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