Last Revised on: October 1, 2006.
| Complete? | Task | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
|
Prepare Budget Estimate | November |
|
Headset Check | mid-January |
|
Attend Work Days | January |
|
Arrange Theatre Cleaning Time | late January |
|
Attend Rehearsals | early February |
|
Recruit Set Running Crew | early February |
|
Check Supplies | Tech Week |
|
Inform Cast of Parking Rules | before Monster Sunday |
|
Cast Notes | Tech Week |
|
Check signals with Music Director | Tech Week |
|
Get Light Cues | Tech Week |
|
Check Back Stage Lights | Tech Week |
|
Arrange Janitor Contact | Tech Week |
|
Performance Check | Tech Week/Preformances |
|
Attend Debriefing Meeting | Date is determined by the Producer |
|
Return Task List | Return to the Task List Manager at Debriefing Meeting. See Calendar for the exact date. |
Give estimated budgets to the Technical Director for consideration BEFORE the December Board meeting. What will you need to build? Borrow? Rent? Buy?
The Stage Manager should include flashlights and penlights, batteries for headsets and flashlights, gaffer's tape, duct tape, glow-tape, pencils, markers for signs, paper for signs, first-aid kit, etc
where are they? Do they work?
Back to Quick ListIt is helpful for the Stage Manager to attend a few work days o understand use of set pieces in the show and any involved set changes that will be necessary. It's important to understand this to help in planning for stage crew.
Back to Quick ListThe performing space traditionally needs serious cleaning and possibly painting before sets can be moved into the theater. A good time may be during the lighting put-in days. Check with the Theatre Liaison for accessibility.
Back to Quick ListIt is helpful for the Stage Manager to attend a few rehearsals before the production moves to the school. This should provide a better understanding of entrances/exits, traffic patterns and timing of the numbers. If possible, obtain a copy of the blocking forms from the Stage Director. It is also very helpful for the cast to learn who the Stage Manager is.
Back to Quick ListConsider how many people you will need based on set considerations and covering call/orchestra calls.
Back to Quick ListInventory the following supplies and replace where necessary: flashlights and penlights, batteries for headsets and flashlights, gaffer's tape, duct tape, glow-tape, pencils, markers for signs, paper for signs, first-aid kit.
Back to Quick ListAnnounce the locations of proper parking at the performance site. Enforcement and towing by police will be stricter on performance dates. Make sure that this announcement gets to cast, orchestra, and crew.
Back to Quick List The Stage Manager should inform the cast of the rules of the theater. Discuss management, theater, sign in sheets, cast behavior, audience behavior (no flash photography), permission for children backstage, security (or lack thereof). Post rules if necessary.
Issue "back stage conduct" notes to cast and crew: safety without compromise; prompt arrival and sign in. The title "Mr."/"Ms." is traditionally used for the Stage Manager at least while on stage, as a reminder that s/he has primary responsibility for safety, and must be obeyed immediately and without fail. Seriously. This includes assistant Stage Managers.
Check Signals with Music Director
It's quite possible for the Music Director and the Stage manager to wait for each other to be ready to start or resume the rehearsal. Consult with the Music Director and agree on methods (such as hand signals) to avoid such deadlocks. Consult with other staff members on similar subjects, as appropriate.
Back to Quick ListGet cues from the Lighting Designer
Back to Quick ListAll backstage work lights should be adjusted NOT to spill onto the stage, possibly by using gel or low-wattage bulbs. Backstage doors should be taped so they can close quietly and not latch.
Back to Quick ListA way of getting in touch with the janitors quickly must be established - ideally this is done by radio. Being able to locate the janitors is critical during performances and highly desirable during all of tech week.
Back to Quick ListCheck that all of these people are ready before the start of each act: House Manager, Video Chief, Light Board Operator, Sound Liaison, Music Director and the Concert Master.
Back to Quick ListThe Producer is responsible for setting for scheduling the Debriefing session, generally held within a month of the show closing. The meeting is to go over the production, focusing on areas of great success and areas which need significant improvement. The Stage Director should plan on attending this meeting to contribute input and hear feedback.
Back to Quick ListIf not already turned in, return the task list at the Debriefing Meeting.
Back to Quick List
| Task | Description | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Week Rehearsal Schedule | The Stage Director is responsible for creating the master rehearsal schedule for tech week. This will determine which rehearsals will have orchestra vs piano, which will be considered tech or cue-to-cue and which are under complete show conditions. | Will be determined in November. |
| Put-In Schedule | The Tech Director is responsible for creating putin schedule and space use plan for tech week. | early February |
| Makeup Crew | The Makeup Designer is responsible for recruiting the makeup crew. Make sure you know who these people are to add to the crew list for sign-in. | early February |
| Costume Running Crew | The Costume Construction Chief is responsible for recruiting the costume running and strike crew. Make sure you know who these people are to add to the crew list for sign-in. | early February |
| Props Crew | The Props Chief is responsible for recruiting the props running crew. Make sure you know who these people are to add to the crew list for sign-in. | early February |
| Sign in Sheets | The Cast Manager is responsible for creating the cast signin sheets at the school. The Stage Manager creates the crew signin sheets. | Tech Week |
| Back Stage Monitors | The Video Chief is responsible for setting up a backstage monitor so the cast may watch the shows (and consequently not be in the wings except for entrances.) | Tech Week |
| Strike Plan | The Tech Director is responsible for creating the strike plan and communicating it to the appropriate personnel | Tech Week |