In the world of professional theater, that of the stage manager is one of the most important roles. Its primary job is to maintain the artistic integrity of the show once it opens. During rehearsals, the stage manager is the point of reference for obtaining a lot of information. He takes notes, directs meetings on show aesthetics, establishes how the rehearsal space should be organized and is a great communicator with everyone.
Steps
Step 1. Get started early
If you're still in high school, becoming a stage manager might be as simple as asking the director of a school play if you could hold this position of tremendous power. Either way, it's best to volunteer to be an assistant first, so that you learn what things you absolutely need to know so you don't jump into the air.
Step 2. Get the necessary training
If you are not going to work professionally, you should have a background regarding certain technical knowledge. A director Not will hire a person who can't even turn on the lights! Prepare a resume. You will be called for an interview like the one you would take for any other job.
Step 3. Be the first to arrive and the last to leave
The stage manager should be the first to show up and the last to stay at the end of rehearsals.
Step 4. Establish control from the very first audition
Although a stage manager is not to be feared, he should be respected. There is no need to scare people into listening to you, but don't be afraid to be firm when needed. Expect respect from the start of the process and respect those around you as well.
Step 5. Don't talk too much
One way to make sure others working on the show are listening to you is to talk as little as possible. Try to speak only when there is something important to say. People will learn that when you speak, you have something essential to say, and they will listen to you.
Step 6. Be participatory and ready to take action on everything
For you there is no phrase "It is not my job". Even if you have to mop the stage, do it just in case! This shows that you are not afraid to do a little manual work and could secure you a steady job.
Step 7. Pay attention during the testing process
It is part of your job to direct the lights, the sound, the opening of the curtains, the motors and all the other technical details during the show. Having an accurate understanding of the entire show is critical to running a smooth technical process.
Step 8. Be aware that everyone in the production refers to you to set the tone for the show
If things get stressful, keep a positive attitude and willing to solve problems; this will help everyone involved stay calm.
Step 9. Dress comfortably and, above all, safe
While those open-front sandals you bought the other day are absolutely adorable, you may understand that it's not a wise choice to put them to work after the cabinet you need for the second act has fallen on your big toe.
Step 10. Your loyalty must be directed to the show and the relationship with the producer
Don't gossip to everyone about your problems with the show or how things are handled.
Step 11. Think with foresight
Anticipate what the show needs.
Step 12. Don't be intimidated by the actors
Pay no attention to their star status, their age, or their coercive ways towards you. Be sweet, professional, kind, and purposeful. If you give a finger, they could take advantage of it and take the whole arm. Nobody will respect you for giving in to everything.
Step 13. Take care of the actors, but do it for the good of the group, don't just focus on certain people
If there is an opportunity to do a little act of kindness, do it. Keep an eye on their mental health if the rehearsals are very stressful or emotionally charged. Warming up with yoga before rehearsals or during a break is excellent for lowering stress.
Step 14. At rehearsal, keep the atmosphere calm and professional at all times
Put on some quiet music, keep loud conversations to a minimum, and if possible, work to give the director some moments of solitude to collect his thoughts when he arrives at the theater. If you start with a relaxed atmosphere, you don't have to ask others to calm down.
Step 15. If you have assistants, be sure to delegate tasks to them
Always take time to find out how their work is progressing. If their finished work doesn't convince you, use constructive criticism, but don't sweeten the pill. If they've done a good job, estimation is sometimes more valuable than financial rewards. Recognize the good things. If your assistant does something wonderful, don't take credit for her job. You will look smarter and more professional if you surround yourself with knowledgeable people. Their success will only make you even better in the eyes of others.
Advice
- Be organized!
- Scene direction is hard work, but you can do it! Be organized, go with the flow, know what you need to do, be willing to learn and have fun!
- Always carry a notepad or your laptop with you. You will see that it will be useful for writing the instructions and notes you will need.
- Make lists. They are very useful; you could make a list with the props, characters and phone numbers of the cast and crew (including landlines).
- Mental lists never work. Always carry your notebook, Blackberry or mobile phone on which you can write notes and write down everything.
- When you enter the theater, start working right away. Otherwise, the work will accumulate.
- If you are hired for a show, make an outline of the script. Create a table with the entrances and exits of the characters in the different scenes.
- Start thinking about the equipment that will be needed and what you will need to focus on.
- Put the script, tables, to-do lists, and other papers in a binder. This will be your point of reference. Facilitates to find everything and be more orderly. Use the colored tabs to mark the acts and scenes.
- Try to always have the script or binder available! That way, you'll be able to take notes during rehearsals, juggle the script, and have all your lists and information in one place.
- Do some background research on the era, characters or historical references. They may never ask you to talk about this information (and never offer it of your own accord if it isn't asked for), but you'll work more confidently if you know what the work is about before you get down to business.
- Read the script at least 10 times from start to finish. Know your material.
- Start thinking about the basics of enlightenment (the person taking care of it will work on it, but you need to be aware of it in case something goes wrong).
- Prioritize. Make a list of what needs to be done now and follow the order. Unless emergencies appear, do not deviate. Otherwise, you will almost certainly forget something or have no time to finish.
Warnings
- If you don't know an answer to a question, find it as soon as possible. And never answer a question without being sure you know the right answer.
- Always use the expression "Please". Just because you are in charge doesn't mean you can be rude and forget your manners.
- Don't be afraid to say "I don't know". Instead, you say, "I'll find that information and get back to you right away." Then really do it.
- Remember, if you are nice to others, they will be nice to you too (in most cases).
- A show can develop a poisonous atmosphere due to gossip. This happens in high school but also on professional stages. Refuse to allow gossip. This means in person, by phone, by text message or online. Set strict rules and enforce them.
- Remember this is not a game. Even if you are just the stage manager of your school, you take every job seriously. If you consider this profession as a future career, remember that every show makes broth and is an experience for your success.
- Actors will sometimes ask you to do unlikely things. You can always tell them no, but with respect. If there is anything else you can do to help solve their problem or anyone else involved in the production can, take action.
- Do not socialize with the actors or hang out with someone from the cast or crew while working on the show. You are part of the management team and must have the ability to make decisions based on production needs rather than personal relationships.
- Remember that you work for production. Reply to the production manager.
