The information in the prompt book allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling. During rehearsals the prompt book is annotated in pencil by the stage manager. Not just to remind you, but in case something happens, someone else will be able to read and understand your blocking notations. They chose the scenery and props from storage, and overall managed everything onstage.
A copy of the script all blocking written into the script any research materials reactions to each rehearsal, including what the director has. Whats in a stage managers prompt book aka sms bible. The actormanager, as the term implies, also acted in the performance. How to make a prompt book resources for stage managers. Stage management is an art that is learned through extended study, mentoring, and experience. As all stage managers know, doing line notes for actors once they are off book is one of the most gueling parts of the job. When i first started as an assistant stage manager, i started using a template i was given, and from there i developed some of my own for furture stage managers to make things easier. Follow these steps and your stage manager will be ready to go in no time.
The general manager and active production chair will enter all approved changes. The great big book of everything is what every prompt book aspires to be. If you would like to propose a revision to this handbook, please email the production manager. Put on a stagecrew intercom headset and listen to stage manager, mark stevens, calling some of the lighting, follow spot and set cues for the san diego reps musical production of hairspray. Once a show goes up, i keep my prompt book at the theatre. 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. In regards to paperwork, most stage managers borrow other peoples templates to start, and then customize as preferences develop. How important is a cover letter for stage manager positions. Oct 26, 2018 there are three stages of production at mrt.
Stage management handbook v4 west virginia university. You will have to scour the internets for samples and templates and examples until you find or amalgamate a system that works for you. The sm should be one of the most informed and knowledgeable people in the production staff. The prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues, and is used by the deputy stage manager to run rehearsals and later, control the performance. It must be prepared in advance of the first rehearsal, so the stage manager is ready to go right away. The stage manager and the technical director also work out a smooth and. Blockit is a web app for stage managers to create a digital prompt book. Sm log book a place to write down notes throughout the production process. Stage management may encompass a variety of activities including the overseeing of the rehearsal process and coordinating communications among various production teams and personnel. Oct 27, 2018 the prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. They are kept with their costumes in the dressing room and are the actors responsibility as well. Below are some paperwork templates that i have created, all are designed to be customizable.
Jul 23, 2010 put on a stage crew intercom headset and listen to stage manager, mark stevens, calling some of the lighting, follow spot and set cues for the san diego reps musical production of hairspray. Assistant stage manager asm usually shortened to asm, the assistant stage manager is the most junior member of the stage management team, and is often in charge of sourcing and running properties during the run of a show. The stage manager is the renaissance man of the theater. Promptbook definition of promptbook by the free dictionary. Included are samples of scene breakdowns, audition forms, prop lists, rehearsal schedules, rehearsal reports, scene changes, line notes, checklists, and performance reports. The official production book prepare the production book so that it is an accurate record of the production. Send a cover letter with your stage manager resume. May 04, 20 student directors need to document their process, including showing clearly the reasons for the directorial choices they have made. If not, add it to an activities section of your stage manager resume.
They are the lines of communication between actors, director, designers, technical staff, and front of house exc. What i did for an sm class i took some time ago, was first to retype the script to get the margins i need on the right side, then if a cue happens after a line, i draw a line from the end of that spoken line to the right margin and then put lx 128 or sq 15 or whatever abbreviation you want for your categories. The directors prompt book is a good way for students to formalize their ideas about a play, develop a plan of action and create a document of the entire process. As all stage managers know, doing line notes for actors once they are offbook is one of the most gueling parts of the job. Prompt book layout, including cueing notation preshow check list performance report 4. How did the director take over the stage managers role, how did the stage manager take over the prompter, and where, oh where. An annotated script used by a stage manager or theater prompter.
One of my stage manager friends suggested creating a cover page for the front cover of the prompt book binder, has anyone done this and if so, how do i make it look professional. Personal props are items actors carry inside their costumes or wear, like pocket watches, keychains, pens, glasses, etc. Lois september 22, 2010 theatre blocking, cues, cuing, how to make a prompt book, paperwork, prompt book, prompt script, rehearsal reports, show bible, stage managing. He or she must have a working knowledge of how the various technical aspects of the theater work scenery, props, costumes, lights and sound, be part director, part playwright, part designer and part producer, and be prepared to act as confidant, counselor and confessor to everyone else in the company. Feb 29, 2012 not just to remind you, but in case something happens, someone else will be able to read and understand your blocking notations. Blocking is keeping track of the actors movements across the stage. With the addition of tabbed divider sheets, the binder can easily become the productions prompt book, keeping the script, set and lighting plots, rehearsal reports and various paperwork in one place. A giant black binder, usually three to four inches in width, carried around by a stage manager. Jun 24, 2011 to go along with the thread about what someone should have in their prompt book for a recreation for an interview, what should be made in the first place for your prompt book. The prompt book the prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues, and is used by the deputy stage manager to run rehearsals and later, control the performance. It distinguishes them from the other letter symbols. In modern theatrical productions, the prompt book is generally maintained and kept by the stage manager, with differences in the specific construction and organization to suit the style of the stage manager keeping the book, and the type of production legitimate theatre.
Rehearsals a read through first rehearsal b subsequent rehearsals c moving to the mainstage 4. The prompt book contains blocking notes, any changes that have been made. Stage management is a broad field that is generally defined as the practice of organization and coordination of an event or theatrical production. Check out why its good to keep these for future jobs and why its such an important tool for a show.
Auditions a preaudition b auditions and callbacks c post auditions pre first rehearsal 3. Mar 03, 2015 its been requested, so i go through what i have in one of my prompt books for a show. Now, this may look a bit intimidating, but i will show you how i write down blocking. Posted in resources, secondary education tagged script analysis, student directors leave a comment. How to become a good stage manager with pictures wikihow. First time hs stage manager, how do i make a calling.
The primary prompt book should have any and all information about a production in it incase the director, producer, anyone needs information. Its been requested, so i go through what i have in one of my prompt books for a show. During the run, when the play is being performed for an audience, the stage manager uses the prompt book to call cues and monitor for performance issues. The production paperwork provided below will provide insight into my stage management process from auditions to performances, and illustrate the various templates i use depending on specific requirements of a production. 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. Notes made by the owner of the prompt book who could be a stage manager, an actor or any other theatrical professional to give further guidance about how a scene should be performed, how actors should deliver lines, where they should be positioned etc. Stage manager scripts are authorized, productionfriendly, legal copies of a shows libretto that you can personalize for your production. You can write in pen, ink or highlighter and not have to worry about erasing the books before returning them to mti. So, what changed in american theater between 1870 and 1930. His eight points explain perfectly what makes a good stage manager the best. So, what does an assistant stage manager do, anyway. Stage management handbook v4 home school of theatre.
The information in the prompt book allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical. The information in the prompt book allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to. Along with the materials outlined below, it would also include. Outline the change you purpose and the reason for this proposal. In your own words, on a single typewritten page for each document, decribe the features of each document and how it might be better organized, more functional, or better formatted than other examples. The awardwinning animated film and stage play comes to life in this romantic and beloved take on the. 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. Throughout the process of the showcase we will all be undertaking the job role stage manager.
My question is regarding how to make my prompt books look as professional as possible when i present them. Mods, if you think these two threads should be combined, please do. Queen elinor seated on a stool, on the kings r right. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book kayla e decoration how to prepare a stage managers prompt book one of the stage managers 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. Samples should show how the same information can be organized in three distinct ways.
Its sometimes known as the book, prompt copy or prompt script. 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. How to make a prompt book stage manager, theatre stage. Assisting the stage manager with administrative tasks for example, the stage manager may delegate calling latecomers to the asm so the stage manager can stay in rehearsal and take notes taking notes and updating the prompt book if the stage manager is. An example of a spectacular prompt book can be found in an old disney cartoon, stanley. For a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage management by lawrence stern. The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. The prompt book the prompt book is a working document that organizes lists, schedules, notes, reports, script, etc. 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. On a side note i recently put together a new prompt script for a show that started rehearsals this week and it was fun to have this post on my mind as i was putting things together. I usually take the first two letters or consonants and circle them. Compare three samples of the following types of forms used by stage managers.
One of the stage managers 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. Checklistspreshow listed itinerary of all tasks to be completed before house opens until the show begins, including all time calls. 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 blockingcall scripts at the theatre. Accept responsibility keep their cool keep their eyes and ears open and know when to share their opinions. Stage managers sm make notes of all changes in the prompt book script, so check your list with theirs. Choose styles that clearly indicate specific advantages or disadvantages of each document. The prompt book should be sectioned off with the following tab dividers, with the listed information under these headings.
Student directors need to document their process, including showing clearly the reasons for the directorial choices they have made. In modern theatrical productions, the prompt book is generally maintained and kept by the stage manager, with differences in the specific construction and organization to suit the style of the stage manager keeping the book, and the type of production legitimate theatre, musical theatre, dance, opera, etc. As lighting, sound and set change cues are developed, the stage manager records them in a book, which he will use during performances. I have chosen to take on the job role stage manager as i feel it shows all my strengths, i can keep on track with a verity of roles, i am organised and i can inform students what we need to do to stay on track.
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