Adventures Backstage: What is a Stage Manager?
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- čas přidán 12. 01. 2015
- Have you ever wondered what those jobs are in the back of the playbill? Well, I'll tell you! And I'm starting with what is a "Stage Manager"! Who they are, what they do, and how they are involved in the production. All those answers here!
/ nickach
/ nickach
/ nicholasacciani
/ nickach - Jak na to + styl
I just got my first job as a professional stage manager and I'm 19, so this is kind of overwhelming.
Cheska Silayan The Stage Managing job can be a bit overwhelming, or at least seem it. The best thing to do is make lists, break everything down, and work one step at a time. Check out the videos I did on the SM Bag and the SM Prompt Book, as well as the Tech Video. Those have a lot of info in them. Also, check out tumblr...there are a ton of SM blogs on there that are great resources. I googled a lot too. Finally, check out Actors Equity's site. They have documentation on what a stage manager does, and rules of rehearsals and shows. And, if you ever get so overwhelmed, just remember that it is only a show. Stage Managing can be daunting, but it can also be a lot of fun if you stay prepared and take it one day, one step at a time.
Omg I'm 18 and it's my first time being a stage manager
Soo how did u do?
THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS ATTENTION!! Stage managers are usually overlooked but it is a very stressful job but very rewarding. I have managed 3 shows and 1 one act. But lemme tell you it was hell!
I am co-stage manager for my school's production of Annie Get Your Gun. It is my first time and it is definitely stressful. I am constantly learning what the expectations of the director are because its a school production and I don't have to call the show or write reports. I love it though and thanks for making this awesome video. I hope to see lots more soon.
I have just been announced to be Stage Manager next year for my High School play. I have been doing stage crew for 2 years now so next year will be my 3rd and i'm so excited!! Though it's a bit overwhelming since i'm gonna have to do a lot of notes and prep everything, but i'm lucky to be friends with the old stage manager so i can ask for her help :) And i have the director and the assistant director to work with and ask any questions and ask for any help i need! This is really exciting and these videos are so helpful!! Thank you!!!
Thank you so much for this video. I can't wait to see the other job videos!
I am about to stage manage for the first time for my high school play!! These videos are helping so much!! I've assistant stage managed a beauty pageant but I'm learning pretty quickly a show is completely different then that.
+Miranda allison I've not delved into the pageant world, but what I know from film to tv to concerts, they are all different beasts! The one thing to remember is that they are all a performance and, while some terms and tech may be different, they all come from the same place: theatre.
So happy to have been the 50th like. Rock on, homes!
nice video Nick!! cant wait for your next videos about SM!
Thanks man, this video really helps me
Thank youuu for this.....
As a high school stage manager who's training several underclassmen to take over when I graduate, I find your videos invaluable! If anyone wants a perspective on how stage management works in high school, check out our channel!
hi, I am a stage manager for the Resstaurant Sketch which is also known as the Dirty Fork Sketch and I was wondering if you have more tips for a beginner like me because I really do not know what I should be doing. Our play will be showed in the middle of september and our first official rehearsal will be next week and I need help in getting myself organized so that I will not let anyone down. ^_^
Sophia Hilario I have videos right now on Prep Week, what goes into my binder and what goes into my SM Kit. Those are great starters to get organized before rehearsals.
Look up equity rules on breaks, etc. Most companies, both union and non-union, follow these basic rules. If not, ask what the theater usually does. It's the SM's job to make sure breaks are being taken.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. The more you know about the show, the better.
I'm currently in a show, so I haven't had a second to get all my templates up on my site, but that should be coming this weekend. Take a look at those, or google "rehearsal reports" or any other paperwork you think you might need. There are a lot of templates on the internet, and they are great starting points.
If you don't have a laptop, have a note pad. Taking notes is a big part of being a Stage Manager, and you will need to write down just about everything said in the rehearsal room.
I've also started this week doing a whole Stage Management series of videos, which will go through the whole process.
And Have Fun!
Thank you so much for answering back! I appreciate it especially since you're busy!
I have been taking down notes and hopefully our show will be a great success since it's going to be in a week from now! I also keep watching your videos so that I don't forget anything and I hope you keep posting more videos. They're really helpful and I take note of the things you say :D Thank you again ^_^
+NickAch my father is a freelance stage manager and he workes at this event where skrillex,vicetone,w&w,zedsdead,etc performed.i searched the salary of a SM and in the US the salary is so high that it could buy a nice car,does the salary vary from the country you live in?
Those that make that kind of salary have been at it for quite some time. I can only comment on the jobs and areas I've worked, which is in the US. It takes years of hard work and working from the bottom up to make that kind of salary.
I was told by one of the directors who i have had in the past that i should come and stage manage for the next school play that she is directing. I plan on doing it cause it sounds like a good experience and i have done tech in the past which was fun. do you have any good tips or things to remember for a first time stage manager?
alex yeiter Yes, DON'T PANIC! Seriously, lots of things may and probably will go on, and the best thinking is not to stress over what went wrong, but to acknowledge it went wrong and move on with fixing it.
That said, I'm currently filming a more in depth SM series of videos that will give some more in depth advice as well!
+NickAch i cant wait for the new series of videos im sure it will help alot! Thank you for the advice
I was excited watching this video at first and then you scared me!! How did you do the job for 5 years? And are you still a SM?
In the moment it really isn't as bad as I make it sound! (remember I'm also an actor so I can be overdramatic HA!) It all depends on your attitude and how you handle stress - I was able to go into it with an attitude of "It's just a show, it isn't life or death." So any problem I was able to put aside assigning blame, and instead focus on a solution.
I still Stage Manage here and there, but it's rare at this point. For me it was a stepping stone to be able to work with and observe different Directors, which is where I've been pointing my career.
@@NickAchBackstage hey! Thanks for replying and the tip 💙 I'm excited and scared and I'm bad at problem solving but I reckon in the right industry where I have passion I will thrive
Thank you so much you're the will the and
Ahoy there Nick. Thank ye very much for these videos. I'm Stage Manager for my first major performance and this has helped a lot! :) Could ye possibly share what goes into your 'bible'?
Cheers.
Captain FrightNite Thanks for watching! I'm glad these videos helped, and that you are doing theater! Congrats on the gig!
I definitely have a video of what goes in my bible planned, so stay tuned. I may just have to do it sooner rather than later now.
Hey, if u read this comment pls reply i really need help from a highly experienced guy like you, so in my country, sometimes bands and solo singers just dont want to stop even if u already warn them from 30 minutes ago, and im about to be a stage manager for the very first time of my life and i dont want to let anybody down, if the scenario like i said before happen, what should i do? I dont want the show to go off the rundown that we've made, pls reply
There are a couple different scenarios that could play out from them. I'm assuming, though, you mean that they are on stage performing and refusing to stop, though their set should be finished?
First, many performers don't do this selfishly. They legitimately love their fans, and their fans came out to hear them sing, so they want to give them that. Bruce Springsteen is known for playing hours after his supposed end time, and the fans love it.
- Talk with the venue management prior to the show, and come up with a plan before hand. If it's a possibility that they will go over, make sure everyone knows so no one is surprised. Many venues will employ other technicians hourly, and/or they may have a group coming in after you. If this is the case, they may have an issue if the artist goes over time. If not, then you should be fine. If you also warn them before hand, they may say "well, if it's 15-20 minutes over, no big deal." which, a lot of the times is the case. Basically, get the venue rules.
- Make sure the Artist knows you are looking out for them - and that they also know the venue rules. - You are trying to keep them from getting in trouble with the venue, and many times the Artists don't realize that, by giving their fans what they want they are costing the venue a lot more money.
- If and when the artist goes over time, and you've given them warnings, you may have to buckle down. Keep in contact with the venue management to see when it is really becoming an issue. And don't be afraid to be the bad guy. Do it nicely, but don't coddle. For example, the artist has gone about 20 minutes over and the venue is getting on you because they need the act to be over. If you need to sneak on stage after a song to say "we really have to finish, venue is going to shut off lights" or hold up the same thing on a sign off stage, don't be offended if the artist says "My SM says I have to stop!" and you get boo-ed by the audience. It doesn't feel good, BUT this lets the artist be the good guy, and they'll appreciate you doing your job and letting them look good in front of their fans. IF they don't appreciate this, or get angry at you for doing your job, then find different employment because, while it's ok to be the fall guy in situations like this, it is NOT ok to be unappreciated for it.
Basically, just stay in communication with everyone and make sure everyone knows all the information. It's when you start withholding WHY you have to stop the artist, or why the artist is going over that gets you in trouble.
Hopefully that helps.
I just read this randomly and it's soooo enlightening! True problem solver Nick!
I’m here from Zakia Tookes
I have just been announced to be Stage Manager next year for my High School play. I have been doing stage crew for 2 years now so next year will be my 3rd and i'm so excited!! Though it's a bit overwhelming since i'm gonna have to do a lot of notes and prep everything, but i'm lucky to be friends with the old stage manager so i can ask for her help :) And i have the director and the assistant director to work with and ask any questions and ask for any help i need! This is really exciting and these videos are so helpful!! Thank you!!!