SLOC GUIDELINES - Updated March, 1998

Stage Manager

Reports to:  Producer

The Stage Manager reports to the Producer (and Technical Director, if there is one), and is a member of the Production Staff. He/she is involved from pre-auditions through post-production, and is in complete charge of all performances from the move-in until move-out. The Director is in charge of dramatics and the Musical Director is in charge of music.

Duties include:

1.       Obtain a set of plot plans for the set and attend sufficient rehearsals prior to move-in to become familiar with the scene blocking, scene changes, etc.

2.       Attend all production meetings and, where appropriate, schedule and run the meeting.

3.       Meet with the director, set designer, set carpenter, and lighting designer to discuss unusual requirements pertaining to scene changes, operation and movement of set pieces and props, location of light poles, lighting instruments and power cables, and the location and operation of flying scenery.  Also meet with the costume designer and properties person to look out for difficult or quick costume changes and prop hand offs.

4.       Meet with the technical director, lighting designer, sound designer, set designer, and Director to prepare cue sheets. These lists will be subject to change throughout the rehearsal schedule, and the Stage Manager will keep them up to date.

5.       Find out from the costume designer, set designer and properties person how many people are needed for a backstage running crew and make sure someone assembles the crew (either the producer or the above - named people take care of their own departments.)

6.       Prior to final rehearsals:

a.    Instruct the cast and crew as to the careful use of the facilities (smoking restrictions, parking, eating, etc.).

b.    Instruct the cast and crew as to the specific safety requirements of the stage and set for the show, including recommendations on "traffic flow" procedures for getting on and off the stage during the production, and address the actors' safety concerns (i.e. is there enough light backstage, is a set piece creating a hazard, etc.).

c.     Be responsible for the policing of the facilities to insure that rules are followed and to prevent damage.

7.       The Stage Manager:

a.    Shall be responsible for the calling of actors, cueing of lighting, sound, scene shifts and all other phases of on-stage production as required.

b.    Shall communicate with the House Manager to decide when to start the show.

c.     Shall see that all cast members are in position at the start of each act.