Preparing your stage management kit 4 preparing your prompt book 5 prerehearsal meeting with director or choreographer 6 running rehearsals 7. A critical aspect of the prompt book is choice supported by the text and your vision. The essential handbook which is now in its third edition. She has been in and around stage management for over forty years and is author of stage management. A prompt book documents everything about the production and could be used as a blueprint to remount the production if a company desires. Keep their eyes and ears open and know when to share their. View stage manager prompt book ppts online, safely and virusfree.
Oct 02, 2012 the move from rehearsal room to stage is a huge one, but both a number and still life with iris had a very smooth transition into tech. Theatre promptbook a promptbook is an essential tool used in building a theatre production. Stage management handbook v4 home school of theatre. They are the lines of communication between actors, director, designers, technical staff, and front of house exc. Jun 24, 2011 the primary prompt book should have any and all information about a production in it incase the director, producer, anyone needs information.
Outline the change you purpose and the reason for this proposal. Blocking is keeping track of the actors movements across the stage. 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. Rehearsal reports include items like the date, call time, arrival time of cast, material covered in rehearsal, prop notes, lighting notes, set notes, costume notes, and any other items to the production staff. 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. Stage management is a broad field that is generally defined as the practice of organization and coordination of an event or theatrical production. New and seasoned stage mangers are invited to take this opportunity to sit with an equity stage manager and analyze your prompt books. Stage manager prompt book create a section in your prompt book for each content area listed below. A well constructed prompt book is the key aspect to the successful running of a show. His eight points explain perfectly what makes a good stage manager the best. Prompt book synonyms, prompt book pronunciation, prompt book translation, english dictionary definition of prompt book. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book theatrefolk. Prompt book definition of prompt book by the free dictionary.
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. Gail pallin is a scottish stage management lecturer at fife college. Stage management by briana shipley byu theatre education. May 04, 20 the directors prompt book is a good way for students to formalize their ideas about a play, develop a plan of action and create a document of the entire process.
If you would like to propose a revision to this handbook, please email the production manager. The stage manager is responsible for creating a master copy of the script called the prompt book that contains everything pertaining to the show. Accept responsibility keep their cool keep their eyes and ears open and know when to share their opinions. A giant black binder, usually three to four inches in width, carried around by a stage manager. The prompt book is kept in such a manner that in the case of an emergency anyone could pick up the book and run the show. Now that we know what a stage manager is, what they carry in their toolkits and about the holy prompt book, its time to start rehearsal. The stage manager is the renaissance man of the theater. Script stage managers prompt book, undated nypl digital. Usually substitutes pillows, writing surfaces, impact devices, and signifigant others.
The general manager and active production chair will enter all approved changes. The purpose of this handbook is to explain the policies and procedures used by stage managers at the university of idaho to conduct theatrical productions. The primary prompt book should have any and all information about a production in it incase the director, producer, anyone needs information. For a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage management by lawrence stern. Stage managers also use this master script it contains to prompt actors if they forget lines during rehearsal. Most productions at langham court will require only one asm. Stage management may encompass a variety of activities including the overseeing of the rehearsal process and coordinating communications among various production teams and personnel. Assistant stage manager asm usually shortened to asm, the assistant stage manager is the most junior member of the stage management team, and is often in charge of sourcing and running properties during the run of a show. Posted in resources, secondary education tagged script analysis, student directors leave a comment. 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.
While the rehearsal process varies occasionally depending on the director, a good sm knows the basics to get them going. In addition to performing their typical stage management duties e. Script stage managers prompt book, undated new york public library digital collections. The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. Once a show goes up, i keep my prompt book at the theatre. Promptbook definition, a copy of the script of a play, containing cues and notes, used by the prompter, stage manager, etc. And make sure you keep a copy of your blocking key in your prompt book. Asms will need to coordinate the recording progress of this document with the sm. Production reports or performance reports cover most of the same items, but happen after. Jun 16, 2011 a couple of good items to add to your prompt book are rehearsal reports and production reports. Follow these steps and your stage manager will be ready to go in no time. However, lets focus on the sms other other best friend, the holy prompt book. A copy of the script all blocking written into the script any research materials reactions to each rehearsal, including what the director has.
Prompt books come in all shapes and sizes, designed for slightly different purposes or for use by people in different roles within the theatre. Whats in a stage managers prompt book aka sms bible youtube. 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. In modern theatrical productions, the prompt book is generally maintained and kept by the stage manager, with differences in the specific construction and. It contains the script with all the blocking and cues. The prompt book also contains contact information, lists of props, rehearsal notes, everything. A production can be recreated from the information in the prompt. 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.
Its great when a bunch of stage manager get together and share what they do. Billy rose theatre division, the new york public library. A promptbook contains copies of the script and records the thinking, interpreting, staging, costumes, props etc. Along with the materials outlined below, it would also include. The member of stage management often the dsm cueing the show is said. Unfortunatly, there is no accepted format for the distribution of scripts electronically, which basically means that there is no dedicated stage management tool. Not just to remind you, but in case something happens, someone else will be able to read and understand your blocking notations. There is no official way to create or maintain a prompt script. Created by the stage manager over the entire course of the production from prep to closing, it is the property of the production company. Learn some new tricks and get tips on ways to improve your work. Maintaining the script and all documentation of your production in a single location is not just a good idea. It must be prepared in advance of the first rehearsal, so the stage manager is ready to go right away. Each student is required to bring his or her prompt scriptproduction books from the entered production.
How to make a prompt book stage manager, theatre stage. There is a lot to be said for the old way of making a prompt book. It is a primary responsibility of the stage manager, and one specifically articulated by actors equity association. The prompt book should be sectioned off with the following tab dividers, with the listed information under these headings. Brooke enjoyed using color in ways she hadnt done before, tagging. Whats in a stage managers prompt book aka sms bible.
During performances, the stage manager runs the book, which means he uses the prompt book to cue lights, sound and set changes. The great big book of everything is what every prompt book aspires to be. Now, this may look a bit intimidating, but i will show you how i write down blocking. But essentially they all have one function in common. Its sometimes known as the book, prompt copy or prompt script. Oct 26, 2018 this article is about the prompt book. Communicate with your regional stage management coordinator about how festival stage managers are selected and invited. A prompt book holds any and all information gathered during a show, blocking notes, design notes, attendance, and props lists. David found he didnt need as much time for the usual pretech work, such as cleaning up his prompt book. Gail is also the cofounder of callq, calling simulation software, which promptside wrote about here. The prompt book the prompt book is a working document that organizes lists, schedules, notes, reports, script, etc. The sm should be one of the most informed and knowledgeable people in the production staff.
The assistant stage manager asm reports to the stage manager. Explain audition procedures to actors and help to distribute audition information and help with the sign in process. Stage manager responsibility check list, all responsibilities assigned to the psmasm 10 pts crew jobs. The stage manager keeps the book and uses it to call the show. A couple of good items to add to your prompt book are rehearsal reports and production reports. 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. Stage management prompt book prompt book format should include. The prompt book holds all the information about the performance. Gail pallin the view from prompt side a stage manager.
The stage manager for each show is in charge of the prompt book. Student directors need to document their process, including showing clearly the reasons for the directorial choices they have made. 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. However, i find that i naturaly view the stage even when working on it from the audiences perspective, so prompt and offopposite prompt are mentaly assigned to that side of the stage, not the left side of the stage. 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. The stage manager also takes notes each night on aspects of the performance to distribute to actors and production departments. The move from rehearsal room to stage is a huge one, but both a number and still life with iris had a very smooth transition into tech. See more ideas about teaching theatre, stage and theatre stage.
The back stage guide to stage management, 3rd edition. Oct 27, 2018 the prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. As for making a calling script, cues were laid on the page and typed or written in. As actors are struggling to get off book, you or your asm will have to be on book, available to prompt them. Traditional and new methods for running a show from first rehearsal to last performance kindle edition by thomas a. 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. Create a section in your prompt book for each content area listed. Posts about prompt book written by awesomestagemanager. Information and translations of prompt book in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web.
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