Stage management software top 10 list controlbooth. Create and distribute a rehearsal report to all cast and crew members after every rehearsal. 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. 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. The information in the prompt book allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each. Over time, with the rise in complexity of theatre due to advances such as mechanized scenery, quick costume changes, and controlled lighting, the stage managers job was split into two positions director and stage manager. Ill be communicating with our stage manager, who will be on sidestage, and our five assistant stage managers, who will be keeping the sections and ensembles moving to the right place at the right time. Adhere all of the individually resized sections to the same blank sheet of. Prompt books come in all shapes and sizes, designed for slightly different purposes or for use by people in different roles within the theatre. Many playwrights, directors, and actors have previously worked as an assistant stage manager. Each of the designers lighting, sound, scenic, costumes meet with the stage manager to discus lighting and sound cues, costume changes and movement of the scenery, which the stage manager writes in the prompt book. As lighting, sound and set change cues are developed, the stage manager records them in a book, which he will use during performances.
Blocking is keeping track of the actors movements across the. In regards to paperwork, most stage managers borrow other peoples templates to start, and then customize as preferences develop. I have wondered if maybe i should write a book, zen and the art of stage management, brevoort says. Shall be responsible for the calling of all rehearsals, whether before or after opening. A new overview section identifies what a stage manager does, from preshow conferences to closing night in limited, touring, and extended runs.
My question is regarding how to make my prompt books look as professional as possible when i present them. A mark on the stage or rehearsal floor usually a piece of tape that denotes the specific placement of a piece of scenery or a prop. Post audition and pre rehearsal, rehearsal period, tech. Auditions a preaudition b auditions and callbacks c post auditions pre first rehearsal 3. Used when the prompt corner is stage right instead of the usual stage left. Information about the prompt book will be covered in each section of the sm handbook. Sm log book a place to write down notes throughout the production process. Ive used it for large amateur shows, school shows and seen it used on some.
The prompt book, also called transcript, the bible or sometimes simply the book, is the copy of. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book theatrefolk. Generally a lead stage manager will keep the master book, which is then copied by assistants on a nightly basis to account for any new information. Detailed sections illustrate rehearsal skills like taping the stage, making prompt books and calling scripts, using blocking and cueing shorthand, running production meetings, and other tricks of the trade. 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.
Microsoft onenote its not perfect by any means, but having the ability to store a massive amount of information including text, sketches, audio and links in a single cohesive document without the rigidity of word and then be able to share it with an entire production team has been brilliant. Use divider sheets to make sections for the script, score if the show is a. Shall assemble and maintain the prompt book which is defined as the accurate playing text and stage business, together with such cue sheets, plots, daily records, etc. The three things a stage manager should never be without in the theater are. Choose styles that clearly indicate specific advantages or disadvantages of each document. The awardwinning animated film and stage play comes to life in this romantic and beloved take on the.
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. Good qualities and responsibilities of a stage manager. But essentially they all have one function in common. Assembling your prompt script can feel like a tedious process, but the time you invest. Documents should be placed in sections in a threering binder in the following order. Posts about prompt book written by awesomestagemanager hit the stage building a stage manager book wedding planning keep it simple with a wedding time holds every light, sound, and prop cue, plus every scenery and costume change in the whole show. The stage managers toolkit provides a comprehensive account of the role of the stage manager for live theatre with a focus on both written and verbal communication best practices. Below are some paperwork templates that i have created, all are designed to be customizable. This may be for architectural reasons in a theatre with no wing space stage left, or may be because of the layout of set pieces which obscure a view from stage left, or because the band is on stage left and the deputy stage manager cant hear herhimself cueing. Checklistspreshow listed itinerary of all tasks to be completed before house opens until the show begins, including all time calls.
How to make a prompt book resources for stage managers. Stage managers checklist panttaja university of idaho. The prompt book, often known as the bible of the show, is a crucial tool. Compare three samples of the following types of forms used by stage managers. 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. Rehearsals a read through first rehearsal b subsequent rehearsals c moving to the mainstage 4. Rehearsal report blocking notation as it might be incorporated into the script tech week schedule prompt book layout, including cueing notation.
The prompt book the prompt book is a working document that organizes lists, schedules, notes, reports, script, etc. 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 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 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. And make sure you keep a copy of your blocking key in your prompt book. It contains all the information a stage manager, substitute, or assistant would need to know in hardcopy form.
The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and. Promptside recently got in contact with gail to find out more about callq and what it can do for stage managers. The prompt book contains blocking notes, any changes that have been made. The book outlines the duties of the stage manager and assistant stage manager throughout a. 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. 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.
Stage management by briana shipley byu theatre education. Larger shows often need two or more stage managers. Follow these steps and your stage manager will be ready to go in no time. Gail pallin, stage management teacher and author of stage management. Documents should be placed in sections in a threering binder in the. Once a show goes up, i keep my prompt book at the theatre. Script stage managers prompt book, undated new york public library digital collections.
It is one of the elements of stage managements that shows the most personality, as every stage manager has a slightly different style. Duties and responsibilities the duties and responsibilities of a dsm can seem complex and endless, so in order to make a more palatable description the following. I find that an even keel and levelheadedness best serves a stage manager. Outline the change you purpose and the reason for this proposal. The prompt book should be sectioned off with the following tab dividers, with the listed information under these headings. Prompt book has clear sections that are marked by tabs and possibly color coded. Along with the materials outlined below, it would also include. Take all blocking and staging notes for director, include information on set, lighting, sound and prop needs. There is no official way to create or maintain a prompt script. The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show.
Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Posts about prompt book written by awesomestagemanager. Actors equity association defines it as, the accurate playing text and stage business, together. Its sometimes known as the book, prompt copy or prompt script. 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. Prompt book has a cover page and contains all sections covered in class production calendar, contact sheet, script with blocking notes, and rehearsal reports. Rehearsals have been exciting, with everyone working together in a big warehouse.
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. Stage management technical theater training program. The view from prompt side a stage managers perspective. Student directors need to document their process, including showing clearly the reasons for the directorial choices they have made. The essential handbook, together with partner and software developer iain, have created callq simulation software that teaches the user how to call a show. Blockit is a web app for stage managers to create a digital prompt book. Usually a prompt book is contained in a 3 ring binder and uses tabbed dividers to separate out the different sections. Blocking is keeping track of the actors movements across the stage. All paperwork concerning the production should be kept here. It must be prepared in advance of the first rehearsal, so the stage manager is ready to go right away. A deputy stage manager dsm is a member of the stage management team tasked mainly with the running of rehearsals and calling the show to ensure a smooth production. Billy rose theatre division, the new york public library. A copy of the script all blocking written into the script any research materials reactions to each rehearsal, including.
If you would like to propose a revision to this handbook, please email the production manager. They are the lines of communication between actors, director, designers, technical staff, and front of house exc. On small shows, one person typically performs all the tasks of stage management, and is simply referred to as the stage manager. Stage management handbook v4 home school of theatre. 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.
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