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