, set out props and quick changes
-performance: coordinated by SM, DSM calls the show, daily maintenance
-post production: strike, pack show away, returns, a production file is completed
Stage management team
-stage manager: an individual who has overall responsibility for stage management and the smooth execution of a theatrical production. They are the overarching management of the show and produce a show report at the end of each performance.
-Deputy Stage Manager: responsible for assisting the Stage Manager in ensuring that the technical cues are executed correctly and all crew members perform the correct effects at the correct time. They are present in rehearsals full time and produce daily reports. They also create the prompt copy that holds all the cues for the show.
-Assistant Stage Manager: member of a theatrical production team who helps the stage manager and director coordinate casts and other crew members. Their main duty is to manage to props both during and after the show. They: set prop tables, pass props during the show, source props, shout checks, runs rehearsal errands, and maintains all the props.
Rehearsal notes
Rehearsal notes
Rehearsal notes are an essential part of the theatre production process. They are a record of the director’s feedback and suggestions for the actors and crew to improve their performance. They are written by the deputy stage manager and are given to everyone whom is part of the performance after every show run through.
TASK- you are a DSM - write these as rehearsal notes - which ones don't go on notes and what do you do with these?
Mark out
Mark out
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Our task was to mark out a rehearsal room using the scale drawing of the set. We had to mark it out to scale so we used a scale rule, measuring tapes, and coloured LX tape. We used a scale rule to get the correct measurement, then used the measuring tapes and LX tape to transfer the measurement onto the floor. We tried to use multiple colours of LX tape to show different levels, set pieces, and props.
Prop list
Prop list
In a show a ASM props the performance. They source the props, call the props, and makes a prop sheet.
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There are different types of props in a performance:
-personal props: props that are dressed on the actor, this can be a bit of costume e.g. hat or glasses
-practical prop: a prop that works e.g. a phone or a torch
-hand prop: a prop that is held by the actor, e.g. a sword
-consumable props: props which are eaten during the show, these must be replaced frequently and must allow for the actors allergies
-breakaway prop: a prop that breaks on stage, These must be replaced or repaired every show
-dressing props: props that dress the set, e.g. a pillow or a blanket
-paper prop: a prop made of paper, e.g. money or document
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A props list is a document that lists all the props needed for a production. Props are objects that are used by the actors or to decorate the set. A props list helps to organize the acquisition, characteristics, changes, and placement of the props. A Prop list may include the scene, cost, source, and set.
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DSM "Of Mice And Men" Props
ASM "Of Mice And Men" Props
Our brief:
you are a ASM for a show. You have a list of props furniture and some rehearsal costume element to source. Research the show - where and when is it set?
We were put in groups and each given a play with some props to source. My group was given the play "Of mice and men" with the props list of wooden creates, tobacco tin, tankards, haybale, blankets, work shirt, hat, and lipstick.
"Of mice and men" is a Theatre adaption Of the novel written by John Steinbeck. The plot follows the experiences of George Milton and Lennie Small, two ranch workers, who move from place to place in California in search of new job opportunities during the Great Depression in the United States, with the dream of one day buying their own place where they will be in charge of themselves.
When researching the props we mainly sourced props from the BOA prop cupboard, mainly sticking to prop list but also finding other props like a lantern and a bottle to decorate the table. Other props we researched where we would find them and the price of each item. We also made a mood board so we knew what to search for.
We then compiled all this information into a power point and presented it to the class.
Calling a show
Calling a show
During a show the DSM calls the show by giving everyone there cues. All the cues of the show and the script are written in a book so the DSM can follow it during the show. It is a running document which is constantly altered as the show it being made/ rehearsed.
Call the show During the actual performances of the show, the DSM will be in the booth, on a headset, and “calling” the show. That means telling the various operators (lights, sound, microphones, spotlights, running crew, and assistant stage managers) when to make their various cues happen.
Show report
Show report
A show report is made by the DSM and includes all the details of the show. It’s a listing of statistics relating to that evening/afternoon’s performance, and includes details such as running times, number of audience, technical operators etc.
