Stage Management Survival Guide
Stage management is the backbone of any production. You're the central communication hub, the organiser, the cue-caller, the problem-solver, and often the voice of reason. It's demanding, rewarding, and absolutely essential.
The SM Role
You are responsible for:
- Scheduling and coordinating rehearsals
- Running the book (prompt copy)
- Calling the show
- Company communication
- Backstage management
- Linking creative and production teams
- Making everything run smoothly
You are not responsible for:
- Making creative decisions
- Designing anything
- Performing
- Being anyone's therapist (though it can feel like it)
Your Essential Tools
The Prompt Copy
Your bible. Contains:
- The script
- All blocking notation
- All cues marked precisely
- Scene change plots
- Character tracks
- Contact information
- Everything anyone might need to know
A Good Notebook
For meetings, rehearsals, and random information you need to capture.
Reliable Communication System
Group chats, email lists, whatever works—keep everyone informed.
A Calm Demeanour
This might be the most important tool of all.
Rehearsal Period
Your Tasks:
- Prepare rehearsal space
- Take detailed rehearsal notes
- Track props and set pieces
- Mark blocking
- Communicate needs to production team
- Support the director and cast
- Manage rehearsal schedule
Essential Documentation:
- Rehearsal reports (what happened, what's needed)
- Props lists (tracking what's confirmed)
- Costume notes
- Set change plots (who moves what, when)
- Running orders
Production Week
This is when everything comes together. It's intense.
Technical Rehearsal
- Working through cues methodically
- Stopping and starting as needed
- Getting everything programmed
- Long, demanding hours
Dress Rehearsals
- Running the show fully
- Noting problems for fixing
- Building towards performance standard
Your Focus:
- Calling cues accurately
- Communicating clearly with all departments
- Solving problems quickly
- Keeping everyone calm
Calling the Show
The call is the heartbeat of the performance:
"LX cue 45, go." "Sound cue 12, go." "Fly cue 7, go."
Clear, calm, precise.
Tips for Good Calling:
- Know the show intimately
- Mark cues clearly in the book
- Stay ahead mentally
- Speak clearly into the cans
- Never rush—let the tech happen
- Stay calm, especially when things go wrong
Common Challenges
Missed Cues
They happen. Stay calm. Call the next cue. Debrief afterwards.
Cast Running Late
Have contingency plans. Keep communication open.
Technical Failures
Work with tech teams to solve. Have backup plans where possible.
Personality Conflicts
You're often the mediator. Stay neutral. Focus on the work.
Exhaustion
Pace yourself. Eat properly. Take breaks. You're no use to anyone burnt out.
Backstage Management
During shows, you're responsible for:
- The running crew
- Props being preset correctly
- Scene changes executing properly
- Cast being where they need to be
- Everything running to time
Communication Skills
Be clear: Ambiguity causes problems Be calm: Panic spreads Be consistent: People need to know what to expect Be kind: Everyone is under pressure Be firm: When needed, you have authority
After the Show
- Collect all documentation
- Debrief with the team
- Note what worked and what didn't
- Thank everyone
- Rest before the next one
The Satisfaction
Good stage management is invisible—when you do it well, no one notices because everything just works. That's the goal, and there's deep satisfaction in achieving it.
You're the person who makes theatre happen. Take pride in that.