New and seasoned stage mangers are invited to take this opportunity to sit with an equity stage manager and analyze your prompt books. 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. If you would like to propose a revision to this handbook, please email the production manager. 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. A clearinghouse for information, the stage manager is responsible for organizing rehearsals and running performances. Compare three samples of the following types of forms used by stage managers. The stage manager s toolkit by laurie kincman one of the most important roles in any theatrical production is that of the stage manager. Posts about prompt book written by awesomestagemanager. A prompt book isnt just a random extra copy of the script though. The gala raises essential funds for hartford stages artistic and educational programs. The information in the prompt book allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to. The stage manager and the technical director also work out a smooth and.
Copy administrative forms, as needed, and include in promptbook. Usually you can get a copy from the director or from the stage management advisor. Assistant stage manager the assistant stage manager asm reports to the stage manager. 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. One of the most important reasons for the prompt script. His eight points explain perfectly what makes a good stage manager the best.
Based on the 6 hour limit of outside rehearsal or activities for our show per week, you will be assigned to attend specific rehearsals on a weekly bases. Valencea small drapery that runs across the top of the grand drape and hides the hardware that suspends it. Prompt bookthe book compiled by the stage manager, containing all the pertinent information about the show. Check out why its good to keep these for future jobs and why its such an important tool for a show. Mark your calendar now and be a part of this unforgettable night.
Jackknife platforma platform that pivots on one corner. The stage manager is the renaissance man of the theater. Hint save documents that are to be distributed as pdfs. Prompt books come in all shapes and sizes, designed for slightly different purposes or for use by people in different roles within the theatre. Its sometimes known as the book, prompt copy or prompt script.
Sep 01, 2015 how to write down blocking nicole harrell. View stage manager prompt book ppts online, safely and virusfree. Stage management handbook wvu theatre west virginia. 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.
For a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage. A brief guide to stage management chipstead players. 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. May 04, 20 student directors need to document their process, including showing clearly the reasons for the directorial choices they have made.
The primary prompt book should have any and all information about a production in it incase the director, producer, anyone needs information. The information in the prompt book also allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue. Oregon straw hat players the prompt book the prompt book is the. The stage manager for each show is in charge of the prompt book. Script stage managers prompt book, undated nypl digital. Sm log book a place to write down notes throughout the production process. If for any reason you find yourself unable to call a show, the assistant stage manager or any other qualified person should be able to pick up your prompt book and call the show in your absence. How to make a prompt book stage manager, theatre stage. Script stage manager s prompt book, undated new york public library digital collections. 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. In this episode, we explore one of the many ways to build a stage management book. But essentially they all have one function in common. The prompt book should be neat, organized, and kept up to date. Stage management prompt book prompt book format should include.
In rehearsals the stage manager records all blocking, light, sound and set change cues, in a master copy of the script called the prompt book. Prerehearsal meeting with director or choreographer. 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. It is a primary responsibility of the stage manager, and one specifically articulated by actors equity association. The stage manager is the first line of communication and serves as the hub that holds the. They are kept with their costumes in the dressing room and are the actors responsibility as well. Once a show goes up, i keep my prompt book at the theatre. As actors are struggling to get off book, you or your asm will have to be on book, available to prompt them. 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.
Acknowledgements the kent state university school of theatre and dance stage management handbook had many contributors. Stage management handbook v4 west virginia university. Prompt book basics prompt books come in all shapes and sizes, designed for slightly different purposes or for use by people in different roles within the theatre. Unfortunatly, there is no accepted format for the distribution of scripts electronically, which basically means that there is no dedicated stage management tool. Whats in a stage manager s prompt book aka sms bible duration.
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. Learn some new tricks and get tips on ways to improve your work. Choose styles that clearly indicate specific advantages or disadvantages of each document. Your prompt script will contain all of the information. The book started as a project of the stage management course taught by associate professor robert wolin. Check out why its good to keep these for future jobs and why its such an important tool for a. Personal props are items actors carry inside their costumes or wear, like pocket watches, keychains, pens, glasses, etc. First published in 1991, it is widely used and has been lauded as the most comprehensive, educational book on stage management available. Eldred theatre, case western reserve university, fourth edition. There are a couple of good books out there on stage management. Use of theatre during rehearsals in the rehearsal hall guidelines for stage management. Stage manager scripts are authorized, productionfriendly, legal copies of a shows libretto that you can personalize for your production.
The general manager and active production chair will enter all approved changes. 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. Sm prompt book 100 pts students will assemble a stage manager s prompt book over the course of the term by doing assignments for a mock production one of the following plays. A clearinghouse for information, the stage manager is responsible for. Some if not all have examples of all the forms you need. Student directors need to document their process, including showing clearly the reasons for the directorial choices they have made. Script stage managers prompt book, undated new york public library digital collections. Stage props list, example of props list free download.
How to prepare a stage manager s prompt book kayla e decoration how to prepare a stage manager s prompt book 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. Promptbook definition of promptbook by the free dictionary. Jan 22, 2020 explore bobgandrups board stage manager prompt books. An annotated script used by a stage manager or theater prompter. Also, is there anything i can do to my prompt books to make them look more professional. Most productions at langham court will require only one asm. The stage manager must mark as herhis cue a unique movement by a dancer or a music change. All paperwork concerning the production should be kept here. Accept responsibility keep their cool keep their eyes and ears open and know when to share their opinions. Maintaining the script and all documentation of your production in a single location is not just a good idea. Prompt book synonyms, prompt book pronunciation, prompt book translation, english dictionary definition of prompt book. Blockit is a web app for stage managers to create a digital prompt book. 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. 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.
The stage manager book is perhaps the most important thing to a stage. There is a lot to be said for the old way of making a prompt book. If youre making fake white wine for stage use, dont use grape juice if the wine is sitting in a bottle undrunk for a few days. These two positions involve support for both the director and the producers. Preparing your stage management kit 4 preparing your prompt book 5. The official production book prepare the production book so that it is an accurate record of the production. Stage management is a broad field that is generally defined as the practice of organization and coordination of an event or theatrical production.
Essentials of stage management by peter maccoy, the stage management handbook by daniel a. The prompt book the prompt book is a working document that organizes lists, schedules, notes, reports, script, etc. Its been requested, so i go through what i have in one of my prompt books for a show. The key stage management positions are stage manager sm and assistant stage manager asm. The sm should be one of the most informed and knowledgeable people in the production staff. Adheres to the garsington opera stage management dress code of formal long sleeved blacks during performance days. 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. Create a section in your prompt book for each content area listed. Prompt book definition of prompt book by the free dictionary. Theatreuni stage management handbook there are many different types of information that you should never give out as a stage manager.
Whats in a stage managers prompt book aka sms bible. The back stage guide to stage management, 3rd edition. The hartford stage gala has been heralded as the hottest party in town. The prompt book must be prepared in advance of the first rehearsal, so the stage manager is ready to go right away.
Follow these steps and your stage manager will be ready to go in no time. Also, we identify tips and tricks to perfecting your stagemanagement skills. 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 is a working document that organizes lists, schedules, notes, reports, script, etc. Never give out contact information or medical information of cast, crew, or production team without. A copy of the script all blocking written into the script any research materials reactions to each rehearsal, including what the director has. The role of the stage manager in any theatrical production is like the keystone of an arch. Stage management pdf file print x printamodel theatre stage, musical theatre. The end result was a fullymodifiable, fullylegible prompt book that anyone could read my handwriting is not anything to write home. The prompt book should be sectioned off with the following tab dividers, with the listed information under these headings. 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. Outline the change you purpose and the reason for this proposal.
Along with the materials outlined below, it would also include. Thr 245 stage management university of alaska fairbanks. The information in the prompt book allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical. They are the lines of communication between actors, director, designers, technical staff, and front of house exc. If the show has a lot of backstage activity with complicated scene changes or special effects, a second asm may be needed. You can write in pen, ink or highlighter and not have to worry about erasing the books before returning them to mti. 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. Stage management may encompass a variety of activities including the overseeing of the rehearsal process and coordinating communications among various production teams and personnel.
Please report any errors andor omissions to the stage management forum for inclusion in subsequent revisions. The next best thing to shadowing a broadway stage manager, this detailed, behindthescenes book as been brought completely up to date. Manages any agreed budgets and petty cash ensures all production related paperwork, running scores and prompt books are clear, complete and archived upon completion of. Asms will need to coordinate the recording progress of this document with the sm. The professional experiencerefreshed takes the reader on a journey through all aspects of the craft of stage management in theatre, including the technological advancements that have come to theatre and the stage mangers job. The ptg stage manager s handbook adapted from the stage manager s handbook. Theatrical, fun, and full of surprises, it is not just another black tie dinner. Billy rose theatre division, the new york public library. Proof doubt closer the odd couple suburbia the glass menagerie raised in captivity. Stage managers sm make notes of all changes in the prompt book script, so check your list with theirs. Samples should show how the same information can be organized in three distinct ways.
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