Book description
The stage manager is the renaissance man of the theater. 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.
This book addresses all of these considerations in detail and offers
the reader–professional or amateur, veteran or
beginner–helpful guidance and practical advice, supported by
many forms and examples to illustrate the points covered in the text.
The three phrases of mounting and performing a show are covered.
Part I takes the reader through the pre-production
phase–research, the script, planning and organization, and
auditions. Part II covers the rehearsal process–rehearsal
rules, blocking, cues, prompting, information distribution, technical
and dress rehearsals. Part III discusses the performance
phase–calling the show, maintaining the director's work,
working with understudies and replacements, and more.
Part IV provides insights into the organizational structure or some
theaters and aspects of human behavior in those organizations. Many
stage managers of long-running commercial productions believe
that–once the show is up and running–only ten percent
of their work is related to everything covered in Parts I, II and III.
The other ninety percent is associated with issues in Part IV; i. e.
"managing" human behavior and maintaining working
relationships.
